Alaska Airlines’ global partner STARLUX Airlines has inaugurated its new nonstop service between Seattle and Taipei, becoming its latest transpacific offering.
The premium service carrier will operate the route three times a week, offering passengers a gateway to an array of exciting destinations across Asia from its Taipei hub.
The launch of this new route shows the growing importance of Seattle as a key international hub. Brett Catlin, vice president of loyalty, alliances and sales at Alaska Airlines, spoke about the new partnership with the carrier.
“STARLUX offers an industry-leading product with exceptional onboard service and access to a range of bucket list destinations across Asia.”
“With STARLUX’s arrival in Seattle, we’ll have 13 of our global partners now serving our hometown hub, where we have more daily flights and destinations than any other carrier on the West Coast.”
The flight schedule maximizes convenience for travelers. Arriving early in the morning in Taipei, the Seattle flight allows for seamless connections to other flights throughout Asia.
The return flight departs Taipei in the evening, touching down in Seattle mid-afternoon, aligning well with onward domestic connections.
US Expansion Strategy
STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai emphasized the strategic importance of this expansion. “Seattle is not just our latest destination; it’s a pivotal milestone in our U.S. expansion strategy.”
“For the first time, thanks to our esteemed partner Alaska Airlines, we can connect passengers from over 100 U.S. cities via the West Coast to Asia Pacific. We’re thrilled to bridge continents, expand travel options, and deliver exceptional service to our customers.”
This Seattle route follows STARLUX’s successful launch of two transpacific services. To date, the airline commenced services to Los Angeles in April 2023 and then San Francisco in December 2023.
These three cities serve as crucial gateway airports for Alaska Airlines. They facilitate convenient connectivity between STARLUX’s international flights and Alaska’s extensive domestic network.
From its main hub in Taipei, STARLUX provides connections to more than 20 destinations across Asia. Travelers can easily reach popular spots like Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Thailand; Clark and Cebu in the Philippines; various Vietnamese cities including Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City; Penang and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia; Singapore; Macau; Hong Kong; and nine destinations across Japan.
Airbus A350 Operations
The Seattle–Taipei flights operate on STARLUX’s state-of-the-art Airbus A350 aircraft. This next-generation plane features four distinct cabin classes: First (4 seats), Business (26 seats), Premium Economy (36 seats), and Economy (240 seats).
This flexible seating configuration caters to various traveler preferences and budgets for the 6,000+ mile journey.
STARLUX has garnered attention for its commitment to luxury air travel. Passengers on transpacific routes enjoy curated in-cabin aromatherapy and Michelin-rated meals, elevating the flying experience to new heights.
First and Business class travelers are treated to private spaces with sliding doors and seats that offer both full-flat and Zero G modes for ultimate relaxation.
In Premium Economy, passengers benefit from extra legroom and 40-inch RECARO seats complete with leg rests and footrest bars.
Even in Economy, comfort is a priority, with seats featuring leather headrests and generous seat pitch. Regardless of cabin class, all guests have access to seatback entertainment systems with 4K personal large screens.
Inflight Catering
STARLUX’s dedication to creating an at-home experience in the air extends to its dining offerings. The airline provides exquisite meals, including signature Taiwanese dishes, carefully prepared for passengers in all classes. To further personalize the experience, travelers can pre-order their preferred meals online.
Summary
As air travel continues to rebound post-pandemic, the launch of this Seattle-Taipei route by STARLUX Airlines marks another step forward in reconnecting the Pacific Northwest with Asia.
By combining luxury, convenience, and extensive connectivity, STARLUX and Alaska Airlines are poised to meet the growing demand for premium transpacific travel.
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