TAIPEI- Starlux Airlines (JX) is rapidly expanding its global network with new aircraft deliveries and route developments.
The carrier’s ambitious growth plan includes completing its first phase of 48 passenger aircraft by 2027 and adding 10 cargo aircraft by 2029.
Starlux Airlines US Destinations
Chief Strategy Officer Liu Yunfu revealed plans with ET Today to increase Southeast Asian connectivity, launch Bali service next year, and add Ontario International Airport (ONT) to North American destinations in June.
New US routes are expected to be announced by Q1 2025, with European service still on track for 2026.
Starlux Airlines is implementing a significant fleet expansion plan that will position it as a major player in global aviation. According to Liu Yunfu, the airline has already received all 10 of its Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
While three A350-1000s were originally scheduled for delivery this year, supply chain issues have resulted in delays, with only one arriving in 2024, five in 2025, and the final two in 2027.
The carrier currently operates five A330s with two more scheduled for delivery this year and four additional deliveries planned. Its narrow-body fleet consists of 13 A321s with six more on order, bringing the total passenger fleet to 48 aircraft by 2027.
The cargo division will see its first aircraft delivery pushed to Q1 2028, with all 10 freighters expected to be in service by 2029.
This fleet composition will feature more wide-body than narrow-body aircraft, helping Starlux achieve important economies of scale. Liu emphasized that the airline’s growth won’t stop at 58 total aircraft, as a second phase of aircraft acquisition is already being planned.
Route Development Strategy
Starlux’s Southeast Asian operations have shown strong performance with load factors approaching 85% in Q1 2024. While no new routes will be added to this region in 2024, the airline is increasing frequencies and deploying larger aircraft on existing routes.
The previously suspended Manila service has been temporarily replaced by flights to Clark International Airport (CRK) due to slot constraints, though the airline continues to pursue better timing at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL).
The carrier confirmed Bali (DPS) will launch in 2025, expanding its Indonesian presence. North American routes have maintained healthy load factors near 80% in early 2024. With Ontario service launching June 2, Starlux will operate four direct routes to the US West Coast.
Future North American and European Expansion
The arrival of additional A350-1000 aircraft will enable Starlux to reach deeper into the United States. The airline is actively evaluating service to Texas, Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK), and Washington DC (IAD), with new route announcements expected by early 2025.
European expansion remains a strategic priority, with the first destination planned for 2026. The airline’s current A350-900 fleet can already reach Central, Western, and Southern Europe. A newly signed aviation agreement between Taiwan and Finland has secured flying rights to Helsinki (HEL), making it a potential first European destination.
Starlux currently serves 28 destinations worldwide with 246 weekly flights. The airline recognizes that successful long-haul operations to North America depend heavily on connecting traffic from Southeast Asia, making regional network development critical to its global strategy.
The carrier plans to gradually increase capacity to Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines to support its expanding long-haul operations. This integrated approach aims to ensure sufficient passenger flow between regions while maintaining operational stability as the airline continues its rapid expansion into new markets.
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