China Airlines Throws Opening Pitch at Arizona Diamondbacks Taiwan Day

The U.S. Major League Baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks, held their 2025 Taiwan Day at Chase Field in Phoenix on September 20. President Kevin Chen from China Airlines, a Taiwan-based carrier, joined famous Taiwanese baseball player Chang Tai-Shan in throwing the opening pitch for the game between the Diamondbacks and the Philadelphia Phillies. The Mayor of Phoenix, Kate Gallego, also attended the event.

President Chen said he was honored to be invited by the Arizona Diamondbacks to throw the opening pitch on Taiwan Day, and would like to take the opportunity to announce that the carrier will soon inaugurate services from Taipei to Phoenix, the gateway to the American Southwest. Beginning December 3, China Airlines will operate three weekly non-stop round-trip flights in both directions Taipei to Phoenix and Phoenix to Taipei, connecting the two cities with its exceptional service.

He added that the Phoenix route will satisfy demand for business and tourism travel between Taiwan and the U.S. Southwest. Taoyuan International Airport is also strategically positioned as a hub for connecting flights on China Airlines’ extensive network in Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia. The one-stop service for travelers and freight agents traveling between the U.S. and the Asian market all make Phoenix an ideal gateway to Asia.

To celebrate the upcoming service, China Airlines took part in the Taiwan Day event held by the Diamondbacks on September 20. China Airlines has strong ties with the Diamondbacks as a supporter of Lin Yu-Min, a top Taiwanese baseball player now playing for one of Diamondbacks' affiliated teams. The MLB Taiwan Day is a themed game aimed at bringing together the overseas compatriot community, business people and local residents to celebrate Taiwanese culture.

The China Airlines Taipei-Phoenix service will depart every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The outbound flight CI036 from Taipei to Arizona will depart from Taoyuan International Airport at 16:30 and fly non-stop to Phoenix before landing at 13:35 local time. For the return leg, flight CI035 from Phoenix to Taipei will depart at 16:00 and arrive back at Taoyuan International Airport at 22:20 local time on the following day. Both legs will be non-stop flights. (2025/09/21)