Starlux Airlines plans Zurich and Barcelona flights as European expansion continues

Taiwanese carrier Starlux Airlines is planning to expand its European network with new services to Zurich and Barcelona, according to remarks made during the airline’s annual shareholders’ meeting.

Chairman Kuo-wei Chang said the airline has applied to launch flights to both destinations, with services expected to begin on 1 August 2027. The two routes would complement Starlux’s existing European operation to Prague, which was launched as the carrier’s first destination on the continent.

Beyond Europe, Starlux is also eyeing further growth in Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The airline currently serves Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix, and is evaluating future routes to Chicago, Washington, New York and Dallas.

To support its expansion plans, Starlux continues to invest in its fleet. The airline has ordered ten Airbus A350F freighters for its cargo division and last year signed an agreement with Airbus for ten A350-1000 passenger aircraft intended for long-haul operations.

During the shareholders’ meeting, Chang also addressed speculation about joining the Oneworld alliance. While membership remains a possibility, he said the young airline is currently focused on strengthening partnerships with existing alliance members, including Alaska Airlines and American Airlines.

According to CEO Glenn Chai, Starlux operated a fleet of 29 aircraft at the end of last year and carried 4.9 million passengers while transporting 87,000 tonnes of cargo.

Source: Taipei Times / CNA