Starlux: A Flight Born From Family Conflict
Ever wondered about Starlux, the airline making waves? Here's a quick look at its intriguing origin story.
The Key Players: A Legacy and a Vision
To understand Starlux, we need to talk about two prominent figures: Chang Yung-Fa (CYF), the founder of the Evergreen Group and later EVA Air, and his youngest son, Chang Kuo-wei (CKW).
CYF had five children. While his elder children primarily focused on the business side of Evergreen, CKW immersed himself in the technical aspects. He started at EVA Air as a mechanic, worked his way up to become a pilot, and eventually became chairman of the airline, gaining invaluable hands-on knowledge.
A Disputed Inheritance
In 2016, shortly before his passing, CYF bequeathed EVA Air and the Evergreen Group to CKW in his will. However, CYF's other children contested the will, claiming their father was not of sound mind when he wrote it. During the ensuing legal battle, they orchestrated a board vote that ousted CKW from his position as EVA Air chairman.
The Birth of Starlux
Undeterred, CKW announced his intention to establish a new airline: Starlux. His vision was to create a premium airline, believing that the two major Taiwanese carriers (EVA Air and China Airlines) had become complacent and were primarily focused on the economy travel segment. With his extensive knowledge gained from years at EVA Air, CKW swiftly prepared everything, and Starlux officially launched in 2020.
A Premium Experience
Passengers who have flown Starlux often describe a distinct experience compared to EVA Air or China Airlines. Many are immediately impressed by the interior design, noting the elegant aesthetics, sophisticated color schemes, and a general sense of luxury. Interestingly, fares are often comparable to, or even lower than, those of its competitors. The service is generally perceived as superior, with more spacious seating, updated entertainment systems, and (subjectively speaking) more appealing cuisine.
Convenient New Routes
Starlux has also introduced new and convenient routes. For example, travelers in Southern California heading to Vietnam now have the option of flying from Ontario Airport, offering a faster check-in process and a less crowded experience compared to LAX.
The Verdict
Given the choice, many now prefer Starlux over EVA Air and China Airlines. If you haven't tried Starlux, it might be worth experiencing. Word is that their business class is exceptional!
Source: Trung Vu (Vietnamese Director in the USA)
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