TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Starlux Airlines Chair Chang Kuo-wei (張國煒) said Friday the carrier is planning long-haul expansion into Europe and Australia–New Zealand, with Zurich and Barcelona among proposed destinations under review.
Starlux held its annual shareholders’ meeting on Friday, where Chang outlined route plans for the next two years, per CNA. He said Busan will be launched in June and Bali later this year, while Europe and Australia–New Zealand are expected to be key priorities next year, particularly Australia.
He said Prague will be launched this year and that applications have been submitted for Zurich and Barcelona as new European destinations. He added that expanding into Sydney is already a goal.
Chang said Starlux built its US network last year, with West Coast routes largely established and is now evaluating expansion into both the US Midwest and East Coast, CNA reported. He said future routes under consideration include Chicago, Washington, New York, and Dallas.
He added that Starlux has ordered 10 Airbus A350F freighter aircraft, signaling plans to expand into cargo operations and gradually develop into a full-service airline. To support medium- and long-term growth, the airline also signed an agreement with Airbus in June last year to purchase 10 A350-1000 aircraft.
Starlux CEO Glenn Chai (翟健華) said global aviation demand has gradually recovered in 2025, per CNA. However, he noted that tariff uncertainty, earthquake rumors in Japan, and tighter US visa policies have weighed on profitability since the second quarter.
