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Taiwan’s STARLUX Airlines is set to launch its first transpacific flight from Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) starting at the end of April 2023. Initially, the airline will operate five weekly flights, progressing to daily flights by June 2023. The TPE-LAX route will be operated on STARLUX’s fleet of Airbus A350 configured in a premium four-class layout, with four seats in First, 26 in Business, 36 in Premium Economy and 240 in Economy.
The flights are expected to operate on the following schedule:
JX002 Taipei to Los Angeles (daily except Tuesdays and Sundays)
Departs TPE at 23:40 local time and arrives at LAX at 20:30 local time.
JX001 Los Angeles to Taipei (daily except Mondays and Wednesdays)
Departs LAX 00:50 local time arrives TPE 05:40 local time, the following day
As well as announcing the creation of its first US-based office in Los Angeles, the airline also reported its new designation as the Official International Airline Partner of the LA Clippers, as part of a multi-year partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA) team. “As a brand-new airline to the US market, STARLUX is excited to help create memorable journeys by providing unique and exquisite service to customers traveling to and from Los Angeles to Taipei, and other Asian cities,” STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai said in a statement published by the NBA.
“With Los Angeles being the sister city of Taipei, along with our partnership with the LA Clippers, the city of angels is our airline’s perfect starting US destination,” Chai further said. According to the NBA, STARLUX’s partnership with the Clippers includes international rights through the NBA’s international team marketing program. The airline will activate in-flight branding, international sweepstakes, and other digital and in-person activations featuring Clippers elements and personalities. Starting June 1 2023, Clippers-themed amenities will be provided on STARLUX TPE-LAX flights, such as themed meal packaging including paper placemats, napkins, towelettes, inflight meal foil covers, mini food flags, burger wrapping paper, and kids’ meal boxes. “We’re thrilled to partner with STARLUX Airlines to celebrate their new flight route to Los Angeles, and work together to reach new global audiences,” Scott Sonnenberg, LA Clippers chief global partnerships officer said in a statement. Sonnenberg added: “Clipper Nation is made up of diverse fans in Los Angeles and around the world, and this new partnership will literally help us bring Clippers fans to L.A. I can’t think of anything better.”