Starlux Airlines to Join Oneworld Alliance by 2025

Starlux Airlines, the newest of Taiwan’s three international carriers, has announced its intention to join the Oneworld airline alliance by the end of 2025. This significant move was revealed by the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Chai Chien-Hua, during an investor announcement on September 16, 2024. If accepted, Starlux will become the first airline from Taiwan to secure membership in Oneworld, which is regarded as one of the world’s most influential airline groups.

Chai emphasized that joining Oneworld would not only benefit Starlux but also enhance Taiwan’s presence within the global aviation landscape. Membership in Oneworld is expected to offer Starlux a variety of advantages, including improved flight schedule alignment, enhanced connectivity for passengers at hub airports, and the integration of loyalty programs with other Oneworld member airlines. These benefits are designed to elevate the overall travel experience for customers.

Currently, the Oneworld Alliance consists of 13 member airlines, including major carriers such as American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas. Collectively, these airlines serve over 900 destinations across 170 countries worldwide, providing extensive global reach for travelers.

Founded in 2018, Starlux Airlines commenced operations in 2020 and has quickly established itself in the competitive aviation market. The airline currently serves 28 destinations across 11 countries, operating a modern fleet of 24 aircraft. This includes 13 Airbus A321neos, five A330-900neos, and six A350-900s, which enable Starlux to offer both regional and long-haul flights.

In Taiwan, Starlux competes with established carriers China Airlines and EVA Air. While China Airlines is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, EVA Air is part of the Star Alliance, making Starlux’s planned membership in Oneworld a strategic move that could enhance its competitive position.

Starlux’s announcement comes on the heels of a strong financial performance in 2024, prompting the airline to pursue further expansion. In the coming months, Starlux aims to introduce new routes, focusing on markets in North America, Europe, China, and Australia. The airline recently added direct flights between Taipei and Seattle in August 2024, joining Los Angeles and San Francisco as key U.S. destinations served from its Taipei hub.

To support its growth ambitions, Starlux has a further 26 aircraft on order, which includes four additional A350-900s and five A350 freighters. The airline’s fleet is expected to expand to 33 aircraft by 2025 and grow to 53 by 2029, allowing it to enhance its service offerings and reach even more destinations.

As Starlux Airlines prepares for its entry into the Oneworld Alliance, the aviation community will be watching closely to see how this strategic move will impact the airline’s growth and customer experience in the highly competitive international market.