China Airlines completes first direct transpacific flight to Phoenix from Taipei 

Published: 12/08/2025

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport welcomed its first flight from Asia on Wednesday, ushering in a new direct route between Greater Phoenix and Taipei

As the wheels of the 220-foot Airbus A350-900 China Airlines aircraft touched down on the runway of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Dec. 3, history had been made. 

The first direct flight to Phoenix from Asia was complete. 

Taiwan-based carrier China Airlines announced on July 25 a new roundtrip service between Phoenix and Taipei, connecting two of the most technologically advanced markets in the world. Travelers and business leaders from Asia now have increased access to the natural beauty, renowned activities and prominent business landscape of Greater Phoenix, which is home to dozens of Asian-owned companies including TSMC Arizona, JX Advanced Materials, JA Solar and LG Energy Solution. 

Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) VP Sean Fogarty was on the inaugural flight, returning home from Taiwan with a contingent of City of Phoenix and Sky Harbor officials. 

“New intercontinental flights like these are proof of the growing business and leisure travel demand to and from Greater Phoenix and allow the region to integrate further within the global market,” Fogarty said. ”We’re glad China Airlines’ participation in the region’s international soft-landing program helped the service get off the ground.” 

China Airlines was part of the Arizona International Soft Landing Experience (AISLE)  offered by GPEC and Arizona State University (ASU), which helps international firms accelerate their U.S. growth plans. In this expert-guided environment run out of SkySong, the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center, companies have access to complimentary Class A office space, connections to business resources, access to market and operational cost data to help make informed decisions and opportunities to partner with ASU to advance their business goals and engage student talent. 

As part of AISLE, China Airlines established itself in Greater Phoenix through support from the community within the low-risk climate and collaborated with ASU to expand its space prior to finding a permanent location in Phoenix. 

“AISLE is a unique program that plays a vital role in the Phoenix business landscape, making the Valley a welcoming place for international companies like China Airlines to establish a US presence,” said Neil Calfee, the Executive Director of Economic Development and Innovation Zones at ASU. “Together, ASU and GPEC are creating innovative avenues that foster continued economic growth and leverage industry partnerships to make our region competitive on an international scale.” 

China Airlines joins a group of services that offer direct flights to Phoenix from international destinations including Calgary, London, Mexico City, Montreal, Ottawa, Paris, Toronto and Vancouver. 

Greater Phoenix has emerged as a fixture in the national and global economies behind its advanced technology and innovation economy, driven by the growing manufacturing capabilities and comprehensive semiconductor supply chain. Now connected to Asia, the market is prepared to tap into new opportunities. 

About the Greater Phoenix Economic Council

The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), globally recognized as a top economic development organization (EDO), works to attract and grow quality businesses and advocate for the competitiveness of Greater Phoenix. A data-driven regional EDO, GPEC works with 22 member communities, Maricopa and Pinal counties and more than 200 private investors to accomplish its mission and serve as a strategic partner to companies across the world as they expand or relocate to Greater Phoenix. Over the past 36 years, GPEC has fueled the regional economy by helping over 1,075 companies, creating more than 195,000 jobs and more than $76.5 billion in capital investment. Greater Phoenix is in a relentless pursuit of innovative and entrepreneurial-focused companies looking to thrive and scale in a vibrant, dynamic region. There is an undeniable spirit about Greater Phoenix; one rooted in strength, collaboration and resilience. Greater Phoenix is Greater Together. For more information about GPEC and how we can assist your businesses, visit www.gpec.org.