Business - STARLUX Airlines Links the U.S. Southwest to Asia

STARLUX Airlines Links the U.S. Southwest to Asia - (Photo: Business Wire)

With New Phoenix-Taipei Route--its Fifth U.S. Destination and First in the Southwest - Asian destinations through STARLUX-American Airlines Partnership

PHOENIX & TAIPEI, Taiwan USA - (BUSINESS WIRE)

Saturday January 17, 2026

Taiwan-based luxury carrier STARLUX Airlines touched down today in the Valley of the Sun, inaugurating its highly anticipated nonstop service between Taipei and Phoenix. The new route marks Phoenix as STARLUX's fifth U.S. destination-after Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Ontario, California-and its first in the American Southwest.

Flight JX026 arrived at 17:40 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to a water arch salute, followed by a launch celebration before the return flight, JX025, departed for Taipei at 22:45.

"Today, STARLUX delivers our promise to Phoenix," said Glenn Chai, Chief Executive Officer of STARLUX Airlines. "We are truly grateful and proud to realize this vision. Phoenix represents a vibrant and fast-growing market with tremendous business and tourism potential. Today's launch reflects our confidence in the region and our commitment to strengthening travel and trade links ties between the U.S. Southwest, Taiwan, and the broader Asia-Pacific region."

A Milestone for Phoenix

"This is a milestone event for the City of Phoenix," said Mayor Kate Gallego. "STARLUX was the first to commit to ending Phoenix being the only major American city without non-stop service to and from Asia. STARLUX's new service between Phoenix and Taipei opens the door to expanded tourism, stronger business relationships, and new opportunities for companies looking to invest in our fast-growing and vibrant region. It further strengthens Phoenix's position as a global city and builds upon our partnership with one of Asia's most dynamic and vital economies. We're grateful to STARLUX and its leadership for their investment, confidence, and commitment to our community. Their presence in Phoenix helps bring jobs, economic growth, and a brighter future for all who call our city home."

"We're excited to welcome STARLUX to Phoenix Sky Harbor," added Aviation Director Chad Makovsky. "This new Phoenix-Taipei route provides our travelers with the much-desired service to Asia. It not only offers travelers a chance to explore Taiwan, but to experience the entire Asia region. This new route also supports jobs, brings further economic benefits, and creates new opportunities for our airport and all of Arizona. STARLUX was the first airline to commit to nonstop service between Taiwan and Phoenix, and we sincerely appreciate their partnership, investment, and commitment to bringing this important service to our region."

STARLUX and American Airlines - Enhanced Transpacific Travel Through its partnership with American Airlines, STARLUX connects travelers from more than 40 U.S. cities via Phoenix to Taipei, and onward to 26 Asian destinations. This partnership enhances transpacific travel options, providing coordinated schedules and a seamless journey with the high level of comfort and service STARLUX is known for.

National Radio text has been published in five languages, Thai, French, Russian, Khmer (Cambodian language) and English, Any of our foreign language material and our Roman Wanderaugh columns are legally available ONLY on our National Radio.com & National Radio World.com sites

Also our sports, entertainment and feature programming has been broadcast on over 1000 radio stations in America.

NationalRadio.com & NationalRadioWorld.com is not about one country, we are about… THE WORLD

© Copyright: National Radio. Any use of these materials, whole or in part, is prohibited unless authorized in writing by National Radio. Contact: nationalradio@yahoo.com All rights reserved.