STARLUX Airlines and Etihad Airways Establish New Codeshare Partnership
STARLUX Airlines and Etihad Airways Forge Strategic Codeshare Partnership to Expand Global Connectivity In a significant step toward deepening international connectivity and enhancing passenger experience, Taiwan-based premium carrier STARLUX Airlines has announced a strategic codeshare partnership with Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways. The agreement, formalized during the 81st International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting held in New Delhi, underscores the airlines’ mutual commitment to delivering seamless global travel options with a focus on comfort, convenience, and connectivity.
This milestone partnership represents a pivotal development in STARLUX’s ambitious international growth strategy. It also reinforces Etihad’s ongoing effort to expand its reach across Northeast Asia and deepen its presence in key Asian markets. By aligning their route networks, both airlines aim to offer travelers greater access to an expanded range of destinations spanning Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Codeshare Synergy: Connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe
Through the new codeshare arrangement, STARLUX Airlines passengers will be able to book and travel on Etihad-operated flights using a single ticket issued by STARLUX. Initially, the codeshare will enable travelers departing from Taipei—STARLUX’s main hub—to connect via Abu Dhabi to popular European cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Prague. These routes will be available for booking through STARLUX’s official website and authorized sales channels, ensuring a convenient and streamlined purchasing process for passengers.
In parallel, Etihad Airways customers will benefit from simplified access to STARLUX’s growing Asia-Pacific network. The agreement will allow Etihad passengers to book codeshare flights to key destinations in Japan, including Nagoya, Sapporo, and Fukuoka, via a connection in Taipei. This connectivity is expected to appeal to both business and leisure travelers seeking access to Japan’s vibrant regions and cultural hubs.
The collaboration eliminates the complexity of managing multiple tickets or dealing with disconnected check-in procedures. Travelers booking under the codeshare agreement will enjoy a unified itinerary, single check-in, and automatic baggage transfer to their final destination. These features aim to reduce travel stress and improve the overall journey for passengers flying with either carrier.
Mutual Benefits for Frequent Flyers and Loyalty Program Members
As part of the codeshare initiative, STARLUX and Etihad have announced plans to introduce a reciprocal frequent flyer partnership by the end of the year. This development will allow loyalty program members from both airlines to earn and redeem miles across the partner’s network.
Such integration is particularly appealing to STARLUX COSMILE and Etihad Guest members, offering them the opportunity to maximize rewards, gain tier benefits, and enhance their travel experience through priority boarding, lounge access, and other elite services. Further details on the mileage accrual structure and tier reciprocity are expected to be released in the coming months.
Additionally, the two airlines will collaborate on joint sales and marketing campaigns in Taiwan and other relevant markets to boost awareness of the partnership and drive bookings. These campaigns will highlight the strengths of both carriers—Etihad’s well-established reputation in long-haul service and STARLUX’s rapidly growing footprint in transpacific and regional Asia-Pacific travel.
Executive Commentary: Aligning Premium Brands
STARLUX Airlines has built its reputation on delivering a luxury-oriented flying experience, combining world-class cabin design, customer service, and culinary excellence. This ethos is closely aligned with that of Etihad Airways, widely recognized for its commitment to innovation and superior onboard service. Leaders from both companies have emphasized the strategic and cultural fit between the two brands.
“Our partnership with Etihad Airways marks a significant milestone in STARLUX Airlines’ global expansion, laying the foundation for future European routes,” said Simon Liu, Chief Strategy Officer at STARLUX Airlines. “As one of the Middle East’s leading carriers, Etihad is globally recognized for its innovation and premium service—values that strongly align with the STARLUX brand. By leveraging Abu Dhabi’s role as a major hub, this codeshare allows us to rapidly extend our network into Europe, offering passengers a wider range of travel options. We also look forward to deepening collaboration on mileage accrual and premium services to ensure an exceptional experience for customers.”
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, also spoke about the potential of the partnership. “This partnership with STARLUX Airlines opens new market opportunities in Northeast Asia, giving our customers access to Japan’s key business and leisure destinations through Taipei,” De said. “STARLUX Airlines’ reputation for premium service aligns perfectly with our standards, and together we’re offering travelers more choice and convenience when connecting across three continents.”
STARLUX’s Expanding Global Ambitions
Launched in 2020, STARLUX Airlines has quickly gained recognition as a rising force in premium air travel, targeting discerning travelers with a luxury-first service proposition. The airline currently operates 32 routes to 27 destinations, primarily within Asia, but has increasingly been eyeing the transpacific and European markets as areas of future growth.
In North America, STARLUX already serves key gateways including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, with recent network expansions adding momentum to its long-haul ambitions. On June 2, 2025, the airline launched its newest U.S. route to Ontario, California, with four weekly flights aimed at serving travelers across Southern California and the Inland Empire. Additionally, Phoenix is slated to become STARLUX’s fifth U.S. destination by February 2026, marking another significant milestone in its westward expansion.
These developments are backed by the airline’s fleet of Airbus A350s and A330neos, which provide long-range capability and a state-of-the-art in-flight experience tailored to premium international travelers. With its young fleet and strong service credentials, STARLUX is positioning itself to become a competitive player on major intercontinental corridors.
Etihad’s Vision for Northeast Asia
For Etihad Airways, the partnership comes as part of a broader strategy to deepen engagement in Asia-Pacific, especially in the lucrative Northeast Asia market. Taiwan, and Taipei in particular, serves as a natural hub for distributing traffic into Japan and Southeast Asia, areas where demand for both business and leisure travel continues to rebound following the global recovery from the pandemic.
The addition of Taipei as a codeshare hub opens new opportunities for Etihad’s passengers seeking convenient access to Japan, one of the most visited destinations in the world. Furthermore, STARLUX’s commitment to luxury complements Etihad’s own standards, ensuring a consistent premium experience throughout the journey.
A New Era of Collaborative Aviation
The STARLUX–Etihad codeshare partnership marks the beginning of what both airlines hope will be a broader and deeper alliance. As aviation continues to recover and evolve in the post-pandemic era, strategic partnerships like this one offer a practical path forward for airlines seeking growth without the overhead of launching their own direct operations in distant markets.
By pooling resources, networks, and brand strengths, STARLUX Airlines and Etihad Airways are not only enhancing the travel experience but also setting a precedent for collaboration in the competitive international aviation landscape.
With integrated services, expanded route access, and a shared focus on premium hospitality, the new codeshare agreement delivers clear value for passengers while accelerating global growth ambitions for both carriers. As the partnership matures, travelers can expect even more destinations, improved loyalty benefits, and a harmonized travel experience that spans continents.