A new Taiwanese luxury airline is launching flights from Taipei to the US. See inside the swanky Airbus A350 flying the 12-hour route.

Taylor RainsMar 22, 2023, 15:49 IST

Starlux is launching its first-ever flights from Taipei to the US on April 26.Starlux Airlines

Tawainese luxury carrier Starlux Airlines is launching nonstop flights from Taipei to Los Angeles in April.
The carrier will use Airbus A350 aircraft equipped with first, business, and economy class cabins.

A new airline is heading to the US this spring.

Starlux Airlines

On April 26, Taiwanese luxury carrier Starlux Airlines will launch its first-ever flight from Taipei to Los Angeles.

Starlux Airlines A350 business class.Starlux Airlines

The route, which will compete with established Taiwanese carriers EVA Air and China Airlines, will fly five times a week until June when it will ramp up to daily service.

A China Airlines Boeing 777 taking off from Los Angeles.AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

The route, which will compete with established Taiwanese carriers EVA Air and China Airlines, will fly five times a week until June when it will ramp up to daily service.

A fleet of Airbus A350-900 aircraft will power the transpacific trek, journeying 12 hours across some 6,800 miles.

Starlux Airlines

Starlux also flies the Airbus A330neo and the Airbus A321neo aircraft — the narrowbody plane being equipped with lie-flat business class seats.

Starlux Airlines

The company's first A350 was delivered in October and is part of an 18-strong order that was first placed in 2018 — back when there was little known about the startup.

Starlux's first A350.Airbus

The company's first A350 was delivered in October and is part of an 18-strong order that was first placed in 2018 — back when there was little known about the startup.

Starlux was founded by aviation tycoon Chang Kuo-wei, the former chairman of EVA Air — a highly-acclaimed Taiwanese airline decorated with awards for safety and service.

Huy Thoai/Shutterstock

Starlux was founded by aviation tycoon Chang Kuo-wei, the former chairman of EVA Air — a highly-acclaimed Taiwanese airline decorated with awards for safety and service.

His father, Changi Yung-fa, founded EVA. But, a power struggle erupted after Yung-fa's death and pushed Kuo-wei out, opening the door for Kuo-wei to use his experience to build a competing carrier.

Starlux Airlines

His father, Changi Yung-fa, founded EVA. But, a power struggle erupted after Yung-fa's death and pushed Kuo-wei out, opening the door for Kuo-wei to use his experience to build a competing carrier.

Launching its inaugural flight in January 2020, Starlux bills itself as a "luxury" airline promising a full-service experience.

Starlux is launching its first-ever flights from Taipei to the US on April 26.Starlux Airlines

It's actually one of the few startups to not enter as a low-cost carrier, like Avelo Airlines in the US and Norse Atlantic Airways in Europe.

Norse Atlantic Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner.Norse Atlantic Airways

The airline's new flight to the US will be its first route outside of Asia. Starlux hoped to start long-haul flights sooner but its 2020 launch was unlucky timing as COVID halted travel about three months later.

Starlux flies to nations throughout north and southeast Asia, like Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.Starlux Airlines

The airline's new flight to the US will be its first route outside of Asia. Starlux hoped to start long-haul flights sooner but its 2020 launch was unlucky timing as COVID halted travel about three months later.

Nevertheless, the company will soon achieve its US milestone. Starlux already has partnerships in place, including with the LA Clippers, and it hopes to eventually join an airline alliance, COO KW Nieh told Executive Traveller in 2021.

EVA Air held a ceremony in 2013 to announce it joining the Star Alliance, which also has members like Lufthansa and United Airlines.Mandy Cheng/AFP via Getty Images

Nevertheless, the company will soon achieve its US milestone. Starlux already has partnerships in place, including with the LA Clippers, and it hopes to eventually join an airline alliance, COO KW Nieh told Executive Traveller in 2021.

Starlux's A350s will be configured with 306 seats across four cabins, including 240 in economy, 36 in premium economy, 26 business, and four in first.

Starlux Airlines

First and business come with the expected bells and whistles of premium cabins, including a privacy door and a lie-flat bed…

The sliding door in business class.Starlux Airlines

…a side table and a cubby for storage...

