Taipei. Photo: Shutterstock American Airlines and STARLUX Airlines are expanding their trans-Pacific partnership with a new codeshare agreement that will give travelers more options for flying between North America and Taipei.
Tickets under the partnership went on sale September 23, with the first codeshare flights scheduled to operate from September 30. The agreement connects American’s extensive North American network with STARLUX’s Taipei hub and trans-Pacific services.
STARLUX Airlines. Photo: Thanhliemnguyen / Shutterstock.comUnder the initial agreement, American will place its code on STARLUX-operated flights between Taipei Taoyuan International Airport and four U.S. airports: Los Angeles International Airport, Ontario International Airport, San Francisco International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
A fifth route, between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Taipei, is also planned, subject to regulatory approval.
American Airlines. Photo: Markus Mainka / Shutterstock.comThe partnership is designed to make it easier for travelers to combine American and STARLUX services on a single itinerary. STARLUX says its side of the partnership will eventually provide access to 20 North American destinations through connections onto American-operated flights, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami, Orlando, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver and Las Vegas.
For American customers, the agreement adds another way to reach Taipei on STARLUX aircraft while maintaining access to American's loyalty program benefits.
AAdvantage members can earn miles and Loyalty Points when purchasing eligible American codeshare flights operated by STARLUX. The airlines also say they will explore future opportunities involving mileage redemption and additional benefits.
The airlines are also highlighting the range of cabins available on STARLUX-operated services. Travelers can book Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class through American's website or mobile app.
STARLUX's Business Class includes lie-flat seats with privacy doors, while Premium Economy offers a leg rest and retractable footrest. The Taiwanese carrier has positioned the service as a premium complement to American's expanding international network.
“This codeshare marks an important milestone for STARLUX,” STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai said, describing American's North American network as a complement to the airline's growing Asian operation.
American's Senior Vice President of Alliances Anmol Bhargava said the partnership is intended to create additional travel options for business, visiting friends and relatives, and leisure travelers heading to Taipei.