This article summarizes reporting by One Mile at a Time and Ben Schlappig.

Starlux Airlines Selects Prague for First European Route

Starlux Airlines, the Taiwan-based luxury carrier, has officially announced its expansion into the European market. According to reporting by One Mile at a Time, the airline will launch nonstop service between Taipei (TPE) and Prague (PRG) beginning August 1, 2026. This development marks a major milestone for the “boutique” airline, representing its first long-haul destination outside of North America.

The new route signals a strategic shift for Starlux, which has previously focused its long-haul efforts exclusively on transpacific flights to the United States. By deploying its flagship Airbus A350-900 aircraft on this sector, the airline intends to compete directly with legacy carriers by offering a premium-heavy configuration, including its exclusive First Class cabin.

Flight Schedule and Operational Details

Based on schedule data cited by One Mile at a Time and confirmed by Prague Airport, the service will initially operate three times weekly. The flights are scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with plans to increase frequency to four times weekly by adding Mondays starting in October 2026.

The operational schedule is as follows:

• JX101 (Taipei to Prague): Departs TPE at 00:10, arriving in PRG at 07:50 (Flight time: approx. 13 hours 40 minutes).
• JX102 (Prague to Taipei): Departs PRG at 10:20, arriving in TPE at 05:10 the following day (Flight time: approx. 12 hours 50 minutes).

Jiří Pos, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Prague Airport, welcomed the new connection in a statement regarding the launch.

“We estimate that the route will be used by approximately 95,000 passengers in the first year of operation.”

, Jiří Pos, Chairman of Prague Airport

Onboard Experience: The Airbus A350-900

Travelers on this route will experience Starlux’s most premium hardware. One Mile at a Time notes that the Airbus A350-900 is the only aircraft type in the Starlux fleet equipped with a First Class cabin. The aircraft features a total of 306 seats across four distinct classes:

• First Class: 4 suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, featuring 60-inch sliding doors and “Zero G” seating.
• Business Class: 26 seats in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout with lie-flat beds.
• Premium Economy: 36 seats in a 2-4-2 layout.
• Economy Class: 240 seats in a 3-3-3 layout.

This deployment is significant because it brings a true First Class product to the Taipei-Prague market, distinguishing Starlux from competitors that may only offer Business Class on similar routes.

AirPro News Analysis: Strategic Market Positioning

While major European hubs like London Heathrow or Paris Charles de Gaulle are often the first ports of call for Asian carriers expanding westward, Starlux’s choice of Prague is driven by specific economic factors rather than traditional tourism volume alone.

The Semiconductor Connection
We observe that the economic ties between Taiwan and the Czech Republic have deepened significantly due to the semiconductor industry. With major investments from Taiwanese tech giants in Central Europe, business travel demand is high. Starlux CEO Glenn Chai highlighted this synergy in his remarks regarding the Launch.

“Prague is a long-favored destination for Taiwanese travelers, and growing semiconductor industry ties are expected to further drive demand…”

, Glenn Chai, CEO of Starlux Airlines

Competitive Landscape
Starlux will face direct competition from China Airlines, which launched the same route in July 2023. However, Starlux appears to be betting on its “luxury boutique” brand identity to capture high-yield business travelers and premium leisure tourists who prioritize cabin comfort and newer aircraft hardware.

Future European Expansion

According to the reporting by Ben Schlappig, this route is likely just the beginning of Starlux’s European ambitions. The airline has indicated plans to launch a second European destination later in 2026. While not officially confirmed, industry reports suggest Milan (MXP) is a strong contender, which would align with the carrier’s Strategy of connecting high-value fashion and business hubs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Starlux Taipei-Prague flight launch?

The inaugural flight is scheduled for August 1, 2026.

Does Starlux offer First Class to Europe?

Yes, the Prague route will be operated by the A350-900, which features Starlux’s exclusive four-seat First Class cabin.

How often will the flight operate?

The service begins with three weekly flights (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) and is expected to increase to four weekly flights in October 2026.

