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 is based on an official press release from Atlantic Street Capital and summarizes additional industry reporting regarding regulatory developments.

Private Equity Firm Exits Aviation Services Investment Amidst Industry Consolidation

On February 5, 2026, Atlantic Street Capital (ASC), a private equity firm specializing in lower middle-market investments, announced the sale of its portfolio company, GAT Airline Ground Support, Inc. The buyer is PrimeFlight Aviation Services, a global provider of aircraft and passenger services backed by The Sterling Group and Capitol Meridian Partners. While financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, the deal marks a significant exit for ASC, which has held GAT since 2017.

The acquisition represents a major consolidation event within the North American aviation ground services sector. By acquiring GAT, PrimeFlight significantly expands its operational footprint, integrating a network that includes ground handling, cargo handling, and catering services. However, the transaction has immediately drawn scrutiny from labor organizations concerned about market dominance and workforce impacts.

Transaction Details and Strategic Context

According to the official press release from Atlantic Street Capital, the firm acquired GAT in 2017 from the founding family. Over the course of its nine-year ownership, ASC transitioned the company from a family-owned business into a professionalized industry leader. This period included the strategic acquisition of Sky Café, which allowed GAT to expand its catering services into the Canadian market.

Peter Shabecoff, Managing Partner at Atlantic Street Capital, highlighted the firm’s operationally intensive strategy in transforming GAT. The sale to PrimeFlight is positioned as the next phase of growth for the ground support provider. Piper Sandler & Co. served as the financial advisor to GAT, while Kirkland & Ellis LLP provided legal counsel.

Scale of the Combined Entity

Data regarding the operational scale of both companies underscores the magnitude of this mergers. According to industry reports and company profiles:

• GAT Airline Ground Support: Operates at nearly 70 airports across North America with approximately 6,000 employees.
• PrimeFlight Aviation Services: Operates at over 250 airports globally, offering services ranging from fueling and deicing to passenger support.

The integration of GAT’s 6,000-strong workforce and its specific expertise in ground and cargo handling is expected to complement PrimeFlight’s existing service portfolio, creating a “one-stop-shop” for airline vendors.

Labor Opposition and Regulatory Challenges

While the companies tout the strategic benefits of the merger, the deal faces immediate headwinds from organized labor. According to a statement released by UNITE HERE Local 11 on February 5, 2026, the union has formally requested that federal regulators intervene.

The union sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) urging them to block the acquisition on antitrust grounds. The labor group argues that the merger would reduce competition, potentially leading to higher prices for airlines and consumers while suppressing worker wages.

“The union highlights that PrimeFlight and GAT have overlapping operations at 27 airports, including major hubs like Atlanta (ATL), San Francisco (SFO), and Phoenix (PHX).”

, Summary of UNITE HERE Local 11 Complaint

The union contends that the combined entity would hold a dominant market position in 44 states, raising concerns about the reduction of competitive bidding options for air carriers.

AirPro News Analysis

The Push for Modernization and Efficiency

We observe that this transaction aligns with a broader trend of consolidation in the aviation services market, driven by the need for economies of scale. As airports and airlines push for greener operations, ground handling companies face increasing capital requirements to transition toward Electric Aviation Ground Support Equipment (eGSE). Larger entities like the combined PrimeFlight-GAT are generally better positioned to absorb the significant capital costs associated with electrifying tugs, loaders, and other ramp equipment.

However, the regulatory environment in 2026 remains aggressive regarding mergers that may reduce labor market competition. The specific overlap at major hubs identified by UNITE HERE Local 11 could trigger a more prolonged review process than a standard private equity exit would typically warrant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the seller in this transaction?
The seller is Atlantic Street Capital (ASC), a private equity firm that has owned GAT Airline Ground Support since 2017.

What companies are backing the buyer, PrimeFlight?
PrimeFlight Aviation Services is backed by private equity firms The Sterling Group and Capitol Meridian Partners, who acquired the company in 2023.

Why is the union opposing the deal?
UNITE HERE Local 11 argues that the merger reduces competition, which could harm worker wages and increase costs for airlines. They cite overlapping operations at 27 airports as a key antitrust concern.

Sources

• Atlantic Street Capital Press Release
• UNITE HERE Local 11 Statement (via Business Wire)