Tea, Tranquility, and 30,000Ft: Our Starlux A330neo Business Class Escape

Where Business Class feels like a boutique hotel – complete with bubble tea and blissful sleep

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Flight Details

Airline | Starlux Airlines

Flight | JX771

Route | Taipei TPE – Singapore SIN

Gate | Gate D7

Aircraft | Airbus A330-941

Registration | B-58305

Class of Travel | Business Class

Seat Number | 6C (Malcolm) / 7A (Cornelius)

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Two years ago, right before I enlisted into National Service, I made a promise to myself: at the end of these two years, I’d go to Taiwan. It was something I looked forward to – a reward after months of sweat, drills, and discipline. And just like that, the two years flew by. Suddenly, that goal became a reality.

Last Tuesday, I finally boarded a flight to Taipei, kicking off the trip on STARLUX’s Airbus A350-900 in Premium Economy. But for the flight back? I decided to level things up. Ever since STARLUX launched direct flights between Singapore and Taipei, I’d been itching to try their premium products – and this trip felt like the perfect excuse to splurge a little.

What made it even more exciting was the aircraft itself. This was going to be my very first flight on an Airbus A330neo – a jet I’ve long admired from the ground but had never stepped foot on. As an aviation enthusiast, that alone made the flight feel like something special. I was eager to finally experience firsthand what this next-generation aircraft had to offer, especially under a brand like STARLUX that’s known for its detail-driven approach.

Better yet, I managed to rope in a Malcolm to join me. Like me, he’s an aviation enthusiast, but with strong loyalty to EVA Air. It took a bit of persuasion (and maybe a nudge or two), but he eventually agreed to tag along, though admittedly a little sceptical. He certainly enjoys flying, but STARLUX was stepping into his comfort zone with a lot to prove. Also, to change things up abit for this review, Malcolm will also provide his insights of his Starlux Flight experience along the way.

Ground Experience at Taipei Taoyuan Airport

Departing from Taipei Taoyuan International Airport’s Terminal 2, STARLUX has dedicated check-in lanes for First Class, Business Class, and a shared lane for Economy and Premium Economy passengers. With our flight scheduled for 8:00 AM, we arrived at the airport early—around 5:30 AM—to make the most of the lounge experience. Even at that early hour, the terminal was already bustling with travellers.

The general check-in queue was long and winding, but the Business Class Lane was significantly shorter. That said, progress was slow. Although three counters were allocated for Business Class, none were initially staffed, so we had to wait for either the First Class or Special Assistance counter. Still, one standout moment was the STARLUX ground staff assisting us with loading our baggage—something you rarely see, even with national carriers.

The STARLUX Galactic Lounge immediately impressed with its sleek and modern façade. After a warm welcome and a quick verification of our lounge invitation, we were ushered through a futuristic, space-themed door into the lounge itself. At first glance, it appeared compact, but a curious glance revealed a staircase leading to a quieter lower level. A lounge staff member noticed and kindly offered to show us around, noting that the downstairs area, while more tranquil, had fewer food and drink options.

Feeling hungry, I returned to the upper floor to grab breakfast. The buffet wasn’t huge, but it had a decent variety, including a fun sausage grilling machine—just like those in Taiwan’s convenience stores—and a good selection of pastries. The homemade soya milk was a highlight, and the same staff member even offered to pour it for me and asked if I wanted it sweetened. That level of attentiveness really elevated the experience.

Guests could also order made-to-order dishes by scanning a QR code at their tables. Though there wasn’t a live cooking station, food was delivered straight to your seat. I tried the 卤肉饭 (braised pork rice), which was served with Koshihikari rice, a braised egg, and a Taiwanese-style fish cake. The flavours were excellent—my only wish was for more pork.

Despite the long wait at check-in, the ground experience overall was polished and enjoyable. The attentive service from staff – both at the counter and in the lounge – set a welcoming tone and made the journey feel premium from the moment we arrived.

Inflight Service

After about an hour and a half in the lounge, it was time to head to our gate. Conveniently, Gate D7 was located just steps outside the STARLUX Galactic lounge. When we arrived, we were informed that boarding would be delayed from the scheduled 7:30am to 7:45am. In reality, boarding only began at 7:50am, which caused a slight delay in our departure. The crew were apologetic about the delay as they welcomed us onboard. Priority boarding was granted to STARLUX Cosmile Adventurer, Insighter and Explorer members as well as Business Class passengers. Upon stepping onboard, we were warmly welcomed by the Business Class cabin supervisor and offered freshly squeezed orange juice along with warm towels – a refreshing touch that set the tone for the service ahead.

Before takeoff, the cabin crew came around to confirm our meal choice and also took our drink orders. Blankets, pillows, and slippers had already been placed neatly on the seat, ready for use. Throughout the flight, the crew were exceptionally attentive – frequently checking in on passengers, offering top-ups, and promptly clearing trays as soon as each individual finished their meal. I especially appreciated that they remembered my request for two drinks, serving the second with dessert exactly as I asked, without needing a reminder.