Sources: One Mile at a Time, Prague Airport Press Release

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has officially marked the completion of its West Infill Expansion, a $241 million infrastructure project designed to alleviate congestion and modernize passenger processing. Airport officials celebrated the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 6, 2026, signaling the imminent public opening of the facility’s new security checkpoint later this month.

The project, a central component of the “Journey With AUS” improvement program, adds approximately 75,000 square feet to the Barbara Jordan Terminal. According to the airport’s announcement, the expansion addresses critical operational bottlenecks by delivering a high-speed baggage handling system and significantly increasing security screening capacity. The new facilities are scheduled to open to the traveling public on February 23, 2026.

Enhancing Terminal Throughput and Security

The West Infill Expansion focuses heavily on processing speed and efficiency. Located on the west side of the terminal between the existing structure and the curbside roadway, the project spans four levels, including baggage claim, apron, concourse, and mezzanine areas.

New TSA Checkpoint 3

A primary feature of the expansion is the new TSA Checkpoint 3. Designed to reduce wait times during peak travel windows, the checkpoint accommodates up to eight security lanes. This addition is expected to streamline the flow of passengers significantly compared to the previous terminal layout.

Modernized Baggage Handling

Operational reliability has also been addressed through a massive upgrade to the outbound baggage handling system. According to project details released by AUS, the new system has been operational since December 2025. It features 1.5 miles of conveyor belts and is capable of processing 4,000 bags per hour, a substantial increase over the previous infrastructure. This upgrade aims to reduce incidents of lost luggage and prevent flight delays attributed to baggage loading issues.

Design, Sustainability, and Funding

Beyond operational metrics, the expansion includes enhancements to the passenger experience and environmental standards. The project was designed by Gensler, with Whiting-Turner serving as the general contractor.

The facility includes three new ticket counters with six agent positions, expanded restroom facilities, and dedicated office space for airport and TSA staff. A “wellness room” has also been integrated to provide a quiet space for nursing mothers and travelers requiring privacy. In line with the city’s environmental goals, the project was designed to achieve an Austin Energy Green Building 3-Star rating, utilizing energy-efficient HVAC systems and responsibly sourced materials.

Cultural elements remain a priority for the airport. The expansion features an art installation series titled Voyages and sees the return of the “Austin Downtown Cruiser,” a local art piece reinstalled on the concourse level.

Regarding the financial structure of the project, the airport confirmed that the $241 million cost was funded entirely through airport cash reserves, revenue bonds, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants, including approximately $16 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. No local Austin taxpayer dollars were utilized for the construction.

Strategic Context and Growth

The completion of the West Infill Expansion comes as AUS faces passenger volumes that have outpaced long-term projections. In 2025, the airport served over 21 million passengers, a volume the AUS 2040 Master Plan did not anticipate reaching for another five years.

In a statement regarding the opening, Ghizlane Badawi, CEO of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, emphasized the urgency of the project:

“The completion of the West Infill project is a pivotal step forward for AUS and for our community. Our airport is serving 21+ million annual passengers, five years ahead of what our AUS 2040 Master Plan projected. This project is about more than adding space, it’s about delivering a better experience for every traveler as quickly as possible.”

AirPro News Analysis

The accelerated completion of the West Infill Expansion highlights a critical trend affecting mid-sized hub airports across the United States: post-pandemic travel demand is defying conservative planning models. The fact that AUS hit its 2030-era passenger targets in 2025 suggests that infrastructure development cycles, which typically span 5 to 10 years, are struggling to keep pace with real-time growth.

While the addition of 75,000 square feet and eight security lanes provides immediate relief, the “Journey With AUS” program will likely need to accelerate subsequent phases to prevent the return of the severe congestion seen in recent years. The reliance on federal grants and enterprise revenue rather than local taxes positions the airport well politically, but the operational pressure remains high as the region continues to attract both business and leisure traffic at record rates.

Sources

• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and Bloomberg News. The original Bloomberg report is paywalled; this article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.

