Starlux Airlines, the burgeoning Taiwanese carrier, has announced an expansion of its transpacific services, adding more flights to both Los Angeles (LAX) and Seattle (SEA). This move aims to strengthen connectivity between the United States and Taiwan, providing travelers with increased options for direct and connecting flights. Starting December 22, 2024, Starlux will increase its Los Angeles route by adding three extra flights per week, bringing the total to 10 weekly flights to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).
These additional services will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, complementing the existing daily schedule. This enhancement is in response to growing passenger demand and the airline's commitment to improving travel convenience between these two major international hubs. For Seattle, Starlux will transition from a thrice-weekly service to daily flights beginning March 1, 2025. This significant increase in frequency reflects Starlux's strategy to solidify its presence in the Pacific Northwest, tapping into the market's potential, especially with its partnership with Alaska Airlines. This alliance facilitates seamless connections from Seattle to over 100 destinations across the U.S., enhancing Starlux's reach and appeal to travelers looking to connect to Asia.
These schedule expansions are supported by Starlux's fleet growth, with new Airbus A350-900 aircraft being integrated into service. These planes offer a luxurious flying experience with four cabin classes: First, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. Passengers can enjoy Michelin-rated meals, curated in-cabin aromatherapy, and other premium amenities, which are part of Starlux's brand promise to offer luxury accessible to all. The addition of these flights comes at a time when international passenger demand from the U.S. to the Asia-Pacific region has seen a significant uptick, with a 10.6% increase noted in August 2024 compared to the previous year. This trend underscores the strategic importance of these routes for Starlux, aiming to capture more of the transpacific travel market.
Starlux's CEO, Glenn Chai, emphasized the airline's dedication to enhancing travel experiences and connectivity, stating, "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." This expansion is part of Starlux's broader ambition to expand its network and establish itself as a premier airline in the competitive international aviation landscape.