Beginning towards the end of April 2023, Taiwan’s STARLUX Airlines will operate the first transpacific trip between Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
The airline will start out with five flights per week and increase to daily service by June 2023.
With four seats in First Class, 26 in Business, 36 in Premium Economy, and 240 in Economy, STARLUX’s fleet of Airbus A350s will be used to fly the TPE-LAX route.
The following timetable is anticipated for the flights:
JX002 Los Angeles to Taipei (daily except Tuesday and Sundays)
Arrives in LAX at 20:30 local time from TPE at 23:40 local time.
JX001 Taipei to Los Angeles (daily except Mondays and Wednesdays)
Arrives in TPE at 05:40 local time the next day after leaving LAX at 00:50 local time.
The airline also confirmed its new designation as the Official International Airline Partner of the LA Clippers, as part of a multi-year agreement with the National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise, in addition to announcing the opening of its first US office in Los Angeles.
In a statement provided to the NBA, STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai said, “As a brand-new airline to the US market, STARLUX is pleased to help create memorable travels by providing one-of-a-kind and exquisite service to consumers traveling to and from Los Angeles to Taipei, and other Asian locations.
Los Angeles is the ideal starting US destination for our airline because it is Taipei’s sister city and we have a partnership with the LA Clippers, according to Chai.
In accordance with the NBA’s worldwide team marketing program, STARLUX’s collaboration with the Clippers includes international rights. The airline will run international prizes, in-flight branding campaigns, and other online and offline promotions showcasing Clippers characters and components.
On STARLUX TPE-LAX flights beginning June 1, 2023, Clippers-themed extras will be included, including themed meal packaging with paper placemats, napkins, towelettes, in-flight meal foil covers, tiny food flags, burger wrapping paper, and kids’ meal boxes.
The LA Clippers’ chief global partnerships officer, Scott Sonnenberg, said in a statement: “We’re excited to join with STARLUX Airlines to celebrate their new flight route to Los Angeles, and work together to reach new worldwide audiences.
“Our new relationship will literally help us attract Clippers fans to Los Angeles,” Sonnenberg continued. “Clipper Nation is made up of varied supporters in Los Angeles and around the world. There is nothing better, in my opinion.