Starlux Airlines Will Launch Nonstop Taipei-Los Angeles Service in April

Starlux Airlines, a relatively new carrier based in Taiwan, is introducing flights between Taipei (TPE) and Los Angeles (LAX) this spring.

These flights will provide a new travel option between Asia and the United States, though Starlux won’t be the first to operate the 13+ hour route.

Let’s take a look at all the details!

The Flight

Starlux is set to launch flights on April 26, 2023. Operated by an Airbus A350-900 aircraft, flights will begin with a 5-times-weekly frequency, but will increase to daily service as of June 4, 2023.

Each Starlux A350 can accommodate up to 306 passengers and offers the following cabin configuration:

• 4 first class seats
• 26 business class seats
• 36 premium economy seats
• 240 economy class seats

It’s worth noting that Starlux will be the only airline to offer a first class product on the route. So for those looking for a premium product between the U.S. and Taiwan, you may find Starlux to be your airline of choice.

Flights will operate according to the following schedule:

• Depart Taipei (TPE) 11:40 p.m. — Arrive Los Angeles (LAX) at 8:30 p.m.
• Depart Los Angeles (LAX) 12:50 a.m. — Arrive Taipei (TPE) 5:40 a.m. (+1)

Competition and Partners

One thing that makes Starlux unique is that it does not have any partner airlines. This means passengers will only be able to book a flight from Taipei to Los Angeles and will have to book a separate ticket on another airline if they want to connect onward. This could prove challenging for the carrier as there are 2 other competitors on the route — China Airlines and EVA Air — both of which have partners on either end of the route.

China Airlines is a member of the Skyteam Alliance, while EVA Air is a member of the Star Alliance. This means that passengers of either airline originating in Taipei can connect to a Delta Air Lines or United Airlines flight, respectively, in Los Angeles which will bring them to their final destination.

Starlux does not have this benefit, and while it touts itself as a luxury airline, it’ll need to significantly differentiate itself from other carriers that offer far greater connectivity. However, Starlux does have a decent number of connecting options for those originating in Los Angeles and who want to connect to destinations in Japan or Southeast Asia.

Final Thoughts

Starlux is planning on growing its route map and fleet over the next few years, and this Taipei-Los Angeles marks the beginning of the carrier’s growth of its long-haul routes from its home airport. This flight may prove to be a challenge as it competes with larger airlines that have partners, but time will tell whether this upstart airline exceeds and can continue on its growth plan.