TAIPEI- STARLUX Airlines (JX) will reintroduce its flagship Airbus A350-900 on the Singapore route from 29 March 2026.
The deployment restores the carrier’s most premium onboard products on flights between Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) and Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).
The aircraft replacement represents a major upgrade over the current Airbus A330-900neo, bringing back long-haul Business Class, introducing Premium Economy, and offering a limited First Class product on the short-haul sector.
According to The Milelion, the move will significantly enhance the onboard experience, despite some operational drawbacks.
STARLUX A350-900 First Class on Singapore Route
STARLUX last operated the Airbus A350-900 to Singapore in June 2023, when the aircraft was deployed on regional routes for crew familiarisation ahead of its entry into long-haul North America services.
At the time, this marked a substantial step up from the A330-900neo, introducing premium long-haul cabins not normally seen on regional flights.
Although initially intended as a short-term deployment, the A350-900 remained on the Singapore route until January 2025.
It was then replaced by the Airbus A321neo, which itself was later swapped out in favor of a return to the A330-900neo. This series of aircraft changes reflected evolving fleet priorities rather than stable long-term planning for the route.
From late March 2026, the A350-900 will once again operate daily between Singapore and Taipei, restoring STARLUX’s most advanced widebody aircraft to the market.
From 29 March 2026, flights JX771 and JX772 will be operated daily by the Airbus A350-900, replacing the A330-900neo.
Daily Flight Schedule:
| Flight Number | Departure Airport | Departure Time | Arrival Airport | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JX771 | Taipei (TPE) | 08:00 | Singapore (SIN) | 12:40 |
| JX772 | Singapore (SIN) | 14:00 | Taipei (TPE) | 18:50 |
The A350-900 is currently rostered until 24 October 2026, coinciding with the end of the Northern Summer schedule. After this date, the route is expected to revert once again to the A330-900neo.
While the aircraft upgrade is notable, the flight timings are less favorable. Evening arrivals into Taipei and early morning departures limit convenience for point to point travelers.
Passengers connecting onward to North America via Taipei should also expect layovers of approximately four to five hours.
Cabin Availability and Indicative Pricing
All four cabin classes will be offered for sale on the Singapore–Taipei route. Sample round-trip fares for a one-week trip in April indicate the following price points:
- First Class: S$ 5,470
- Business Class: S$ 2,213
- Premium Economy Class: S$ 775
- Economy Class: S$ 399
Oneworld Membership and Loyalty Implications
STARLUX previously stated its intention to apply for oneworld membership by the end of 2025. With that deadline now passed and no updates announced, progress appears stalled.
Industry speculation suggests that Cathay Pacific, a oneworld founding member, may be exercising veto rights due to concerns over geographical proximity between Hong Kong and STARLUX’s Taipei hub.
As founding members retain approval authority over new entrants, alliance membership is unlikely until these objections are resolved.
In the absence of alliance partnerships, redemption options remain limited. The only practical way to redeem STARLUX flights is through Alaska Mileage Plan (formerly Alaska Atmos Rewards).
One-way Redemption Rates (Singapore–Taipei):
- Business Class: 50,000 miles
- Premium Economy: 32,500 miles
- Economy: 25,000 miles
First Class awards are theoretically possible but have yet to be observed in practice, and pricing remains unclear. At present, HeyMax is the only transfer partner in Singapore for Alaska Mileage Plan miles.
Fleet Overview and Passenger Experience
STARLUX operates 10 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, with an additional 18 A350-1000s on order. Each A350-900 features a four-class layout with a total capacity of 306 passengers:
- 4 First Class
- 26 Business Class
- 36 Premium Economy
- 240 Economy
First Class
The A350-900 features four First Class suites arranged in a 1-2-1 layout. These suites occupy the first row of the Business Class cabin and are not separated by a physical partition.
Each suite includes a full-height privacy door, zero-gravity seating, 32-inch 4K screens, Bluetooth audio connectivity, personal wardrobes, and minibar storage. While the soft product is enhanced, the absence of a dedicated cabin places this offering closer to a “Business Plus” concept rather than a traditional First Class experience, particularly given its pricing premium.
Business Class Experience
Business Class comprises 26 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. Seats are angled away from the aisle to improve privacy, with middle seats designed to better accommodate couples.
Features include privacy doors, 24-inch 4K screens, Bluetooth audio, generous seat pitch, zero-gravity recline, and fully flat beds. The product has been widely praised for comfort and design, positioning it among the strongest Business Class seats currently in service.
Premium Economy and Economy Cabins
Premium Economy debuted on the A350-900 and consists of 36 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration. All seats feature leg rests, footrest bars, and 15.6-inch 4K screens with Bluetooth audio.
Economy Class accommodates 240 passengers in a 3-3-3 layout, adding an extra seat per row compared to the A330neo’s 2-4-2 configuration. Aside from layout density, the seats are largely identical, featuring 13.3-inch 4K displays and Bluetooth connectivity.
Dimmable Windows and Enlarged Cabin
STARLUX was the first airline to introduce dimmable windows on the Airbus A350. These electronically controlled windows eliminate physical shades and block nearly all external light, while reducing cabin cooling demand.
The airline also operates a slightly enlarged A350 cabin variant, offering additional width and length compared to earlier builds, contributing to a more spacious cabin environment.
Conclusion
STARLUX’s decision to redeploy its flagship Airbus A350-900 to Singapore from March 2026 represents a meaningful upgrade in onboard comfort and cabin choice.
The return of First and Premium Economy enhances product differentiation on the competitive Singapore–Taipei route.
However, limited alliance integration, restricted redemption options, and less-than-ideal flight timings may temper appeal for some travelers.
For most Singapore-based passengers, cash fares will remain the primary way to experience STARLUX’s premium offering.
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