TAIPEI (TVBS News) — China Airlines (中華航空) will launch Taiwan's first direct flights to Phoenix starting December 3. General manager Kevin Chen (陳漢銘) announced Friday (Sept. 19) that the three-weekly service marks the national carrier's expansion into Arizona. The new route establishes Taiwan's first direct connection to the southwestern United States.
Chen thanked Arizona and Phoenix governments for supporting the route, highlighting Phoenix's strategic importance for North American operations. The airline will offer connections to over 50 U.S. cities including Denver, Dallas, and Chicago through Southwest Airlines codeshare partnerships. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport serves as Arizona's largest international gateway with rapidly growing passenger and cargo volumes.
The Phoenix service operates Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays with flight CI036 departing Taoyuan International Airport at 4:30 p.m. The aircraft arrives in Phoenix at 1:35 p.m. local time after the transpacific journey. China Airlines plans fleet expansion and increased frequencies to Tokyo, London, and enhanced New York services.
China Airlines celebrates the Phoenix launch with an immersive event at ATT 4 FUN in Taipei's Xinyi District Saturday (Sept. 20). The promotional event features a raffle with a luxury business class round-trip Phoenix ticket as the grand prize. Customers can experience the unique charm of the "Valley of the Sun" through this celebration. ◼
