Starlux Airlines to receive 14 new aircraft in 2026, develops Taichung as its second base

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA      Image of Starlux's third and fourth A350-1000 : Starlux Airlines

Starlux Airlines Chief Strategy Officer Liu Yun-fu stated that Starlux will take delivery of 14 aircraft in 2026. The increased capacity must be utilized by opening new destinations or otherwise, the airline risks storing idle aircraft. In addition to increasing flights to existing destinations, a fourth aircraft is planned to be deployed at Taichung Airport in late March for the summer schedule, along with additional routes.

On 28 January 2026, after the launch of Starlux's brand project "STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA Art Project," Liu Yun-fu indicated that due to the higher number of flights and flight schedules at Taoyuan Airport, the airline is developing Taichung Airport as its second operating base.

Liu Yun-fu analyzed that compared to departing from Taichung late at night to Taoyuan Airport for an early morning flight, departing from Taichung Airport offers a significant time cost advantage, and its convenience justifies the higher ticket price compared to the High Speed ​​Rail.

Strategically, Taichung Airport has a vast passenger base, reaching south to Chiayi and north to Miaoli, while also covering central Taiwan counties such as Nantou and Changhua. Furthermore, Taichung itself has a large population, representing a huge potential customer base. Kaohsiung's passenger base extends primarily south and east, and the Kaohsiung Airport market is mature and highly competitive, with China Airlines and numerous low-cost carriers already operating there, making major routes nearly saturated.

Furthermore, Liu Yun-fu stated that the high-tech industrial clusters of the Central Taiwan Science Park and TSMC have brought stable business and tourism demand to Taichung. Even for travellers from Hsinchu, Taichung Airport is a convenient option. Taking all factors into consideration, Taichung Airport has become Starlux Airlines' second operating base, providing a solid foundation for its route network deployment.