Starlux: A Story of Aviation Born From a Power Struggle
Ever wondered about Starlux Airlines? Let's dive into the story behind this relatively new carrier.
The Key Players: Chang Yung-Fa and Chang Kuo-Wei
The story of Starlux 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, four from his first marriage and CKW from his second. While his elder sons focused on the business side of Evergreen, CKW gravitated towards the technical aspects of aviation. He started at EVA Air as a mechanic, worked his way up to become a pilot, and eventually became Chairman.
The Inheritance Dispute and a New Airline is Born
In 2016, shortly before his passing, CYF bequeathed EVA Air and the Evergreen Group to CKW in his will. However, his other children contested the will, arguing that their father wasn't of sound mind when he wrote it. During the legal battle, they orchestrated a board vote and ousted CKW from his position as Chairman of EVA Air.
Undeterred, CKW announced his intention to establish a new airline: Starlux. His vision was to create a premium airline, believing that Taiwan's existing major carriers, EVA Air and China Airlines, had become complacent and focused primarily on economy class passengers. Leveraging his deep understanding of the airline industry gained from his years at EVA Air, CKW rapidly prepared for launch. In 2020, Starlux officially took to the skies.
The Starlux Experience: A Cut Above the Rest
Passengers who have flown with Starlux often note a distinct difference compared to EVA Air or China Airlines. The cabin design is often described as elegant and luxurious, with thoughtfully chosen color palettes for the seats and carpets. What's more, fares are often comparable to, or even lower than, those of its competitors. The service is also frequently praised, with passengers reporting more spacious seating, newer entertainment systems, and (possibly subjectively) better food.
Starlux is also expanding its route network, offering convenient options for travelers. For example, those in Southern California heading to Vietnam now have the option of flying from Ontario Airport, which is often less crowded and offers faster check-in compared to LAX.
Final Thoughts
Many travelers, given the choice, now prioritize Starlux over EVA Air and China Airlines. If you haven't experienced Starlux yet, it might be worth a try. And the business class seats are rumored to be exceptional.
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