Taiwanese airline Starlux is looking to expand its route network in early 2026 by identifying potential new destinations in the United States. Starlux already has a presence on the US West Coast but could launch new routes to Chicago, New York and Washington DC.
Growing beyond the West Coast
Having already announced a new flight route for June 2025, connecting Taipei with California’s Ontario, Starlux has endeavoured to spread their influence in North America, with an order of eight Airbus A350-1000’s. These aircraft will provide greater range and allow the airline to explore even longer routes.
Departing from Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), the possible new routes will connect to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) amongst others.
Starlux Vice President, Liu Yunfu, speaks highly of the plans to grow further in the US, stating that their connection is “very important” but has also confirmed that the airline’s Southeastern Asian routes must also keep receiving attention. Building the routes alongside each other will be crucial to providing layovers in popular tourist spots.
Breaking into the European market
Starlux’s new Airbus A350-1000 will be joining aircraft in their current roster including the Airbus A350-900, Airbus A321neo and the Airbus A330neo with the A350-900 having the range to reach Central, Western and Southern Europe. After the recent signing of an aviation agreement between Taiwan and Finland, rights to fly to destinations like Helsinki have been secured, strongly marking this as a potential first European destination for Starlux.
The airline’s entry into the European market, combined with Southeast Asian consolidation and US expansion highlights a serious intent on the airline’s part to become a global player in aviation. They will however need to navigate the competition of EVA Air and China Airlines.
A little more about Starlux
K.W. Chang, launched Starlux in 2017. After 3 years of preparation and hard work, the airline’s first flight took off in January 2020. It has grown exponentially ever since, highlighting its commitment to becoming one of the world’s leading airlines.
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