Starlux Airlines has built one of the most compelling premium products in the sky, and now it’s bringing its flagship widebody to North America in a bigger way.
The Taiwanese carrier just announced that its Phoenix route will be the first long-haul service operated by the Airbus A350-1000. Tickets are on sale, and you can book these flights with points.
Here are the details you need for this exciting flight upgrade.
Starlux Debuting A350-1000 Flights on Phoenix Route
Starting July 2, 2026, Starlux will swap the A350-900 for the A350-1000 on all 4 flights a week between Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) and Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). The news was announced on the airline’s Instagram, and flights operate on the following schedule:
|
Route |
Departure Time |
Arrival Time |
|
Phoenix to Taipei |
11:55 p.m. |
4:55 a.m. (+2 days) |
|
Taipei to Phoenix |
8:10 p.m. |
6:10 p.m. (same day) |
Flights in both directions operate on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The aircraft upgrade isn’t just cosmetic. The A350-1000 seats 350 passengers, while the -900 model seats 306 — an additional 44 seats per flight. The -1000 model has 4 first class seats, 40 business class seats (with 44 or 46 inches of seat pitch), 36 premium economy seats (40 inches of pitch), and 270 economy seats (31-32 inches of pitch).
First class features full-flat beds with Zero Gravity mode, and business class offers lie-flat seats with direct aisle access. Starlux currently operates 2 A350-1000s with 16 more on order.
Phoenix is also notable beyond the aircraft type. The route is among Arizona’s first nonstop connections to Asia, and it launched only in January 2026. Upgrading to a larger plane just 6 months later is a strong signal that demand — driven in part by the TSMC semiconductor investment in the Phoenix metro — is outpacing expectations. China Airlines also serves the route, so Starlux is competing directly for both leisure and business travelers.
How To Book
Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards is currently the most accessible points currency for this route, and award availability exists — but don’t get your hopes up too high.
Economy redemptions are bookable at 42,500 points one-way when availability opens up, but that pricing is hard to find if you’re booking closer to departure. Business class can price at 85,000 points one-way, though seats at that price are hard to find if you don’t book far in advance.
July, the first month of the new A350-1000 schedule, is a different story entirely. Award pricing jumps to 250,000 points in business class for nearly every day, which is jaw-dropping.
On the cash side, expect to pay around $500 one-way in economy once the initial launch premium fades, or pay roughly $3,300 in business class. Prices are significantly higher in the opening weeks while demand is elevated and inventory is tight.
If you want to book this route with points, booking far in advance may offer more seats and better prices.
Final Thoughts
Starlux continues to punch well above its weight for a carrier that launched only in 2020, and debuting the A350-1000 on long-haul trips on the Phoenix route underscores how seriously it’s taking the North America market.
Whether you’re chasing the premium cabin product or just want a nonstop from Arizona to Asia, this route deserves a spot on your radar. But taking this flight right after the aircraft upgrade will be expensive. If you can wait, the price improves (in cash and points).