A Premium Aircraft Returns to a Key Regional Market
STARLUX Airlines will reintroduce its flagship Airbus A350-900 aircraft on flights between Singapore and Taipei beginning 29 March 2026, restoring its most premium onboard offerings on one of Asia’s most competitive short-haul routes. The move marks a significant product upgrade from the currently deployed Airbus A330-900neo and signals STARLUX’s continued emphasis on high-end passenger experience.
The Singapore–Taipei route serves both business and leisure travelers and remains a strategically important market in the Asia-Pacific region. By deploying its most advanced widebody aircraft, STARLUX aims to differentiate itself in a crowded field dominated by full-service Asian carriers.
Aircraft Upgrade Brings Back First and Premium Economy
The return of the A350-900 brings with it a four-class cabin configuration, including First Class and Premium Economy—products rarely offered on regional flights of this distance. The aircraft replaces the A330-900neo and restores long-haul Business Class seating while introducing Premium Economy for the route.
STARLUX previously operated the A350-900 to Singapore in mid-2023 as part of crew familiarization ahead of long-haul North America services. Although initially planned as a temporary deployment, the aircraft remained on the route until early 2025 before being replaced by narrower-body aircraft due to fleet redeployment priorities.
From late March 2026, the A350-900 will once again operate daily services, offering passengers a noticeably upgraded cabin experience.
Daily Flight Schedule and Operational Considerations
From 29 March 2026, flights JX771 and JX772 will be operated daily by the Airbus A350-900. The schedule includes a morning departure from Taipei and an afternoon return from Singapore.
While the aircraft upgrade is a clear positive, the flight timings may be less convenient for some travelers. Early morning departures from Taipei and evening arrivals limit flexibility for point-to-point passengers, while travelers connecting onward to North America via Taipei should expect layovers of four to five hours.
The A350-900 is currently scheduled on the route until 24 October 2026, aligning with the end of the Northern Summer season, after which the service is expected to revert to the A330-900neo.
Cabin Experience: Four Classes on a Short-Haul Route
The A350-900 features a total capacity of 306 passengers across four cabins. First Class consists of four private suites arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, complete with privacy doors, large 4K screens, Bluetooth audio, personal wardrobes, and zero-gravity seating. While marketed as First Class, the product is located within the Business Class cabin and lacks a dedicated physical partition, positioning it closer to a “Business Plus” experience.
Business Class includes 26 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration with fully flat beds, privacy doors, and advanced in-flight entertainment. The product has been widely praised for its design and comfort.
Premium Economy offers 36 seats in a 2-4-2 layout, providing leg rests, footrests, and larger screens, while Economy Class accommodates 240 passengers in a denser 3-3-3 configuration.
Pricing and Loyalty Program Limitations
Indicative round-trip fares for a one-week trip in April show First Class pricing at approximately S$5,470, with Business Class around S$2,213, Premium Economy at S$775, and Economy at S$399.
Despite the premium hardware, loyalty redemption options remain limited. STARLUX has yet to secure alliance membership, and speculation continues around stalled oneworld entry due to competitive concerns from existing members. Currently, Alaska Mileage Plan remains the only viable option for mileage redemptions, with no confirmed availability for First Class awards.
A Strategic Move with Mixed Implications
STARLUX’s decision to redeploy its flagship A350-900 to Singapore represents a meaningful investment in product differentiation on a high-traffic regional route. The return of First Class and the introduction of Premium Economy enhance the airline’s competitive positioning and reinforce its premium brand identity.
However, less-than-ideal flight timings, limited alliance integration, and restricted loyalty redemption options may temper the appeal for some travelers. For most Singapore-based passengers, paid fares will remain the primary way to experience STARLUX’s most premium cabins.
Still, the move underscores STARLUX’s ambition to compete not on price alone, but on cabin quality and onboard experience in one of Asia’s most demanding aviation markets.
