Taiwan-based STARLUX airlines launches first transpacific flight to Los Angeles

STARLUX Airlines announced the launch of its inaugural Taipei-Los Angeles transpacific flight debuting on April 26. Initially starting with five weekly flights, the service is expected to ramp to daily in June. STARLUX also announced the establishment of its first US office based in Los Angeles and its new designation as the “Official International Airline Partner of the LA Clippers as part of a multi-year partnership with the NBA team.

STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai, commented:“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. 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.”

Luxury Service and a Taste of Taiwan

While the last few years have seen a plethora of budget airlines come onto the scene, STARLUX is bucking the trend — a luxury airline expanding in a world of no-frills carriers. With a philosophy that luxury should not be the exclusive experience of the elite but readily available to everyone, the company is experiencing impressive growth.

With eyes to the skies and “luxury” embedded in its brand, STARLUX strives to achieve the highest standards in operations, service, safety, and management. The airline operates the TPE-LAX route with its new-generation 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. Travelers in First and Business will have a cozy private space with a sliding door and seats with full-flat and Zero G mode for full relaxation. The extra-legroom Premium Economy section features a 40-inch Recaro seat with a leg rest and footrest bar. Economy Class seats are also built for utmost comfort, equipped with leather headrest and wide seat pitch. In addition, the A350 offers nose-to-tail seatback entertainment featuring 4K personal large screens.

The new flights will provide exquisite dining including Taiwanese signature dishes and amenities prepared for all-class passengers to enjoy an at-home experience in the air. STARLUX will be offering First and Business guests a selection of the best top chef’s creations and local Taiwanese delicacies. Premium and Economy passengers can also enjoy top-notch delicacies and on flights departing from Taipei to Los Angeles, the popular STARLUX signature yakiniku donburi is served onboard. And to bring greater individuality to their air travel experience, all passengers can pre-order meals online so they can enjoy the meal they want.

International Partnership with the LA Clippers

The Clippers are an innovative global brand with an international fan base and reach, and STARLUX is the latest international company to join Clipper Nation. In addition to in-arena activations and hospitality elements in Los Angeles, 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, 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. Other niceties include playing cards, eye masks, paper cups, stirrers, rice cracker packages, luggage tags, boarding passes, and stickers will be distributed at check in.

Scott Sonnenberg, LA Clippers Chief Global Partnerships Officer said: “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. 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.”

STARLUX and the Clippers marked the partnership and upcoming new service with a celebration, jersey presentation, and the debut of STARLUX’s in-game assets last month.

According to Chai, “STARLUX is proud to be the Official International Airline Partner of the LA Clippers. We hope many Clippers fans will choose to fly with us on their next trip to Asia.”