Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) welcomed the arrival of STARLUX Airlines’ inaugural flight from Taipei yesterday. The luxury airline’s Airbus A350-900 touched down in the afternoon, ushering in the sixth new international service out of SEA in 2024. STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai joined a special welcome celebration alongside local officials and representatives, including Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho. Travelers out of SEA now have 53 nonstop international services to choose from on 27 different airline partners.
“We’re thrilled to welcome STARLUX to SEA as our new partner airline,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho. “This summer has been bustling with travel, and the growing interest in connecting to Taipei reflects the vibrant global ties we cherish. We’re committed to nurturing these connections, ensuring that our communities and cultures continue to benefit from the rich exchange that being the gateway to Asia brings to the Pacific Northwest.”
Those flying to Taipei can connect onward to 23 other Asian destinations through the STARLUX network, while inbound travelers benefit from the connections available on Alaska Airline’s network. Alaska Airlines became STARLUX’s first airline partner in April 2023.
Representatives from both airlines were present at SEA yesterday to celebrate the opening of STARLUX’s third U.S. destination. The festivities included a ribbon cutting ceremony, gift exchange, and special performance by Mak Fai Kung Fu Dragon and Lion Dance Association.
“STARLUX is proud to arrive at SEA as they celebrate their 75th year,” said STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai. “Seattle isn't just our newest destination, it's a pivotal milestone in our U.S. expansion strategy. As the hometown airport for our partner Alaska Airlines, we can now connect passengers from over 100 U.S. cities via the West Coast to Asia Pacific.”
Taiwan is a foodie’s paradise
Taiwanese cuisine has made its mark on the global stage, attracting visitors from around the world for the food alone. Nearby regional influences throughout history and Taiwan’s geographic location blend together to create the vibrant food scene of today. Some favorite dishes to sample on your next trip to Taipei include the comfort food of choice, beef noodle soup, historical Tainanese fishermen’s Danzai noodles, and the beloved pineapple cake for dessert.
Flight details
| Route | Days | Depart | Arrival | Flight No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEA to TPE | Mon, Thu, Sat | 2:10 a.m. | 5:10 a.m. (+1 day) | JX031 |
| TPE to SEA | Wed, Fri, Sun | 8:00 p.m. | 4:15 p.m. | JX032 |
International service at SEA
STARLUX to Taipei is SEA’s sixth new nonstop international service in 2024. The airport previously welcomed China Airlines and Delta Air Lines’ service to Taipei; Lufthansa’s service to Munich, Germany; Hainan Airlines’ service to Chongqing, China; and Alaska Airlines’ service to Toronto, Canada. SEA now offers 53 services to 33 international destinations on 27 different airlines. In October, Philippine Airlines will begin service to Manila, followed by Alaska Airlines service to Liberia, Costa Rica, in December.
Airport tips for traveling abroad
There are several ways to make international trips through SEA Airport smoother. Trusted Traveler Programs like Mobile Passport Control and Global Entry streamline a traveler’s entry process into the United States. Outbound travelers will benefit from enrolling in TSA PreCheck. Learn more about expedited security programs, and visit SEA’s International Travel page for more tips.
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About STARLUX Airlines
STARLUX is a luxury airline based in Taipei now serving 23 Asian routes: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Cebu, Clark, Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc Island, Jakarta (starting Sept.1), Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Singapore, Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Hakodate, Sapporo, Sendai, Okinawa, Macau, Hong Kong. STARLUX is dedicated to providing exquisite services and utmost comfort for each passenger to enjoy an unforgettable journey. STARLUX serves passengers traveling between Asia and North America with three U.S. routes with an easy transfer in Taipei. The STARLUX fleet consists of three types of new-generation Airbuses which are extremely efficient — A321neo, A330neo, and A350-900 — to provide the finest and eco-friendly journeys. For more information, visit the STARLUX Airlines website or on U.S. social channels Facebook and Instagram.
About Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Operated by the Port of Seattle, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) serves the people of the Pacific Northwest with essential services, access to hundreds of domestic and global destinations, and economic activity that supports tens of thousands of jobs and produces $22 billion in economic activity. SEA has earned the highest U.S. ranking in Skytrax’s World’s Top 100 Airports for the third year in a row, two consecutive years as Best Airport in North America (2022/2023), and a 4-Star Skytrax Rating, focused on customer-centered travel with better services, facilities, and amenities. SEA totaled over 50.8 million passengers in 2023 — down just 1.8% from 2019 — with a forecast to exceed pre-pandemic traveler volumes in 2024. Thirty-six airlines serve 93 nonstop domestic and 33 international destinations including Canada, Mexico, and seasonal operations.
For more information about our U.S. Top 12 airport, visit www.flysea.org and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Every day. Elevate.
Contact
Perry Cooper | SEA Airport
(206) 787-4923 | [email protected]
