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