Malcolm's thoughts: The crew were splendid and professional, fluent in both mandarin and english as well. I do agree with Cornelius on the fact that the cabin crew were attentive, constantly checking in on us and offered us top ups for drinks during the flight. The selection of candy before landing was a nice touch as well.

Cabin & Seat Review

Upon stepping onboard, the cabin ambience was immediately commendable. This is thanks in large part to the Airbus Airspace cabin design, which plays a key role in shaping STARLUX’s luxury experience. The cabin is designed to feel more like a refined living space than a traditional aircraft interior.

Key features such as electronically dimmable lighting allow the mood to shift seamlessly throughout the different phases of flight – from boarding to meal service to rest – enhancing the sense of calm and relaxation. The A330neo’s quieter engines contribute to a noticeable more peaceful environment, while the clean architectural lines, ample overhead bin space, and high ceilings make the space feel open yet intimate. This calming physical design is paired with STARLUX’s thoughtful colour strategy: Business Class features dark, sophisticated tones to foster an intimate, private environment, while Economy Class is rendered in lighter natural hues that emphasises a sense of openness. Visual continuity is achieved through shared warm colours in the headrest and rich fabric textures in the seat dress covers, along with matching carpet and curtains throughout the cabin. Altogether, these design elements support STARLUX’s overarching philosophy – to deliver a progressive luxury experience that feels casual, personal, and as welcoming as home.

Once onboard the sleek Airbus A330neo, I was welcomed into a stylish Business Class cabin configured in a staggered 1-2-1 layout. The 28 Safran Skylounge Core seats – customized with design elements by BMW Designworks – blend modern aesthetics with functional luxury. Each seat is 20” wide and reclines fully into a lie-flat bed, offering both comfort and privacy. The muted “pure tea” tones and gentle lighting immediately evoke a sense of calm.

Each seat comes equipped with

• A 17.3” 4K UHD touchscreen display with Bluetooth audio pairing

• Universal AC outlet, USB-A and USB-C sockets

• Wireless charging pad

• A small storage compartment for personal items (with Bottled Water & Headphones)

• Multiple compartments and a coat hook

As part of the Business Class experience, STARLUX provided a very comfortable pillow, blanket and cozy soft slippers for this flight. Since it was only a 4 hour journey in the day, no night amenities kit was provided. Seat literature pocket features the standard Safety cards, Food Menu, Wine List, Inflight Shopping Magazine and a STARLUX's monthly inflight magazine.

STARLUX also adopts a unique seat coding system for the A330neo Business Class cabin. Seats in column A, D, F and H (odd number rows) have their side table and personal storage compartment on the right hand side. For example, if you’re seated in A, you’ll be closer to the window, while in H, you’ll be next to the aisle. Meanwhile, seats in columns C, E, G, and K (even number rows) have their side table and personal storage compartment on the left – meaning passengers in C will be closer to the aisle while those in K will enjoy a window-side position. This setup offers subtle variations in privacy and accessibility, depending on your preference.

My only complaint about the seat would be the wireless charging pad. It seemed to work only when my phone case was removed, and even then, it required my phone to be placed in a very specific position. While a nice-to-have feature in theory, it wasn’t particularly practical – especially considering that the seat already comes equipped with universal power outlets, as well as USB-A and USB-C ports that are far more reliable for charging devices.

For a regional Business Class configuration and short to medium-haul routes, these seats more than suffice. However, for longer journeys, I would certainly prefer a wider, more spacious seat to ensure greater comfort over extended periods.

Malcolm's thoughts: I loved the cabin product on Starlux's A330Neo. I could never say no to their classy colour scheme, their modern design and seat features. In terms of seat comfort, it is definetly on par with other major world class airlines in the industry. The thing i felt was an improvement over others was the IFE screens and responsiveness of the IFE system. There was no lag, the screens were bright and vibrant, and the headphones were clear with good sound quality. The lavatories were clean, well stocked with amenities, and the design matches the theme of the main cabin! Cornelius took some cool images from the business class lavatory, check them out below.

Inflight Dining

One of the highlights of the flight was STARLUX’s culinary program. Prior to departure, I had the opportunity to pre-select my meal through their website—a thoughtful touch that enhances the premium experience.

