Starlux: A Tale of Ambition and Aviation in Taiwan
Some of you might be curious about Starlux Airlines, so here's a quick look at this interesting airline.
The Key Players: A Family Affair
The Starlux story is intertwined with two prominent figures: Chang Yung-Fa (CYF), the founder of the Evergreen Group and EVA Air, and his youngest son, Chang Kuo-wei (CKW).
CYF had five children. While the elder four focused primarily on business ventures, CKW gravitated towards the technical aspects. He started at EVA Air as a mechanic, worked his way up to become a pilot, and eventually, after mastering every facet of the airline, became Chairman.
A Father's Wish and a Family Feud
In 2016, before his passing, CYF bequeathed EVA Air and the entire Evergreen Group to CKW in his will. However, his other children contested the will, alleging that CYF was not of sound mind when he wrote it. They subsequently challenged CKW's position as Chairman of EVA Air through a board vote.
The Birth of Starlux
Undeterred, CKW announced the creation of a new airline, Starlux. Believing that Taiwan's two major airlines (EVA Air and China Airlines) had become complacent and were primarily focused on economy class travel, he envisioned Starlux as a premium airline. With his extensive knowledge gained from years at EVA Air, CKW swiftly established Starlux, which officially launched in 2020.
A Premium Experience
Those who have flown with Starlux often notice a distinct difference compared to EVA Air or China Airlines. The cabin design is stylish and luxurious, with beautiful seat and carpet color schemes. The fares are competitive, sometimes even lower than EVA Air or China Airlines. The service is excellent, the seats feel more spacious, the entertainment system is modern, and the food is noticeably delicious.
Convenient Routes
Starlux also offers new and convenient flight routes. For example, travellers in Southern California heading to Vietnam now have the option of flying from Ontario Airport, which offers faster check-in and less congestion than LAX.
The Verdict?
Given the choice, many would prioritize Starlux over EVA Air and China Airlines. If you haven't tried Starlux yet, it's definitely worth experiencing. The business class seats are rumored to be especially luxurious.
Source: Trung Vu (Vietnamese Business Leader in the US)
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