SAS Initiates Talks with Boeing and Airbus for Major Widebody Order

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has officially entered negotiations with aerospace giants Boeing and Airbus for a significant order of widebody Commercial-Aircraft, marking a decisive pivot from its recent restructuring efforts toward aggressive long-haul expansion. According to reporting by Bloomberg News and Reuters, SAS CEO Anko van der Werff confirmed on February 4, 2026, that the Airlines is evaluating proposals from both Manufacturers to renew and expand its intercontinental fleet.

The potential Orders, described by leadership as “large,” aims to secure delivery slots for the late 2020s and early 2030s. This move comes as SAS exits Chapter 11 bankruptcy and integrates deeper into the SkyTeam alliance, signaling a renewed focus on establishing Copenhagen as a primary global hub.

The Contenders: Boeing vs. Airbus

While SAS currently operates an all-Airbus widebody fleet, the airline is reportedly considering a mix of established and next-generation airframes from both sides of the Atlantic. According to the research data available, the specific models under consideration include:

• Boeing: The 787 Dreamliner and the 777X.
• Airbus: The A350 (likely the -900 or -1000 variants) and the A330neo.

A decision to purchase Boeing aircraft would represent a significant strategic shift for SAS, which retired its last Boeing 737s between late 2023 and 2024. However, engaging both manufacturers is a standard industry practice to leverage competitive pricing and delivery guarantees.

Strategic Context and Timing

The timing of this negotiation is critical. Having emerged from bankruptcy protection in 2024, SAS is now in what analysts describe as a “growth phase.” The airline recently joined the SkyTeam alliance in September 2024, aligning its network with partners such as Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM.

According to company announcements, SAS is already expanding its long-haul footprint, with a new daily route to Dubai scheduled to launch in October 2026 and increased frequencies to key U.S. and Asian cities. A modernized widebody fleet is essential to sustain this capacity growth.

External Pressures: Ownership and Geopolitics

The fleet negotiations are unfolding against a backdrop of significant corporate and geopolitical changes. Air France-KLM is currently in the process of increasing its stake in SAS to 60.5%, a majority acquisition expected to close in the second half of 2026.

While Air France-KLM is a major operator of Airbus A350 aircraft, having ordered more than 50 of the type in late 2023, SAS leadership maintains that it operates independently regarding fleet decisions. However, industry observers note that fleet harmonization with a parent company often yields maintenance and operational synergies.

Addressing Geopolitical Tensions

Recent diplomatic friction between the United States and Denmark regarding Greenland has led to speculation that political factors could influence the order. However, SAS leadership has publicly dismissed these concerns.

“Political tensions would not dictate commercial fleet decisions.”

, Paraphrased from CEO Anko van der Werff via Bloomberg News

The CEO emphasized that the choice will be driven by commercial metrics rather than diplomatic pressure, despite the complex political environment.

AirPro News Analysis

The Leverage Play: Publicly announcing talks with both Boeing and Airbus is a classic negotiation tactic. Even if SAS intends to maintain an all-Airbus widebody fleet for crew and maintenance commonality, feigning serious interest in the Boeing 787 or 777X forces Airbus to compete more aggressively on price and delivery slots.

The Mixed Fleet Risk: For a carrier of SAS’s size, reintroducing a mixed fleet (operating both Airbus and Boeing widebodies) carries substantial risk. It duplicates training requirements, spare parts inventories, and maintenance protocols. Unless the order is massive enough to justify these added costs, the operational logic heavily favors continuing with the A350 and A330neo platforms, especially given the impending majority ownership by Air France-KLM, a staunch Airbus customer.

FAQ: SAS Fleet Renewal

When will the new aircraft be delivered?

Deliveries are targeted for the late 2020s to early 2030s, aligning with industry production backlogs and SAS’s long-term growth strategy.

Does SAS currently fly Boeing aircraft?

No. SAS retired its last Boeing 737 aircraft in 2024 and currently operates an all-Airbus fleet for both short-haul and long-haul operations.

How does the Air France-KLM deal affect this?

Air France-KLM is set to acquire a majority 60.5% stake in SAS by the second half of 2026. While SAS operates independently, the parent group’s strong relationship with Airbus could influence the final decision toward fleet commonality.

Sources

• Reuters
• Bloomberg News
• SAS Group