Dhaka, Dec. 4 -- Taiwan's China Airlines (CAL) has launched non-stop flights between Taipei and Phoenix, marking the airline's seventh North American hub and its first in the American Southwest.

The 12-hour flight, about six hours shorter than itineraries with connections, will operate three times weekly on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using the Airbus A350-900.

China Airlines Chairman Kao Shing-Hwang said Phoenix will serve as a gateway for business and leisure travelers in the region.

The inaugural flight on December 3 was fully booked.

Passengers can connect onward through interline agreements with Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, WestJet, and Sun Country Airlines to U.S. cities including Denver, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas,...