Taiwan's Starlux Airlines announced Thursday that it has entered the South Korean market for the first time, launching inaugural service on Busan-Taiwan routes.
The Busan-Taipei route will operate daily in both directions, while the Busan-Taichung route will run three times a week — on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Both routes are served by the A321neo, configured with eight business class seats and 180 economy class seats.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Gimhae International Airport to mark the launch. The new routes are expected to lay fresh groundwork for expanding tourism and business exchanges between Taiwan and Busan, built on cooperation among government agencies, tourism organizations and the aviation industry.
Walter Liang, chief communications officer at Starlux Airlines, said Busan is "a dynamic maritime city and an important economic hub in Korea," adding that the airline is "deeply honored to welcome Busan as Starlux's first destination in Korea."
He said the airline's dual-city strategy connecting Taipei and Taichung would give travelers "more flexible and convenient options" while further expanding tourism and business ties between Korea and Taiwan. "We look forward to working closely with local governments and relevant agencies to build a sustainable and vibrant travel market," he added.
Starlux Airlines said it has also prepared a special promotion to mark the launch, partnering with HOSHINOYA Guguan — a premium hot-spring resort operated by Japan's Hoshino Resorts — to offer an event combining air travel with a luxury lifestyle experience.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by key officials including Kuo Sheng-kai, director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Busan; Lee Je-yun, airport director of Gimhae International Airport under the Korea Airports Corporation; Lee Jeong-sil, president of the Busan Tourism Organization; and Park Jae-hong, head of Busan Metropolitan City's New Airport Promotion Headquarters. Also present were Kim Seok-gyu, chairman of Daejoo Air Service — Starlux's general sales agent in Korea — and Kim Seung-beom, branch manager of Sharp Aviation.
Founded in 2020, Starlux Airlines has now established 43 routes serving 34 cities across Asia and North America, including its newly added Busan service.
abc@heraldcorp.com
