The Taiwanese carrier has signed a multi-year deal with the LA Clippers, becoming the NBA team’s “Offical International Airline Partner”
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Los Angeles International Airport
- IATA/ICAO Code:
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- Justin Erbacci
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Following the announcement of its first transpacific service in February, Taiwanese startup Starlux has unveiled an exciting new multi-year partnership with the LA Clippers and business expansion into the United States.
The newest member of Clipper Nation
Launched in 2020, the premium experience-focused carrier has already expanded its presence across Asia from its hub at Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), offering flights to destinations in Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines, among others. Last year, Starlux confirmed it was turning its eyes towards North America following the delivery of its first Airbus A350 widebody, subsequently announcing its first US-bound service between Taipei and Los Angeles (LAX) in February.
Although the route does not launch until April 26, the Taiwanese airline has already unveiled plans to ramp up its frequencies from five flights a week to daily from June, owed to the establishment of a partnership with the LA Clippers.
Starlux and the LA Clippers commemorated the partnership with a jersey ceremony earlier this week. Photo: Starlux via LinkedIn
The multi-year partnership will establish the carrier as the “Official International Airline Partner of the LA Clippers.” Along with general in-arena activation and hospitality events, the partnership will expand through Starlux’s transpacific branding, giving basketball fans a very unique travel experience.
From June 1, Starlux will feature Clippers-themed branding and amenities onboard flights between Taipei and Los Angeles, with items ranging from themed meal packaging, to luggage tags and boarding passes available during check-in.
“We’re thrilled to partner with STARLUX Airlines to celebrate their new flight route to Los Angeles and work together to reach new global audiences,” noted Scott Sonnenberg, LA Clippers Chief Global Partnerships Officer.
“Clipper Nation is made up of diverse fans in Los Angeles and around the world, and this new partnership will literally help us bring Clippers fans to LA. I can’t think of anything better.”
The NBA team’s branding will be featured on Starlux’s in-flight meal packaging, ranging from napkins and placemats, to burger wrapping and kid’s meals. Photo: Starlux via LinkedIn
Starlux and the LA Clippers celebrated the new partnership, marking the moment with a jersey presentation and debut of the carrier’s in-game assets at the Clippers’ arena earlier this week.
“We are thrilled to announce that STARLUX is now the “Official International Airline Partner of the LA Clippers.” Starting in June, passengers and fans can experience Clippers-themed amenities on TPE-LAX flights,” Starlux wrote in a social media post.
“LA is so full of energy. We can’t wait to start our flight on 4/27. LAX Go!”
Expanding across the Pacific
Tickets for Starlux’s new service are currently live, with flights set to launch on April 26. Five weekly flights are now available, running Monday and Wednesday, through Saturday, before increasing to daily frequencies in June.
The route will be operated by Starlux’s brand-new A350 jets, configured in a four-class “luxury” layout. A total of 306 seats are available on each flight, including four seats in Starlux’s very cushy first class product, 26 in business, 36 in premium economy, and 240 in regular economy seating.
Photo: Omid Behzadpour | Shutterstock
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Although Los Angeles is currently the only North American destination for the carrier, Starlux has had its eyes on the United States for a while, facing some setbacks due to travel restrictions during the pandemic. In 2020, the airline confirmed with Focus Taiwan that it had applied for non-stop flights to 15 North American destinations, including Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK), Houston (IAH), and Ontario (ONT). Starlux’s new Los Angeles route will see the carrier open an office within the city, potentially opening up further expansion opportunities between Taiwan and North America in the near future.
Will you be flying with Starlux to Los Angeles this summer? What other US destinations would you like to see the carrier add? Let us know in the comments.
Source: Focus Taiwan
Source: simpleflying.com
