Taiwan’s STARLUX Airlines is doubling down on its US offerings and will increase its flight frequencies to two cities on the West Coast. The airline positions itself as a premium carrier and offers services to various destinations in Asia, Southeast Asia as well as the US. It recently launched a codeshare deal with Alaska Airlines to offer its customers more options to connect to other US destinations via Seattle.
More flights to LAX and Seattle
Those looking to fly to the US West Coast from Taipei, Taiwan, will have more flights to choose from, as STARLUX has announced additional flights from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Los Angeles International Airport
(LAX) and Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
The airline uses its new-generation Airbus A350-900 aircraft to operate flights to the US. These can accommodate 306 passengers in four cabins: first class (four passengers), business class (26 passengers), premium economy (36 passengers), and economy (240 passengers).
Photo: GingChen | Shutterstock
As an airline that markets itself as a high-end premium carrier, STARLUX offers private cabins in its first and business class cabins with a sliding door for extra privacy. Its seats in premium economy come with a 40-inch pitch for ample legroom as well. Glenn Chai, CEO of STARLUX Airlines, issued a statement about the expansion to the US. In an official release via Business Wire, he was quoted as saying,
“We’re excited to elevate the trans-Pacific travel experience with our expanded flight offerings from Los Angeles and Seattle to Taipei. This enhancement not only connects more passengers to our world class-service and amenities, but also strengthens ties between the United States, Taipei, and many more incredible cities across Asia. As an APEX Five Star Major Airline, STARLUX is committed to delivering unparalleled comfort and convenience at every stage of our passengers’ journeys.”
Flight schedule
Currently, STARLUX operates a daily service between Taipei and Los Angeles. But this will change from December 22, when the carrier will operate 10 weekly flights between the two destinations, according to the following schedule:
|
Flight |
Route |
Schedule |
Departure |
Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
JX0005 |
LAX-TPE |
Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday |
22:20 |
05:00+2 |
|
JX0001 |
LAX-TPE |
Daily |
22:50 |
05:30+2 |
|
JX0006 |
TPE-LAX |
Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday |
19:40 |
15:00 |
|
JX0002 |
TPE-LAX |
Daily |
23:40 |
19:00 |
Photo: Omid Behzadpour | Shutterstock
Those waiting for additional frequencies between Taipei and Seattle will have to wait a few months, as the airline will start with new flights from March 1, 2025, making this a daily service. The schedule will be as follows:
|
Flight |
Route |
Schedule |
Departure |
Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
JX0031 |
SEA-TPE |
Daily |
00:05 |
05:15+1 |
|
JX0032 |
TPE-SEA |
Daily |
20:30 |
15:05 |
STARLUX’s increasing US network
STARLUX has been gradually expanding its presence in the United States. According to the aviation analytics company Cirium, the airline will operate 160 return flights from Taipei collectively to Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco in December. This also includes additional frequencies to LAX that start from December 22.
Earlier this year, the carrier increased its flight frequency from Taipei to San Francisco from thrice weekly to daily in response to the increasing passenger demand. Then, in August, it launched a new service to Seattle, entering an already crowded market and joining three other carriers operating the same route: Delta Air Lines, EVA Air, and China Airlines.
Photo: danielou_shots | Shutterstock
A couple of months later, STARLUX
officially launched its codeshare partnership with Seattle-based Alaska Airlines
. The strategic move allowed STARLUX’s United States-bound customers to travel to an additional eight domestic destinations with a single ticket.
The eight cities in the US included in the deal are Salt Lake City, San Diego, Phoenix, Portland, Las Vegas, Dallas, Denver, and Austin. CEO Chai commented back then,
“This codeshare makes it easier for passengers to book connecting flights and travel seamlessly between these destinations using both airlines. STARLUX will continue to forge strategic partnerships with airlines to further expand our passenger networks, fostering mutual growth and success for all involved.”
STARLUX operates an all-Airbus fleet comprising A321neos, A330neos and A350s. The carrier recently also placed an order for the freighter version of the A350 as detailed in the article below.
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