A Five-Star Milestone: New Phoenix Route, Fleet Growth, Entertainment Upgrade, and Strategic Partnerships Positioning as a Global Leader in Boutique Aviation
At the 2025 SKYTRAX World Airline Awards held in Paris, STARLUX Airlines was awarded the prestigious Five-Star Airline rating. Reaching this milestone in just five years of operation, STARLUX has become one of only eleven airlines worldwide to hold this elite distinction. The carrier also captured the "World's Most Improved Airline" award, highlighting its rapid ascent to the global stage. These achievements mark a pivotal milestone in STARLUX's journey toward becoming a world-class airline and reflect strong momentum in its expanding international network.
STARLUX Airlines CEO Glenn Chai expressed his gratitude: "We are thrilled and deeply grateful for our passengers' trust and the dedication of our team. STARLUX will continue expanding our network and raise the bar on safety and service, offering travelers around the world a warm and refined service in the sky."
Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax said: "Certifying STARLUX Airlines with the highest 5-Star Airline Rating is a testament to their focus on delivering a high-quality passenger experience, and this top accolade demonstrates how STARLUX Airlines excel in key areas such as cabin comfort, catering, with a very accomplished service delivery onboard each flight."
Expanding in North America: Launch of Phoenix Route
On January 15, 2026, STARLUX will launch direct service between Taipei and Phoenix, making it the first nonstop flight from Arizona to Asia. Operated with next-generation Airbus A350 aircraft, the route will initially run three times weekly, increasing to four times per week starting in March. This addition strengthens STARLUX's North American network and enhances connectivity between Asia and the Americas.
STARLUX Airlines currently operates 10 weekly flights between Los Angeles and Taipei, alongside daily service connecting Taipei with both San Francisco and Seattle. For Ontario, California, STARLUX offers four weekly departures. As STARLUX continues to expand its North American network, passengers will enjoy more seamless connections to major Asian cities via Taipei.
Strategic Partnerships Expanding Networks and Benefits
STARLUX has launched a codeshare and frequent flyer partnership with Alaska Airlines, allowing members of both programs to earn and redeem miles across each other's flights, connecting travelers to more U.S. destinations.
From August 15, 2025, STARLUX also partners with American Airlines, creating enhanced convenience for travelers, offering single-ticket booking and through-checked luggage from Taipei via Phoenix to more than 250 destinations in North America and enhance opportunities for American's customers to travel from North America to Taipei. Not only significantly expand global connectivity and also enrich frequent flyer benefits.
Additionally, as a key step for the launch of European routes next year, STARLUX codeshare with Etihad Airways from September 1, 2025. Providing access to Abu Dhabi and beyond to Europe, while Etihad passengers can connect via Taipei to Japanese cities including Nagoya, Sapporo, and Fukuoka etc. jointly connecting Europe and Asia through a diverse travel network.
Fleet Expansion: Adding 10 Airbus A350-1000s
At the Paris Air Show, STARLUX announced the purchase of 10 additional Airbus A350-1000 widebody aircraft, renowned for their ultra-long range, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort. Featuring a sleek carbon-fiber livery symbolizing technology and innovation, these aircraft will be key to STARLUX's long-haul boutique service strategy.
Service Innovation: Entertainment Upgrade and Digital Reading
Since its launch in 2020, STARLUX has offered unlimited free inflight Wi-Fi for First, Business, and Premium Economy passengers, and free text messaging for Economy passengers. Continuing to enhance the onboard experience, STARLUX has partnered with HBO Max to create an exclusive entertainment section, premiering over 120 hours of hit originals including The Last of Us, The White Lotus, and House of the Dragon, all available with Thai language options.
The airline also introduced JX Reader, a cloud-based digital reading platform powered by PressReader, providing access to more than 7,000 newspapers and magazines worldwide. This innovation replaces physical print materials, offering passengers a sustainable, paperless reading experience.
STARLUX operates two daily flights from Bangkok and three weekly flights from Chiang Mai to Taipei, with Thai meals and Thai-language entertainment onboard. With its Five-Star recognition, expanded global network, growing fleet, service innovations, and strategic international partnerships, STARLUX Airlines is steadily building its position as a leading boutique international airlinedelivering the warmth and sophistication of Taiwan to travelers worldwide.
For detailed flight information and services, please visit: www.starlux-airlines.com