Business class (pictured) comes with a lamp as well.Starlux Airlines

...a large seatback screen...

The business class seatback TV.Starlux Airlines

...power ports (including wireless charging), a mirror, and a remote...

Business class charging options.Starlux Airlines

...a large tray table...

The business class tray table, lamp, and TV.Starlux Airlines

…and “Zero G” seats that help reduce fatigue on long-haul treks.

The first class seat partially reclined. Like business, the product has a side table and cubby, but no lamp.Starlux Airlines

Moreover, decorative wall panels will put "passengers at ease as they board the aircraft," according to Starlux.

Starlux Airlines

First class does come with a few added perks though, including a wardrobe and a 60-inch-high sliding door, which is about 12 inches higher than business.

The first class seat with the sliding door partially closed. The wardrobe, which is closed, is on the outside of the seat.Starlux Airlines

Moreover, it has a 32-inch flatscreen TV — business class offers a 24-inch screen.

The first class TV and tray table. The product is pretty similar to business.Starlux Airlines

But, these are the main differences. First does not boast a separate bed like what is seen on carriers like Singapore Airlines or Qantas' upcoming A350-1000.

First-class seating on a Singapore Airlines Airbus A380, which can be combined with the neighboring suite to create a huge room with a double bed and two loungers.ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images.

The first class placement at the front of the cabin is actually similar to what airlines like JetBlue Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways are doing with their "business class plus," which offers more space using the bulkhead.

Virgin Atlantic's Retreat SuiteVirgin Atlantic Airways

The first class placement at the front of the cabin is actually similar to what airlines like JetBlue Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways are doing with their "business class plus," which offers more space using the bulkhead.

While business and first are nice, a majority of Starlux passengers will sit in the economy sections. According to the carrier, regular coach has a 3x3x3 layout with adjustable headrests, a 13-inch seatback screen, and power ports…

Starlux Airlines

While business and first are nice, a majority of Starlux passengers will sit in the economy sections. According to the carrier, regular coach has a 3x3x3 layout with adjustable headrests, a 13-inch seatback screen, and power ports…

…while premium economy is in a 2x4x2 layout with added amenities, like a footrest, a legrest, and 40 inches of pitch. The screen is also larger at 15.6 inches.

Starlux Airlines

It's important to note that Starlux's widebody plane is one of the first New Production Standard A350s produced, meaning it is four inches wider than its predecessors and has improved performance.

Starlux Airlines

It's important to note that Starlux's widebody plane is one of the first New Production Standard A350s produced, meaning it is four inches wider than its predecessors and has improved performance.

Airbus launched the redesign in September with the option to have 10 seats per row in economy — a way to compete with Boeing's upcoming 777X.

Airbus' 10-abreast seat layout.Airbus

However, Starlux has opted to keep the traditional nine-abreast seating on its A350s, so its premium and regular coach seats can offer more space and comfort.

Starlux Airlines

Moreover, the new A350 design also offers dimmable windows that block 99.99% of visible light. This, combined with Starlux's special ambient lighting, can help reduce jet lag.

Starlux is the only airline to customize its onboard lighting depending on the time of the year — the three modes include Chinese New Year, White Christmas, and Moon Festival.Starlux Airlines

Moreover, the new A350 design also offers dimmable windows that block 99.99% of visible light. This, combined with Starlux's special ambient lighting, can help reduce jet lag.

While each cabin screen on the A350 is a different size, every TV will offer 4K resolution and Bluetooth capabilities, meaning personal wireless headphones can be used onboard.

Starlux Airlines

While each cabin screen on the A350 is a different size, every TV will offer 4K resolution and Bluetooth capabilities, meaning personal wireless headphones can be used onboard.

Moreover, all Starlux passengers can pre-order meals on the Taipei to Los Angeles flights.

A Starlux economy meal.Starlux Airlines

The airline says it will offer "exquisite dining including Taiwanese signature dishes" that will create an "at-home experience in the air."

