Starlux Airlines officially marked its entry into the European market on August 1, 2026, with the launch of a direct route between Taipeiβs Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and VΓ‘clav Havel Airport Prague (PRG). The inaugural service was notable for having the airline's chairman, K.W. Chang, personally pilot the flight. According to AeroTime, the carrier currently operates three round-trip flights weekly using Airbus A350-900 aircraft, with plans to upgrade to the larger A350-1000 model in September. This expansion makes Starlux the only airline to provide First Class service on this specific route, positioning itself as a premium competitor to China Airlines.
The strategic selection of Prague serves as a significant milestone for Starluxβs global network. Company leadership emphasized that the new connection is designed to capitalize on strengthening business relationships within the semiconductor supply chain between Taiwan and the Czech Republic, alongside a general uptick in leisure travel. The flight schedule is set to become more robust in October, increasing to four weekly rotations. Furthermore, the airline intends to integrate unique, art-focused elements into the travel experience, including Sorayama-themed amenities and specialized aircraft liveries for the Prague route.
Looking ahead, Starlux is already planning further international growth, with executives confirming that ticket sales for a forthcoming route to Barcelona are imminent. This potential addition would establish Starlux as the first Taiwanese carrier to operate direct service to Spain. By utilizing Taipei as a central hub, the airline aims to offer seamless connectivity for passengers traveling between the Czech capital and various destinations across Asia, including Japan, Vietnam, and Singapore, thereby reinforcing Taiwan's role as a major transit gateway.
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