United Airlines officially launched its Kaohsiung-Tokyo route on the 12th, becoming the first American airline to establish a presence at Kaohsiung International Airport. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-Mai, alongside United Airlines' Managing Director of International Sales Marcel Fuchs and AIT Kaohsiung Director Chang Tzu-Lin, witnessed this significant moment.

Chen noted that United's entry has made travel from Kaohsiung to major U.S. cities more convenient and has provided one more option for passengers traveling to Japan. He warmly invites international travelers to experience the diverse cultural allure of Kaohsiung.

In the past, residents of Kaohsiung often had to travel to Taoyuan to fly to the U.S., typically necessitating a two-day journey with transfers in San Francisco or California. Now, with direct flights from Kaohsiung to Tokyo, travelers can connect to various major U.S. cities easily.

Tokyo has long been one of the most popular international travel destinations from Kaohsiung, making this new route highly competitive. United Airlines is optimistic about the potential of Kaohsiung and has positioned itself as the first American airline to join during the global aviation recovery, demonstrating strong confidence in southern Taiwan’s development. The new route not only benefits local travelers but also brings more international tourism and business exchanges to Kaohsiung, fostering good interactions with high-tech industries like TSMC, and enhancing the city’s international visibility.

As the international flight network from Kaohsiung continues to expand, the city government will work alongside airlines, the tourism industry, and central agencies to enhance both the soft and hard services at the airport, improving passenger reception capabilities, and establishing Kaohsiung as a key gateway for international connections in southern Taiwan to further promote economic development and elevate the city’s global image.