Airlines

STARLUX Airlines Launches First Transpacific Flight to Los Angeles

STARLUX Airlines, a Taiwan-based luxury carrier, announced the launch of its inaugural Taipei-Los Angeles transpacific flight debuting on April 26. Initially starting with five weekly flights, the service is expected to ramp to daily in June. STARLUX also announced the establishment of its first US office based in Los Angeles and its new designation as the “Official International Airline Partner of the LA Clippers” as part of a multi-year partnership with the NBA team.

With eyes to the skies and “luxury” embedded in its brand, STARLUX strives to achieve the highest standards in operations, service, safety, and management. The airline operates the TPE-LAX route with its new-generation Airbus A350 configured in a premium four-class layout, with four seats in First, 26 in Business, 36 in Premium Economy, and 240 in Economy.

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Travelers in First and Business will have a cozy private space with a sliding door and seats with full-flat and Zero G mode for full relaxation. The extra-legroom Premium Economy section features a 40-inch Recaro seat with a leg rest and footrest bar. Economy Class seats are also built for utmost comfort, equipped with leather headrests and wide seat pitch. In addition, the A350 offers nose-to-tail seatback entertainment featuring 4K personal large screens.

The Clippers are an innovative global brand with an international fan base and reach, and STARLUX is the latest international company to join Clipper Nation. In addition to in-arena activations and hospitality elements in Los Angeles, STARLUX’s partnership with the Clippers includes international rights through the NBA’s international team marketing program. The airline will activate in-flight branding, international sweepstakes, and other digital and in-person activations featuring Clippers elements and personalities.

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Starting June 1, Clippers-themed amenities will be provided on STARLUX TPE-LAX flights, such as themed meal packaging including paper placemats, napkins, towelettes, inflight meal foil covers, mini food flags, burger wrapping paper, and kids meal boxes. Other niceties include playing cards, eye masks, paper cups, stirrers, rice cracker packages, luggage tags, boarding passes, and stickers will be distributed at check-in.

Airline ticket reservations for departures from April 26, 2023, onward can now be booked through travel agents and on www.starlux-airlines.com. Flights will depart Los Angeles for Taipei on Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday at 00:50 hours. Flights will depart Taipei for Los Angeles on Monday and Wednesday through Saturday at 23:40 hours.

Airlines

Federal Court Imposes $100M Fine on Qantas for “Ghost Flights” Scandal

In a major ruling, the Federal Court has confirmed a hefty A$100 million penalty against Qantas for its involvement in the “ghost flights” scandal. As reported by FlightGlobal.

The court found that Qantas misled consumers by offering and selling tickets for flights that the airline had already decided to cancel. Adding to the controversy, Qantas failed to promptly notify ticket holders about these cancellations.

The penalty follows Qantas’ admission of violating the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). The airline agreed with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on the penalty amount, aiming to deter Qantas and other businesses from similar breaches in the future.

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The ACCC emphasized that this substantial fine sends a clear message: misleading customers will lead to serious consequences, regardless of a company’s size. In addition to the penalty, Qantas has committed to paying approximately A$20 million to affected passengers who unknowingly purchased tickets for canceled flights.

This compensation comes on top of any refunds or alternative flight arrangements already provided. ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb praised the penalty, underscoring the importance of robust compliance programs red energy qantas in large corporations like Qantas.

She pointed out that Qantas has since made changes to its operating and scheduling procedures to prevent similar issues in the future.