TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Starlux Airlines Chief Strategy Officer Simon Liu (劉允富) said Thursday the airline plans to grow its fleet to 48 aircraft by 2027, completing its first-phase expansion plan.

He explained the airline’s fleet will include six A321neos, six A330neos, and eight A350-1000s, with the first of 10 freighters set for delivery in early 2028, per CNA. Half of the freighters are scheduled to be in service by 2029.

The carrier turned profitable in 2023 and 2024 after launching in 2020 and weathering the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite ongoing delivery delays due to global supply chain issues, Starlux expects to operate 31 aircraft by year-end, including new A330neos and an A350-1000.

Starlux operates three North American routes—Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle—with Ontario launching in June. A fifth North American destination is planned for Q1 2025, and its first European route remains on track for 2026.

More than half of North American travelers are connecting passengers, with Southeast Asia routes like Clark in the Philippines serving as key links. Larger aircraft will be deployed to Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines to boost connectivity.

Japan routes led the network in Q1 2025 with over 90% load factor, while Southeast Asia reached 85% and North America around 80%. The Hokkaido route was the strongest performer, with further Japanese destinations expected this summer.

Liu said that partnerships will be vital in the long term, but said Starlux remains focused on scaling up first. Once the 48-aircraft target is reached, the airline will begin its second-phase fleet expansion, he added.