A Historic Milestone at the Aviation Industry’s “Oscars”
A memorable landmark 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 only 11 airlines worldwide to have achieved 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 stringent evaluation criteria.
At this year’s ceremony, STARLUX Airlines surprised everyone by setting a new record. It became the fastest airline to attain the 5-star rating in the history of aviation, accomplishing this feat within just 5 years of its first commercial flight.
As of 2025, only 11 airlines globally have been bestowed the 5-star rating by SKYTRAX—an esteemed “hall of fame” that STARLUX Airlines has entered in a remarkably short time.
SKYTRAX is renowned worldwide as the leading independent airline rating organization, based in the UK. They conduct rigorous assessments through passenger surveys and on-site inspections, evaluating airlines against hundreds of criteria grouped into two main categories: 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 a remarkable impression by also receiving the “World’s Most Improved Airline” award. This “double win” is a clear testament to the airline’s significant advancements in service quality, technology, and flight experience, offered by this international airline from Taiwan.
A 5-Year Journey to Achieving the 5-Star Airline Status
Despite being a young airline with just 5 years of operation, STARLUX Airlines has rapidly established itself and forged a unique identity with its philosophy of “Luxury Beyond Horizons.” This philosophy embodies the pursuit of extraordinary luxury, creating truly distinct flight experiences. With STARLUX, every passenger is treated like a star throughout their journey. That’s why STARLUX consistently delivers exceptional service across all four cabin classes: First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy—an achievement that very few 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. STARLUX’s 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.
A spokesperson for the airline shared: “The 5-Star Airline status from SKYTRAX is not just a prestigious recognition but also a testament to the quality and long-term commitment of STARLUX Airlines. We consistently strive for the highest standards and pay attention to the tiniest details to perfect our passengers’ flight experiences. Every journey with STARLUX is intended to be a memorable and delightful part of their trip—this is the guiding principle behind everything we do.”
Currently, STARLUX operates daily flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc to Taipei, connecting passengers from Vietnam to a comprehensive network of 29 routes worldwide, including the USA, Japan, Macau, Thailand, 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 is Taiwan’s 5-Star Airline, distinguished by its modern fleet and internationally acclaimed services. Its Business Class has been likened to an “on-air sanctuary,” offering unparalleled amenities: fully lie-flat seats with a zero-gravity mode, crisp 24-inch 4K entertainment screens, wireless charging, and Michelin-standard culinary delights, complemented by the galactic-themed lounge, delivering a truly extraordinary experience.
