A delegation from China Airlines, headed by President Kevin Chen, visited Arizona on September 18 and met with Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. The visit brought welcome news for the city, with the announcement of thrice-weekly non-stop round-trip flights between Taipei and Phoenix, beginning December 3. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in advancing business and tourism exchanges between the United States and Taiwan.

China Airlines President Kevin Chen expressed his appreciation to the governments of Arizona and the City of Phoenix for their support in making the new service possible. With the launch, China Airlines will become the first Taiwan-based carrier to operate non-stop flights to Phoenix. Since 2022, the airline has already conducted a series of successful charter operations, gaining valuable experience in both passenger and cargo services to the region. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona’s largest international gateway, has recorded strong growth in passenger volumes and cargo throughput in recent years. As part of China Airlines’ North America network strategy, Phoenix is positioned to become one of the key stations in the airline’s U.S. operations, serving as a gateway for connectivity to inland destinations. Through its interline partnership with Southwest Airlines, travelers can conveniently connect to more than 50 U.S. cities, including Denver, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Kansas City, and Chicago.

China Airlines currently serves North America with flights to New York, Los Angeles, Ontario (CA), San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver. With the addition of the new Phoenix service, this will bring the total number of weekly round-trip flights to 40. The airline continues to enhance its fleet capacity. Leveraging market opportunities in the passenger and cargo aircraft sector, China Airlines strengthens its ability to support both regional and long-haul operations. The 2025 winter schedule will take effect on October 26. Service on the Taipei–Tokyo (Narita) route will increase to four daily round trips, while the Taipei–London service will be expanded to five weekly flights starting November 18. Plans are also in place to gradually increase frequency on the New York route, and China Airlines is scheduled to move into the all-new Terminal One at New York JFK Airport next year.

The China Airlines Taipei-Phoenix service will depart every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The outbound flight CI 036 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 CI 035 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.

To celebrate the launch of new Phoenix service, China Airlines will be hosting an immersive, desert-themed live event at the ATT 4 FUN in Taipei’s Xinyi District tomorrow with singers and balloon performers. There will also be a lottery draw for those who complete tasks from the five exhibition zones at the event, with a grand prize of Premium Business Class return tickets from Taipei to Phoenix. Members of the public are invited to join the event for an early introduction to the unique charm of the Valley of the Sun! (2025/09/19)