Starlux Airlines is a Taiwanese startup airline. Around a year ago, we featured the airline as one of Simple Flying's startups of the week. Now, the airline has announced when it intends to commence operations: January 2020.

Taiwan currently has seven airlines in operation. The flag carrier is China Airlines, and other airlines are Daily Air, EVA Air, Far Eastern Air Transport, Mandarin Airlines, Tigerair Taiwan, and Uni Air. China Airlines and EVA Air also operate cargo flights from Taiwan. In a matter of months, however, this will become eight air carriers with the addition of Starlux Airlines launching flights in January 2020.

When will Starlux launch?

We've known from the word go when Starlux would launch their services. This has always been identified as 2020. However, an exact date in 2020 has, until now, just been a dream. Now the airline has given us an exact date that services will launch.

According to ATW Online, Starlux Airlines will have its inaugural service on the 23rd of January 2020. The launch comes just over a year after Vietnamese carrier Bamboo Airways took its first flight. Both carriers are eyeing flights to the United States.

What will Starlux fly?

According to the aforementioned ATW Online article, Starlux will launch with three aircraft. These will all be Airbus A321neos, which will be delivered new to Starlux Airlines from the Airbus factory. The three aircraft will be delivered monthly; one in each of November, December, and January.

However, Starlux's fleet won't stop with these three aircraft, as the startup airline is expecting 10 Airbus A321neo aircraft in total. On top of this, Starlux has also placed an order for Airbus A350s, consisting of five Airbus A350-900s and 12 A350-1000s, according to the latest Airbus order books. I for one can't wait to see an Airbus A350 in the Starlux livery!

Where will Starlux fly?

Back in July, the airline received its first route authorities, with eleven routes granted by the Civil Aeronautics Administration of Taiwan. These routes will originate at Taipei Taoyuan Airport (TPE). Simple Flying previously reported that at first, Starlux will aim to serve “three to four routes” in Southeast Asia.

Eventually, Starlux aims to connect Taiwan to North America. These transpacific flights will not commence until 2024 at the earliest, according to the latest reports. Starlux will need authority from the United States Department of Transport to fly to the US. Vietnam Airlines has just received this authority.

Are you excited to see Starlux Airlines commence services next year? Let us know in the comments!