TAIPEI- StarLux Airlines (JX), Taiwan’s newest international carrier, will apply to join the Oneworld global airline alliance by the end of 2025.
During an investor conference, CEO Chai Chien-hua stated that StarLux’s membership would provide Oneworld its first access to Taiwan.
Starlux to Join Oneworld Alliance
Chai stated that if accepted into Oneworld, StarLux would collaborate with member airlines on flight schedules, passenger connections, and frequent flyer programs.
The Oneworld Alliance includes 13 airlines, such as American Airlines (AA), British Airways (BA), Cathay Pacific (CX), and Qantas (QF), covering over 900 destinations across 170 territories. Joining Oneworld would improve StarLux’s operational efficiency.
China Airlines (CI) belongs to the SkyTeam Alliance, while EVA Airways (BR) is part of Star Alliance. Chai highlighted that StarLux (JX) could expand globally, noting that China Airlines (CI) and EVA Airways (BR) only operate at 65% of Singaporean carriers’ capacity.
StarLux Airlines (JX) expects continued profit growth in the third quarter, aided by declining international crude oil prices.
Founded in 2018, StarLux recorded its first profit in 2023, with a net income of NT$149 million (US$4.66 million) and earnings per share (EPS) of NT$0.08. In the first half of this year, EPS rose to NT$0.39, up from US$0.18 in the same period last year.
Starlux’s Expansion Plans
The airline currently operates 29 routes to 27 destinations and plans to expand to North America, Europe, China, and Australia. On August 16, StarLux launched direct flights between Taipei and Seattle, its third U.S. destination after Los Angeles and San Francisco.
StarLux Airlines is considering adding New York, Dallas, and Houston as new U.S. destinations. These would expand its current U.S. services, which include Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle.
Chairman Chang Kuo-wei announced plans to increase flights to L.A. and Seattle and explore new destinations such as New York, Dallas, and Houston.
In 2024, StarLux averaged 238 flights per week, with projections to reach 278 in 2025. By the end of August, it received its sixth A350-900 aircraft, aiming to add two more this year, bringing its fleet to 26.
The fleet is expected to grow to 33 in 2025 and 53 by 2029. From 2027 to 2029. Further, StarLux will acquire five A350F cargo planes, boosting its transit and cargo operations.
StarLux secured approval to move its listing from the emerging market to the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) and expects to begin trading by year-end. Companies must list on the emerging market for at least six months before transferring to the main board or OTC market.
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