Starlux Airlines, an airline based in Taiwan, has announced thyat it will commence the first-ever direct flights from Taiwan to Kobe in Japan.

In a press statement, Starlux says that starting from April 18, it will launch flights between Taipei and Kobe, as well as Taichung and Kobe in the Kansai region of Japan.

The airline adds that while Taichung-Kobe will be a daily service, the flights between Taipei and Kobe will run three times a week. Japan is by far the most important market for Starlux, with Kobe marking the 12th destination in the country for the fast-expanding airline.

Starlux will operate its two-class Airbus A321neo aircraft between Taipei, Taichung and Kobe. These feature eight 2-2 lie-flat business class seats, as well as 180 3-3 economy class seats.

Starlux currently has 13 A321neo aircraft in its regional fleet, with another six on order. The airline also currently operates eight A350-900s and five A330neos on its long-haul network and higher-capacity regional flights. Going forward, Starlux has another six A330neo aircraft and 10 A350s, two A350-900s and eight A350-1000s, joining its fleet. The airline says it remains optimistic about Taiwan’s potential as a key transit hub for passenger and cargo traffic in the Asia-Pacific region.