Taiwan’s StarLux Airways launches new long-range aircraft targeting U.S. East Coast
Taiwan’s premium airline StarLux is tapping into new U.S. destinations with its newest long-haul aircraft.
The airline took delivery of the first of 18 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft on Tuesday and has committed to new flights to the U.S. East Coast and Europe.
“The delivery of our first A350-1000 marks the beginning of a new era of STARLUX’s long-haul capabilities,” Starlux CEO Glenn Chai said in a statement. “Compared to the A350-900, this aircraft has a longer range and can reach the U.S. East Coast.”
According to Airbus, the airline already operates nine A350-900 aircraft, flying up to 9,785 miles. This plane has helped Starlux reach the western United States
The A350-1000 can fly an additional 590 miles, for a total of approximately 10,375 miles.
Compared to the A350-900, Starlux’s A350-1000 can also accommodate 44 passengers, for a total of 350 passengers in a four-class configuration, including first class, business class, premium economy and economy class.
Launched in 2020, Starlux has grown rapidly in Taiwan’s highly competitive aviation market. The airline serves four U.S. destinations from its hub at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Ontario International Airport (ONT) in Southern California, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
The company will add a fifth U.S. destination on January 15: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
“We are committed to long-term growth in the U.S. market and continue to evaluate potential new destinations based on market demand, operational feasibility and strategic value,” StarLux chief passenger commercial officer Walter Liang said in an interview last summer.
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“While we aim for steady expansion, we take a thoughtful and cautious approach to growth,” Liang added. “Our focus remains on building a strong, sustainable network that meets the needs of our passengers while maintaining our service standards.”
Timetables from aviation analytics firm Cirium show Starlux competes with one or both of fellow Taiwanese carriers China Airlines and EVA Air on all of its U.S. routes. It also faces Delta on the TPE-SEA route and United Airlines on the TPE-SFO route.
Starlux is not a member of the global alliance, but it does have a loyalty partnership with Alaska Airlines’ Atmos rewards program. It also has an interline agreement with American Airlines that facilitates flight connections but lacks loyalty.
When asked if Starlux planned more partnerships in the U.S., Liang emphasized the benefits of the Alaska partnership but did not comment on potential new partnerships.
As for Starlux’s A350-1000 plans, the airline said on Tuesday that the aircraft’s first European flights would begin in the second half of 2026.
Chai added that Starlux’s first European flights will begin in the second half of 2026, with more U.S. markets to follow as the airline takes delivery of more A350 aircraft.
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