Is Starlux Airlines quietly becoming the new benchmark for luxury business class?

Starlux’s A350-900 features Airbus’ latest production standard with a wider cabin and electro-dimmable windows. The business class cabin, created in partnership with BMW Designworks, feels modern, refined, and understatedly luxurious.

The aircraft is fitted with 26 Collins Aerospace Elements suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, each with a sliding door and a 48.5-inch privacy partition. Seats measure approximately 19.6 inches wide and convert into a fully flat bed measuring around 6’7”, with preset positions including a “Zero-G” recline inspired by NASA research to reduce pressure on the body during long-haul flights.

The suite feels genuinely premium. Dark, warm-toned upholstery is paired with refined metallic accents and soft-touch surfaces, giving the seat a furniture-like feel rather than a traditional airline shell. Stowage is well considered, with a deep compartment above the side table, a small passport drawer, and a triangular floor space for lighter items.

Power options include USB-A, USB-C, a universal power outlet, and a wireless charging pad, though the phone must be positioned carefully for charging. Lighting is excellent throughout the suite, with an overhead light, adjustable reading light, and an elegant side lamp.

On this flight, Starlux’s cabin crew were the standout element of the experience. Service was warm, polished, and consistently attentive, striking a natural balance between professionalism and genuine hospitality. Interactions felt personal without becoming intrusive, creating an atmosphere where passengers felt genuinely cared for.

Service etiquette was exemplary. Items were placed down gently, movements around the suite were considerate, and wine was poured using a linen napkin to prevent drips, a refined detail increasingly absent on other premium carriers. Elderly passengers received additional assistance, while those wishing to sleep were respectfully left undisturbed.

Pre-departure and pre-arrival safety checks were completed thoroughly yet discreetly, maintaining compliance without disrupting passenger comfort. Overall, the crew on this sector embodied the premium image Starlux aims to project.

Starlux provides two beautifully presented menus at the seat: a dining menu and a dedicated wine and beverage list, both printed on high-quality stock using sustainable soy ink. Passengers can choose between the Star Gourmet menu, curated by Michelin-starred chef Lam Ming Kin, or the Exclusive International menu.

On this flight, the Star Gourmet menu delivered refined flavours with elegant presentation. The five-course progression included mushroom chawanmushi with ikura and ponzu, a milkfish Niçoise starter with Banyuls vinaigrette, coconut crab bisque, a bread selection featuring red yeast rice rolls and mentaiko baguette, and a braised short rib main accompanied by cauliflower, hibiscus, and lovage. The meal concluded with NINAO Italian gelato and seasonal fresh fruit.

Portion sizes are smaller than those offered by some competitors, but Starlux clearly prioritises quality over quantity. Every dish felt carefully executed rather than mass-produced. That said, dessert feels like an opportunity for further refinement. A dessert trolley or additional plated options would elevate the final course, as gelato alone feels like a simpler solution relative to the rest of the meal.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served a few hours before landing from the Exclusive International menu. The meal begins with Matthew’s yoghurt, accompanied by a choice of muesli, nuts, dried fruit, and honey. Bread quality remains strong, with a warm croissant offered as part of the service.

A paprika-smoked salmon salad followed, which was fresh and well balanced. Cinnamon brioche French toast rounded out the meal. While enjoyable, it was less impactful, a dish that is notoriously difficult to execute perfectly in an inflight environment.

Drinks

The beverage offering is extensive and thoughtfully curated. Bollinger Champagne anchors the wine selection, supported by a strong international line-up of red, white, and fortified wines. Each listing includes details on origin, grape variety, tasting notes, and suggested food pairings, lending the menu a polished, sommelier-led feel.

Beyond wine, Starlux offers a comprehensive bar programme. A wide range of whiskies, spirits, and liqueurs is complemented by international and craft beers. Cocktails and mocktails are a highlight, with several Starlux signature creations developed in collaboration with Taiwanese mixologist Huang Yixiang.

Non-alcoholic options are equally well executed. Soft drinks and juices are well covered, alongside Starlux signature beverages. Coffee extends to barista-style selections, while tea is well represented with a wide range of local, international, and wellness blends.

Each suite is fitted with a 24-inch 4K UHD touchscreen featuring Bluetooth headphone pairing. The interface is responsive and easy to navigate, though the fixed screen angle makes viewing less comfortable when fully reclined.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided in business class and is simple to access using seat number and surname. Performance was reliable for much of the flight, supporting browsing, messaging, and short video playback.

Starlux presents the amenity kit in the side cupboard at boarding. The kit, produced in collaboration with Japanese skincare brand THREE, includes an eye mask, dental kit, earplugs, socks, and a curated selection of skincare items including moisturiser, lip balm, and overnight serum. A separate cosmetic sheet mask is also provided.

Bedding is a standout feature. The double-sided flannel blanket has a soft yet supportive texture and is finished in an understated earth-grey tone. It is made entirely from recycled PET bottles, adding a meaningful sustainability element without compromising comfort. A large pillow is provided, with additional bedding available on request.

Pyjamas are offered in multiple sizes, are comfortable for sleep, and may be taken home. Hot towels are distributed several times throughout the flight, including during boarding, after the main meal, and before landing.

The entertainment library is solid, featuring a mix of Asian and Western films, television series, music, games, and an interactive moving map. External camera views are not available, a feature sole premium competitors continue to offer.

Starlux is entering a significant phase of growth, supported by its expanding Airbus A350 fleet. The airline has ordered additional A350-1000 aircraft, which will allow it to push further into long-haul markets beyond its current network.

The carrier has also signalled plans to launch its first European destination from 2026. As capacity grows and the route network expands, Starlux appears well placed to extend its design-led, premium experience to a wider international audience, positioning itself as a credible new competitor on major intercontinental routes.

Starlux’s A350 business class delivers a refined, design-focused experience that comfortably competes with many established premium airlines. The hard product impresses with private, well-finished suites and thoughtful storage, while service on this flight was genuinely outstanding, warm, polished, and delivered with confidence.

Catering prioritises quality over quantity, anchored by an exceptional coconut crab bisque and a strong, well-curated drinks programme. Amenities are modern and well considered, from the THREE-branded amenity kit to the recycled flannel blanket and complimentary Wi-Fi.

With additional A350-1000 aircraft on order and European expansion on the horizon, Starlux is transitioning rapidly from boutique newcomer to serious long-haul premium contender. For travellers flying between Taipei and North America, this is already one of the most compelling business class products available.