Introduction

Starlux Airlines, a relatively new player in the aviation world, has quickly made a name for itself with its commitment to luxury and attention to detail. Their A321neo aircraft, while narrowbody, has been meticulously designed to offer a premium experience that rivals many widebody business class products. The A321neo is primarily used for regional routes, making it an ideal choice for the 4-hour journey from Taipei to Singapore. Despite its smaller size compared to long-haul aircraft, Starlux has managed to create an environment that feels spacious and exclusive.

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Starlux Airlines' business class offering on their A321neo aircraft, flying from Taipei (TPE) to Singapore (SIN). This review will delve into the various aspects of the flight, from the seating layout to the dining experience, and explain why Starlux continues to be a standout in the competitive airline industry.

Seating

Seats are finished in high-quality leather with dense cushioning and sculpted bolsters that look and feel durable, resisting the flattened appearance common on short-haul narrowbody premium products. The 2–2 layout offers notable width and generous pitch, providing ample hip, shoulder and legroom and easy movement even when the person ahead reclines. While not fully lie-flat, the deep, ergonomic recline combined with pronounced shell and leg support makes long naps or overnight rest on medium-haul sectors genuinely comfortable and suits travelers who need to work then sleep. An adjustable privacy divider between paired seats is a standout feature: when raised it creates a distinct personal space that approximates the privacy of staggered or single-aisle premium layouts, a clear advantage in a side-by-side cabin.

Seat functions and onboard technology are intuitive and thoughtfully executed: tactile seat controls separately operate back recline, footrest extension and a firm lumbar-support toggle with smooth, predictable motion and quiet motors; each seat offers a universal power outlet and USB-C, with well-placed ports and Wi‑Fi compatibility to make working in flight straightforward; individual LED reading lights are flexible and bright without bleeding into neighboring seats, while small stowage cubbies, a dedicated cup holder and a coat hook add practical convenience for short‑to‑medium sectors; the inflight entertainment screen is a tasteful size for the cabin class with responsive touchscreen controls and clear image, and the tray table folds from the armrest/console, feeling sturdy and large enough for a laptop or a full meal service.

The Starlux A321neo business-class seat offers a genuinely elevated narrowbody experience: premium materials, thoughtful ergonomics and a privacy divider make it one of the better 2–2 business products in the medium-haul market. It’s particularly well suited to daytime work and medium-length overnight sectors where deep recline and comfort matter but a full flatbed is not essential. For travelers prioritizing complete lie-flat beds and maximum personal storage, long-haul aircraft remain preferable, but for style, comfort and thoughtful detailing on a narrow body, Starlux’s A321neo is a strong contender.

Food & Beverage

Starlux Airlines takes pride in its culinary offerings, and the TPE to SIN route is no exception. The menu, curated by renowned chefs, showcases a blend of Western and Asian cuisines.

Our flight departed in the early afternoon, and the lunch service began promptly after reaching cruising altitude. The meal started with a choice of champagne or fresh juice, accompanied by a selection of warm nuts.

The appetizer was a delicate seafood terrine, followed by a hearty mushroom soup. For the main course, passengers had a choice between three options:

Pan-seared cod with saffron risotto and seasonal vegetables
Grilled beef tenderloin with truffle mashed potatoes and asparagus
Traditional Taiwanese braised pork belly with steamed rice and bok choy

I opted for the cod, which was cooked to perfection - flaky and moist, complemented beautifully by the creamy risotto.

The meal concluded with a selection of cheeses, fresh fruits, and a decadent chocolate mousse cake. Throughout the service, a variety of premium wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages were available.

Service

While the hard product of an airline is crucial, it's often the soft service that leaves a lasting impression. In this regard, Starlux truly excels. The cabin crew demonstrated an exceptional level of attentiveness and professionalism throughout the flight. From the moment of boarding, I was warmly greeted by name and escorted to my seat. The flight attendants were knowledgeable about the menu offerings and wine pairings, providing thoughtful recommendations when asked.

What stood out was their ability to anticipate needs without being intrusive. Water glasses were refilled before they were empty, and they seemed to appear just when you had a request in mind. Their genuine smiles and willingness to go the extra mile created a warm, welcoming atmosphere throughout the journey. Even when I was joking about being too full, they went beyond and brewed up a iced cold boba drink before landing, which was such a nice gesture.

Curated for Class?

Despite being a relatively new entrant in the airline industry, Starlux Airlines has quickly established itself as a formidable competitor in the premium travel market. Their attention to detail, from the sleek cabin design to the gourmet dining options, reflects a commitment to excellence that is increasingly rare in today's aviation landscape.

They've managed to create a business class experience on a narrowbody aircraft that rivals many long-haul products. This is particularly impressive given the challenges of space constraints on the A321neo. Moreover, Starlux's investment in soft services - the training and quality of their cabin crew - elevates the entire experience. It's this combination of a solid hard product and exceptional service that keeps them at the forefront of premium air travel.

In conclusion, my flight from Taipei to Singapore and back on Starlux's A321neo business class was a reminder of how enjoyable air travel can be when an airline prioritizes the passenger experience. While there's always room for improvement, Starlux has set a high bar for Intra-Asia business class travel.

Curated for Class Final Score | 33.5/40

While I prefer the A350-900 business class seat of Starlux Airlines, the cabin service and food provided far outweighed the seating and ambiance of the aircraft. Soft product matters a lot on these routes Starlux has delivered fantastically on these routes.

Ambiance: 8.5/10

Seating: 8/10

Food & Beverage: 8.5/10

Cabin Service: 8.5/10

Flight Review: Starlux Airlines A321NEO Business Class, TPE to SIN