Starlux Airlines

Establishment

The name Starlux derives from the Chinese name 星宇, chosen by founder Chang Kuo-wei. According to Chang, 星 (star) honours his father, Chang Yung-fa, founder of the Evergreen Group, who navigated by the stars during his maritime career, while 宇 (universe) represents the ambition to extend the airline's reach beyond the atmosphere. The English name combines star with lux, referring to luxury and reflecting the airline's intended premium positioning.^[6]

Following a succession dispute within the Evergreen Group, Chang Kuo-wei was removed as chairman of EVA Air in March 2016, shortly after his father's death.^[7] In November 2016, he announced plans to establish a competing airline under the name Starlux.^[8] The Ministry of Economic Affairs received the formal application for the airline's name in May 2017.^[9]

Starlux's establishment was initially constrained by Taiwan's airline licensing regulations, which required prospective operators to have at least five years of experience in international transportation or trade. Chang advocated changes to the eligibility requirements, prompting debate over amendments to the regulations.^[10]

In 2018, Taiwan amended the Regulations of Civil Air Transport Enterprise, replacing the previous industry-experience requirements with financial and aviation-management qualifications.^[11] Applicants for international airline operations were required to have at least NT$4 billion in paid-in capital, demonstrate NT$6 billion in financial resources, and operate a minimum of three aircraft.^[12]

Starlux received establishment approval from the Civil Aeronautics Administration on 27 April 2018 and completed its company registration on 2 May 2018.^[13]

Launch and COVID-19 pandemic

The airline took delivery of its first aircraft, an Airbus A321neo registered B-58201, in October 2019.^[14] On 10 December 2019, Starlux received its air operator's certificate (AOC), with reservations opening later that month.^[15][16] Commercial operations began on 23 January 2020, initially serving Macau, Da Nang and Penang from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.^[17]

The airline's launch coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted international air travel. Starlux suspended all scheduled operations in March 2020 and resumed limited services to Macau in June.^[18][19] The pandemic also delayed the introduction of planned services to Japan and the Philippines.^[20]

Expansion and partnerships

Following the recovery of international travel, Starlux expanded its network with the aim of connecting Southeast Asian destinations to North America through Taipei.^[21] The airline inaugurated nonstop service to Los Angeles on 26 April 2023, marking its entry into the North American market.^[22]

In April 2023, Starlux established a partnership with Alaska Airlines, offering connecting itineraries and reciprocal frequent-flyer benefits.^[23] The partnership subsequently expanded to codesharing in 2024, alongside the introduction of Starlux services to Seattle.^[24]

In December 2023, Starlux established a base in Taichung as part of its expansion beyond Taipei Taoyuan Airport.^[25]

In June 2024, Chang confirmed that Starlux was pursuing membership in the Oneworld airline alliance.^[26] The airline announced plans to apply by the end of 2025, although its prospective membership faced opposition from existing member Cathay Pacific.^[27][28] At the company's May 2026 shareholders' meeting, Chang said that some leading Oneworld members had advised Starlux to develop partnerships within the alliance before pursuing membership further. The airline had consequently expanded its cooperation with Alaska Airlines and American Airlines.^[29]

In June 2025, Starlux announced a codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways, extending its connecting services to the Middle East and Europe.^[30]

Retail and hospitality

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Starlux collaborated with 7-Eleven Taiwan to market airline-branded meals, beverages and other food products through convenience stores. In April 2021, the airline joined 7-Eleven and Taiwanese restaurant chain Hutong Yakiniku (胡同燒肉) to introduce a packaged barbecue pork rice meal based on its in-flight catering, alongside beverages and desserts previously offered on board.^[31] The collaboration continued in December 2022 with Japanese-themed meals and desserts linked to the airline's Japan services.^[32]

In June 2021, Starlux and 7-Eleven introduced an aviation-themed convenience store at the retailer's Dunbei (敦北) branch on Dunhua North Road in Taipei. The store incorporated airport-style signage identifying the entrance as Gate 11, aircraft cabin windows modeled on the airline's first Airbus A321neo (B-58201), aviation displays and a dedicated area for Starlux merchandise. Its interior also featured airport clocks, aircraft models and elements of the airline's cabin design, while continuing to operate as a regular convenience store.^[33] The store retained its Starlux-themed interior and merchandise displays as of February 2026.^[34]

