StarLux launches direct flights to Sendai in Japan

Taipei, April 1 (CNA) StarLux, Taiwan's newest international carrier, launched a new route on Saturday between Taoyuan and Sendai, its sixth destination in Japan.

Passengers taking the maiden fight departing from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport were given free commemorative tote bags and Sendai's signature edamame smoothie, according to the airline.

The Airbus A321neo flights will operate daily, departing from Taoyuan at 11:40 a.m. and arriving in Sendai at 4 p.m. (local time), with the return service departing at 5:20 p.m. (local time) from Sendai and landing in Taoyuan at 8:10 p.m.

StarLux currently flies to Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo and Okinawa in Japan, as well as 10 other Asian destinations in Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Macau.

On April 26, the carrier will launch direct flights to Los Angeles, its first destination outside of Asia.

In February, StarLux and two other Taiwanese international carriers -- China Airlines and EVA Airways -- reported significantly improved sales figures, as passenger numbers continue to rise following the easing of COVID-19 border restrictions.

StarLux posted consolidated sales of NT$1.37 billion in February, a 2,029 percent year-on-year increase, with revenue generated from passenger flights surging 3,760 percent from a year earlier to NT$1.22 billion.

As for cargo flights, revenue grew 326 percent from a year earlier to NT$122 million in February, StarLux said.