Taichung: Starlux Airlines has inaugurated a new route connecting Taichung and Tokyo. CEO Glenn Chai announced the launch on Monday, emphasizing the airline's strategy to enhance its operations in central Taiwan.
According to Focus Taiwan, the launch event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Taichung International Airport, preceding the inaugural Flight JX314 to Tokyo. Chai expressed that Taichung Airport is considered the airline's second operational hub. Following the Tokyo route, Starlux is set to initiate a Taichung-Kumamoto service on Tuesday.
Chai highlighted Japan's appeal as a destination for Taiwanese travelers, noting Tokyo and Kumamoto as significant business gateways between the two nations. He added that by opening new routes, Starlux aims to draw more Japanese tourists to Taichung, promoting cultural and natural attractions in central Taiwan and fostering bilateral exchanges.
To mark the launch of the new routes, Starlux is offering inaugural flight passengers a "Starlux x Nissin Cup Noodles Jumbo Set" along with other souvenirs. Additionally, passengers on the Taichung-Kumamoto flight will receive a 2,000 Japanese yen discount voucher for a JR Kyushu Rail Pass.
The airline operates flights to these Japanese cities using A321neo aircraft, with plans to gradually increase the frequency of flights. For the Tokyo route, Starlux will start with four flights per week, expanding to eight weekly flights between April 15 and May 31, then seven weekly flights from July 11 to August 20, and reverting to four flights weekly from August 22 onwards.
For the Kumamoto route, initial operations will include three flights per week, increasing to five weekly flights from May 1 to 31, six weekly flights from July 10 to August 19, and returning to three flights per week from August 21. The airline provided that the latest schedules and further information are available on its official website.