In 2024, Starlux collaborated with Hutong Yakiniku and VG TAIPEI to establish STAR HUTONG (星胡同), an aviation-themed restaurant at the Taipei Dome. Its interior incorporated aircraft cabin elements, while the menu included dishes inspired by destinations served by the airline.^[35]

Special liveries

In January 2026, Starlux introduced a distinctive livery for its Airbus A350-1000 fleet, incorporating a woven carbon-fibre motif on the tail and a prominent "1000" marking on the rear fuselage. The design references the composite materials used in the aircraft's construction and distinguishes the A350-1000 from the airline's other aircraft types.^[36]

Also in January 2026, Starlux unveiled AIRSORAYAMA, an artistic collaboration with Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama involving two A350-1000 aircraft. The aircraft, registered B-58553 (AIRSORAYAMA Silver) and B-58554 (AIRSORAYAMA Gold), feature metallic liveries inspired by Sorayama's artwork in place of the standard A350-1000 design. The silver aircraft entered service in July 2026, followed by the gold aircraft in August.^[37][38] Both aircraft were displayed together at Narita International Airport in the presence of Sorayama, with Chang personally piloting the gold aircraft to the event.^[39]

Destination marketing

In April 2024, Starlux partnered with the CTBC Brothers baseball team for its FLY BEYOND TAICHUNG promotional event at Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium, celebrating the launch of routes from Taichung to Macau, Da Nang and Takamatsu. The two-day event included ceremonial first pitches by Starlux cabin crew and Snoopy, appearances by CTBC cheerleaders in airline uniforms, and travel-themed activities and merchandise.^[40][41]

In July 2024, Starlux partnered with Hong Kong Tramways to promote the launch of its Taipei–Hong Kong route. The campaign featured a double-decker tram decorated with Peanuts characters, including Snoopy dressed in aviation uniforms, which operated on Hong Kong Island from July to September 2024. The partnership also included a one-day sightseeing event with Starlux cabin crew providing refreshments aboard a tram.^[42][43]

In August 2026, Starlux inaugurated its first European route to Prague. In preparation for the launch, the airline had appointed Taiwanese singer Jolin Tsai as its route ambassador in February. Tsai recorded a new version of her 2003 song Prague Square (布拉格廣場) and filmed an accompanying music video in Prague, where the original video had not been filmed.^[44][45]

Sports and entertainment

In March 2023, the airline announced a multi-year sponsorship agreement with the National Basketball Association's Los Angeles Clippers ahead of its launch of Los Angeles services. The agreement included co-branded in-flight amenities on the Taipei–Los Angeles route.^[46]

In May 2023, Starlux collaborated with Taiwanese rock band Mayday, providing access to its aircraft hangar for filming. The footage was subsequently incorporated into the opening sequence of the band's 5525 Back to That Day Tour, which began in December 2023.^[47][48] The collaboration continued with Mayday's FLY TO 2025 online New Year's concert, filmed with Starlux aircraft as a backdrop. In March 2025, Starlux served as the designated airline for the band's concert at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, transporting the production team and offering concert travel packages in partnership with ezTravel.^[49][50]

In June 2024, Starlux began a recurring collaboration with Peanuts, featuring Snoopy and other characters on boarding passes, baggage tags, in-flight amenities and merchandise. The campaign returned with different themes in 2025 and 2026, and expanded to additional routes and retail merchandise.^[51] In July 2024, Starlux collaborated with Hong Kong Tramways to promote its new Taipei–Hong Kong route, including a Peanuts-themed tram featuring the airline's branding.^[52]

In November 2024, Starlux participated in the Dream High (夢想高飛) exhibition at the Taipei 101 observatory, which displayed the commemorative baseball from Shohei Ohtani's 50th home run of the 2024 season, completing his 50-home-run, 50-stolen-base achievement. As part of the exhibition, the airline provided aviation-themed designs for the observatory's high-speed elevators and commemorative boarding-pass-style tickets.^[53]

In August 2025, Starlux announced a partnership with KidZania Taiwan to develop an aviation-themed role-playing attraction at Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport in Nangang, Taipei. A Starlux-branded aircraft installation was placed at the shopping centre ahead of the attraction's planned opening, with simulated airport procedures and aviation occupations forming part of the proposed experience.^[54]