There were two meal choices available:

1. Contemporary Asian Cuisine (in collaboration with Chef Kin)

• Starter: Sakura Shrimp and Wax Apple Salad, MAN MANO Stracciatella and Mint

• Main: USDA Prime Char Siu Short Rib with Spanish Rice and Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette

• Dessert: Pandan Basque Cheesecake and seasonal fresh fruits

2. International Cuisine

• Bakery: Cheese Mochi Bread or Longan and Brown Sugar Bread, served with Isigny Mere butter, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar

• Starter: Choice of Grilled Salmon Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing or Truffle and Cauliflower Cream Soup

• Main: Choice of Sous Vide Duck Breast with Herb, Orange Whisky Sauce and Mashed Potato, or Pan-Seared Perch and Shrimp topped with Seaweed Creamy Sauce and Spiced Potato

• Dessert: Chocolate Praline Mousse Cake

I opted for the Asian cuisine, and it didn’t disappoint. The char siu short rib was incredibly tender and rich in flavour, paired beautifully with fragrant Spanish rice that added a comforting, savoury depth. The dish was plated with care—the mix of fresh greens from the vegetables and the deep red glaze of the meat made for a colourful, inviting presentation. The starter, a combination of Sakura shrimp and wax apple salad, was light, citrusy, and refreshing—an excellent way to begin the meal. Dessert was a delight: the Pandan Basque Cheesecake had a creamy texture and just the right sweetness, offering a distinctly local twist to end the meal on a high note.

But the true signature? STARLUX’s iconic bubble tea latte. Served warm and frothy with chewy pearls, it was an unexpected joy and a taste of Taiwan at cruising altitude. The pearls were simmered in Assam black tea jam, which gave a deep, fragrant sweetness without being overpowering—unlike many bubble teas in Singapore that tend to use brown sugar syrup and come off overly sweet. The drink wasn’t too milky either and had just the right hint of tea—balanced and comforting. Normally, I’d feel “gelat” or overwhelmed after finishing a cup of bubble tea, but not this one. It was satisfying without being cloying.

I also ordered the STARLUX iconic Sci-fi Cosmo cocktail. While I’m not usually a big fan of alcoholic drinks, I genuinely enjoyed this one. It was citrusy, refreshing, and light—an easy drink that rounded out the inflight meal nicely.

Malcolm's thoughts: I opted for the International cuisine instead, going for the Sous Vide Duck Breast with Herb and Mash Potatoes, and I must admit, it did not disappoint. Normally, I am not a duck fan. There's this after taste I dislike when consuming duck meat. But the way STARLUX prepared the dish had no such issues. The meat was tender, and along with the sauce and mash, a perfect blend of flavour. Oddly enough, my desert was a standard strawberry youghurt instead of the chocolate mousse cake, not sure why that happened. I didn't realise it till after the flight. As for drinks, unlike Cornelius, I had the very conservative and safe options of apple juice and tea as I could not bring myself to drink alcohol before noon time. All in all, meal service was outstanding with STARLUX, and a definite plus point for me.

Inflight Entertainment & Connectivity

The 4K touchscreen interface was crisp and intuitive, featuring a respectable selection of Hollywood films, Asian cinema, and light entertainment. While the Western catalogue isn’t as extensive as some competitors, the interface and Bluetooth pairing more than made up for it—I enjoyed a film while using my own wireless earbuds without fuss. Business Class passengers also enjoy complimentary inflight Wi-Fi, which was easy to connect to and stable throughout the journey—great for staying in touch or catching up on emails midair.

Malcolm's thoughts: I did not use the inflight WIFI, so you'll have to take Cornelius's word on its functionality. I spent most of the flight listening to Taiwanese and Chinese music, and following our flight progress on the Flight Map. I must admit, I love the headphones. They don't feel too weighty, and offer awesome sound quality as well as noise cancellation functions. Additionally, I love the attention to details in the design of the headphones, matching the Cabin colour theme beautifully. Most other airlines wouldn't pay that much attention to such intricate details in user experience, I am glad STARLUX did.

Arrival in Changi Airport & Final Thoughts

STARLUX’s A330neo Business Class on JX771 turned out to be much more than a simple regional hop. It offered a level of polish, comfort, and calm that’s hard to come by on short-haul flights. From the thoughtfully designed seats to the signature bubble tea and attentive crew, STARLUX really lives up to its premium ambitions.

It could have easily been a hit or miss, but STARLUX seems to check every box. I’m more than satisfied with my experience. While there are certain areas where STARLUX can still improve, the overall journey was seamless, enjoyable, and memorable – setting a new benchmark for regional Business Class travel. What stood out most was how STARLUX pays close attention to even the smallest and finest details, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to delivering a thoughtfully crafted premium experience.

Malcolm's thoughts: To wrap up my wonderful experience with STARLUX, I feel the airline offers a fresh, modern, and luxurious take on air travel—something not commonly found among Taiwanese carriers. The seats were excellent, the cabin crew highly professional, and the food absolutely delicious. That said, there was one small thing I personally felt was missing: the distinct feeling of flying with a Taiwanese airline. With the other two major carriers, there's a stronger sense of localization—whether it's in the music, the cabin announcements, or other subtle touches—that caters to Taiwanese passengers. STARLUX, in contrast, seems to have slightly shifted its identity to align more with an international brand. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that approach; it’s just that, for me, I appreciate that extra touch of Taiwanese warmth and familiarity when I’m flying home.

Inflight Service | 10/10

Inflight Entertainment | 9/10

Meal Service | 8/10

Seat | 8/10

Aircraft Cleanliness | 10/10

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