A Historic Milestone at the “Oscars of Aviation”
A memorable event took place at the 2025 SKYTRAX World Airline Awards on June 17, as STARLUX Airlines was officially recognized as a 5-Star Airline, joining the elite group of 11 airlines worldwide that have attained this prestigious standard.
The SKYTRAX awards are one of the oldest and most respected in the industry, often referred to as the “Oscars of Aviation” due to their scale and rigorous evaluation criteria.
At this year’s ceremony, STARLUX Airlines surprised everyone by setting a new record. It became the fastest airline to achieve the 5-star rating in the history of aviation, just five years after its first commercial flight.
As of 2025, only 11 airlines globally have been awarded the 5-star rating by SKYTRAX—an esteemed “hall of fame” that STARLUX Airlines has joined in a short time.
SKYTRAX is a renowned UK-based independent airline rating organization that conducts strict evaluations through passenger surveys and on-site inspections, based on hundreds of criteria falling into two main groups: Product Quality and Service Quality.
This year’s SKYTRAX awards attracted over 22 million votes from customers worldwide, with more than 325 airlines being assessed.
Additionally, STARLUX made another remarkable achievement by winning the “World’s Most Improved Airline” award. This “double win” is a testament to the significant advancements the airline has made in service quality, technology, and flight experience, solidifying its position as a leading international airline from Taiwan.
A Five-Year Journey to the 5-Star Airline Title
Despite being a young airline with just five years of operation, STARLUX Airlines has made remarkable strides and quickly established its unique identity with the philosophy of “Luxury Beyond Horizons.” This philosophy embodies the pursuit of extraordinary luxury, creating distinct flight experiences. At STARLUX, every passenger is treated like a star and provided with consistent service across all four cabin classes: First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy—an achievement that only a handful of airlines worldwide can match.
The airline also boasts a modern and uniform fleet, including the latest aircraft models such as the A321neo, A330neo, and A350-900. Its business class is renowned among discerning travelers for offering superlative experiences beyond the ordinary, featuring Michelin-standard cuisine crafted by celebrated chefs and restaurants, and the Galactic Lounge, designed with a galactic theme.
“The 5-Star Airline title from SKYTRAX is not just a prestigious recognition but also a testament to STARLUX Airlines’ long-term commitment to excellence,” said a spokesperson for the airline. “We strive for the highest standards and pay attention to the tiniest details to ensure our passengers have a memorable journey. Every flight with STARLUX is intended to be an enjoyable and unique part of their overall travel experience—this is our guiding principle.”
Currently, STARLUX operates daily flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc to Taipei, connecting passengers from Vietnam to its extensive network of 29 routes, including the USA, Japan, Macau, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Notably, passengers can conveniently connect from Taipei to North America via Los Angeles, San Francisco, Ontario, and Seattle, with Phoenix (Arizona) being added to the network in 2026.
STARLUX Airlines, Taiwan’s 5-star airline, stands out with its modern fleet and internationally acclaimed services. Its business class has been likened to an “on-air retreat,” offering unparalleled amenities: fully lie-flat seats with a zero-gravity mode, crisp 24-inch 4K entertainment screens, wireless charging, and Michelin-standard cuisine prepared by renowned chefs and restaurants. The galactic-themed lounge further enhances the exceptional travel experience.