Codeshare agreements

Starlux Airlines has codeshare agreements with the following airlines:

• Alaska Airlines^[98]
• American Airlines^[99][100]
• Etihad Airways^[101]

Interline agreements

Starlux Airlines has interline agreements with the following airlines:

• Air India^[102]
• Finnair^[103]
• Hahn Air^[104]
• My Freighter Airlines^[105]
• Smartwings^[106]
• Taiwan High Speed Rail (railway)^[107]

Current fleet

As of October 2026^[update], Starlux Airlines operates an all-Airbus fleet consisting of the following aircraft:^[108][109]

Gallery

• 
  Airbus A321neo
• 
  Airbus A330-900
• 
  Airbus A350-900
• 
  Airbus A350-1000

Fleet development

In 2018, Starlux selected ten Airbus A321neo aircraft for its initial regional fleet and signed a preliminary agreement for 17 Airbus A350 aircraft, comprising five A350-900s and twelve A350-1000s. The A350 order was finalised in March 2019, with four A350-1000 orders subsequently converted to the -900 variant.^[119][120]

In September 2020, Starlux expanded its fleet plans to include eight Airbus A330-900 aircraft, alongside additional A321neos and a leased A350-900.^[113] The airline received its first A330-900 in February 2022, followed by its first A350-900 in October of that year.^[121][122]

Starlux further expanded its widebody fleet commitments in February 2024, ordering three additional A330-900s and five Airbus A350F freighters at the Singapore Airshow, marking its entry into dedicated freighter operations.^[116] In May 2024, the airline revised its leasing agreement with Air Lease Corporation, reducing its planned A330-900 leases from eight to five while adding six A321neos.^[110]

In January 2025, Starlux doubled its A350F order to ten aircraft.^[118] A further order for ten A350-1000s in June 2025 brought its total commitment for the variant to eighteen aircraft.^[123] The airline received its first A350-1000 in January 2026, becoming the first Taiwanese operator of the variant.^[124]

In-flight entertainment

Starlux provides seatback in-flight entertainment (IFE) across all four aircraft types, using the Safran RAVE system. Features include Video on demand (VOD), moving maps, and USB connectivity. Screen sizes vary by aircraft and cabin class.^[126][127]

The airline commissioned guitarist Peter White to compose music for its entertainment system, released on 29 November 2019 as Music for Starlux Airlines.^[128]

Starlux also provides satellite Wi-Fi, using systems supplied by SITAONAIR and Viasat across different aircraft deliveries. First, business and premium economy passengers receive complimentary internet access, while economy passengers receive complimentary text messaging. The airline suspended sales of additional data packages from 30 November 2024 during a connectivity upgrade.^[129]

First class

First class is available exclusively on the Airbus A350-900 and Airbus A350-1000, with four suites in a 1-2-1 configuration. Each suite features a sliding privacy door, a fully flat bed, personal storage and a 32-inch IFE screen.^[127][130]

The first class cabin is directly adjacent to business class without a separating bulkhead.^[131] At Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, first class passengers have access to the Huan Yu VIP Terminal.^[132]

Business class

Business class is available across the fleet, with different seating products depending on aircraft type.

The A350-900 has 26 Collins Aerospace Elements suites, while the A350-1000 has 40. Both use a 1-2-1 configuration with fully flat beds, sliding privacy doors and 24-inch IFE screens.^[130][131]

The A330-900 features 28 Safran Skylounge Core seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, each with a fully flat bed and 17.3-inch 4K touchscreen.^[133]

The A321neo has eight Collins Diamond seats in a 2-2 configuration, featuring fully flat beds and 15.6-inch IFE screens.^[134]

Premium economy class

Premium economy is available on the A350-900 and A350-1000, each with 36 Recaro PL3530 seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration. Seats have a 40-inch (100 cm) pitch, calf rests, footrests and 15.6-inch IFE screens.^[135][127]

Economy class

The A350-900 and A350-1000 feature Recaro CL3710 economy seats arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration, with 240 and 270 seats respectively. The A330-900 has 269 seats of the same model in a 2-4-2 configuration. These aircraft feature 13.3-inch seatback IFE screens.^[136]

The A321neo has 180 Collins Aerospace Meridian seats in a 3-3 configuration, each with a 10.1-inch IFE screen.^[126][134]