A Taiwanese first and business class meal.Starlux Airlines

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A new Taiwanese luxury airline is launching flights from Taipei to the US. See inside the swanky Airbus A350 flying the 12-hour route.

A new airline is heading to the US this spring.

On April 26, Taiwanese luxury carrier Starlux Airlines will launch its first-ever flight from Taipei to Los Angeles.

The route, which will compete with established Taiwanese carriers EVA Air and China Airlines, will fly five times a week until June when it will ramp up to daily service.

A fleet of Airbus A350-900 aircraft will power the transpacific trek, journeying 12 hours across some 6,800 miles.

Starlux also flies the Airbus A330neo and the Airbus A321neo aircraft — the narrowbody plane being equipped with lie-flat business class seats.

The company's first A350 was delivered in October and is part of an 18-strong order that was first placed in 2018 — back when there was little known about the startup.

Starlux was founded by aviation tycoon Chang Kuo-wei, the former chairman of EVA Air — a highly-acclaimed Taiwanese airline decorated with awards for safety and service.

His father, Changi Yung-fa, founded EVA. But, a power struggle erupted after Yung-fa's death and pushed Kuo-wei out, opening the door for Kuo-wei to use his experience to build a competing carrier.

Launching its inaugural flight in January 2020, Starlux bills itself as a "luxury" airline promising a full-service experience.

It's actually one of the few startups to not enter as a low-cost carrier, like Avelo Airlines in the US and Norse Atlantic Airways in Europe.

The airline's new flight to the US will be its first route outside of Asia. Starlux hoped to start long-haul flights sooner but its 2020 launch was unlucky timing as COVID halted travel about three months later.

Nevertheless, the company will soon achieve its US milestone. Starlux already has partnerships in place, including with the LA Clippers, and it hopes to eventually join an airline alliance, COO KW Nieh told Executive Traveller in 2021.

Starlux's A350s will be configured with 306 seats across four cabins, including 240 in economy, 36 in premium economy, 26 business, and four in first.

First and business come with the expected bells and whistles of premium cabins, including a privacy door and a lie-flat bed…

…a side table and a cubby for storage...

...a large seatback screen...

...power ports (including wireless charging), a mirror, and a remote...

...a large tray table...

…and “Zero G” seats that help reduce fatigue on long-haul treks.

Moreover, decorative wall panels will put "passengers at ease as they board the aircraft," according to Starlux.

First class does come with a few added perks though, including a wardrobe and a 60-inch-high sliding door, which is about 12 inches higher than business.

Moreover, it has a 32-inch flatscreen TV — business class offers a 24-inch screen.

But, these are the main differences. First does not boast a separate bed like what is seen on carriers like Singapore Airlines or Qantas' upcoming A350-1000.

The first class placement at the front of the cabin is actually similar to what airlines like JetBlue Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways are doing with their "business class plus," which offers more space using the bulkhead.

While business and first are nice, a majority of Starlux passengers will sit in the economy sections. According to the carrier, regular coach has a 3x3x3 layout with adjustable headrests, a 13-inch seatback screen, and power ports…

…while premium economy is in a 2x4x2 layout with added amenities, like a footrest, a legrest, and 40 inches of pitch. The screen is also larger at 15.6 inches.

It's important to note that Starlux's widebody plane is one of the first New Production Standard A350s produced, meaning it is four inches wider than its predecessors and has improved performance.

Airbus launched the redesign in September with the option to have 10 seats per row in economy — a way to compete with Boeing's upcoming 777X.

However, Starlux has opted to keep the traditional nine-abreast seating on its A350s, so its premium and regular coach seats can offer more space and comfort.

Moreover, the new A350 design also offers dimmable windows that block 99.99% of visible light. This, combined with Starlux's special ambient lighting, can help reduce jet lag.

While each cabin screen on the A350 is a different size, every TV will offer 4K resolution and Bluetooth capabilities, meaning personal wireless headphones can be used onboard.

Moreover, all Starlux passengers can pre-order meals on the Taipei to Los Angeles flights.

The airline says it will offer "exquisite dining including Taiwanese signature dishes" that will create an "at-home experience in the air."