STARLUX Airlines launches inaugural San Francisco to Taiwan flight

SAN FRANCISCO – Taiwan-based luxury carrier STARLUX Airlines expands its US network with its December 16 launch of nonstop flights from San Francisco to Taipei.

This strategic new route marks the airline’s second US gateway after Los Angeles, offering US travelers direct access to Taipei and seamless connectivity to 20 Asian destinations, including Manila.

STARLUX marked this occasion with an inaugural celebration and pre-flight ceremony ahead of the 11:40 p.m. departure.

This milestone not only underscores STARLUX’s commitment to expanding its US network, but also lays the groundwork for its growth trajectory, with plans for new long-haul intercontinental routes spanning North America, Europe and Oceania.

STARLUX now flies one of its four next-generation A350 thrice weekly between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).

In a gesture of gratitude, STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai presented a model of the STARLUX Airlines A350 aircraft to San Francisco International Airport’s Director of Aviation Marketing and Development Melissa Andretta. CONTRIBUTED

Flight JX011 will leave San Francisco each Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 11:40 p.m. and arrive in Taipei at 5:30 a.m. two days later. Flight JX012 will leave Taipei at 11:20 p.m. and arrive in San Francisco at 6:15 p.m. on the same days. The Airline will ramp to daily flights on March 20, 2024.

Philippine Department of Tourism joins celebration

STARLUX’s inaugural celebration took place at SFO International Terminal Gate B5 prior to the flight’s departure.

The gate-side event included ribbon- and cake-cutting ceremonies, specially crafted cookies, refreshments, special gifts and a rendition of “I left My Heart in San Francisco” and “I’ll be Home for Christmas” performed by singer Wakane Luke.

Featured speakers included STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai, Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) Deputy General Director John Chu, San Francisco Mayor’s Office of International Trade and Commerce Director Mark Chandler, San Francisco International Airport Director of Aviation Marketing and Development Melissa Andretta, and Alaska Airlines Regional Vice President Neil Twaites.

TECO and the Philippine Department of Tourism also joined in the celebration with contributions to STARLUX gift bags for all inaugural flight passengers and special guests.

“The launch of our San Francisco to Taiwan route tops off an amazing series of milestones for STARLUX. In January 2020, we took to the skies with three intra-Asia flights,” said STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai.

“Three years on, by staying focused on our vision and ambition, we have expanded our network and now fly to 22 destinations.”

STARLUX marked its inaugural celebration at Gate B5 of the SFO International Terminal before flight departure. The gate-side festivities featured a cake-cutting ceremony with STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai and San Francisco International Airport Director of Aviation Marketing and Development Melissa Andretta. Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) Deputy General Director John Chu (right of Andretta), San Francisco Mayor’s Office of International Trade and Commerce Director Mark Chandler (left of Chai), Alaska Airlines Regional Vice President Neil Twaites (left of Chandler) also graced the occasion with their presence and remarks. CONTRIBUTED 

Chai said they launched their inaugural transpacific flight to Los Angeles in April.

“Now U.S. travelers has two transpacific US-to-Taipei routes to experience luxury travel with STARLUX and can look forward to enjoying more new routes as we expand a strong U.S. network,” he said.

STARLUX’s Airbus 350s have four cabins: First (4 seats), Business Class (26 seats), Premium Economy (36 seats) and Economy (240 seats). Each cabin is designed to delight and soothe the senses, from earth-toned interiors to award-winning crew attire to curated in-cabin aromatherapy and Michelin-rated meals.

First and Business have a private space with a sliding door and lie-flat seats with Zero G mode for full relaxation. Premium Economy features a 40-inch Recaro seat with leg rest and footrest bar. Economy seats come with leather headrest and wide seat pitch. All guests have seatback entertainment featuring 4K personal large screens.

The new flights provide exquisite dining, including Taiwanese signature dishes, and amenities for all-class passengers to enjoy an at-home experience in the air. For its SFO route’s First Class cabin, STARLUX debuted a new 3-star Michelin menu from Taiwan restaurant Tairroir.

Five modern French-style dishes subtly infused with authentic Taiwan flavors will be on the menu on flights departing from Taipei to San Francisco. Beginning in January 2024, first-class passengers flying from Taipei to Los Angeles will also be able to enjoy these dishes. Passengers can pre-order meals online so they can enjoy the meal they want.

Founded on the philosophy that luxury should be available to everyone, not just the elite, STARLUX is a boutique international airline that prioritizes safety and offers unparalleled service with the goal of making flying a truly luxurious and unforgettable experience. The airline’s impressive growth reflects this.