TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's luxury carrier has terminated two pilots after a serious procedural violation, the airline's founder told shareholders Friday (June 13) in a rare public acknowledgment of operational safety concerns. K.W. Chang (張國煒), chairman of Starlux Airlines (星宇航空), revealed the dismissals during the company's annual shareholders meeting, expressing visible frustration over the incident that threatened to undermine the upstart airline's safety reputation. Chang emphasized that flight safety standards remain non-negotiable for the premium carrier, which has positioned itself as Taiwan's most luxurious airline since launching operations in 2020.
The incident came to light after aviation social media personality "Crazy James 787" (瘋狂機長詹姆士), who maintains a significant following among aviation enthusiasts, publicly disclosed operational irregularities that occurred during a March 3 flight. The two pilots, operating Starlux flight JX789 from Taipei to Clark International Airport in the Philippines, reportedly violated established company protocols during a go-around maneuver — a standard safety procedure when landing conditions are deemed unsuitable. While the airline's subsequent investigation prompted both pilots to submit voluntary resignations, Chang insisted that his management team had addressed the situation with unwavering resolve, repeatedly emphasizing the company's commitment to operational transparency and accountability throughout the process.
The airline chairman suggested that comparable safety violations likely occur across the industry but typically remain concealed from public scrutiny, contrasting this with his company's transparent approach. Chang characterized the incident as symptomatic of broader management challenges rather than isolated pilot error, confirming that Starlux had voluntarily reported the violation to Taiwan's Civil Aviation Administration (民航局), the island's aviation regulatory authority. The chairman candidly described his personal dilemma in addressing the situation but ultimately prioritized decisive enforcement of safety standards, sending an unambiguous message throughout the organization that procedural violations would not be tolerated regardless of circumstances or potential public relations consequences.
Despite acknowledging the reputational damage inflicted on his fledgling airline, Chang characterized the public handling of the safety breach as ultimately beneficial for reinforcing the company's operational values. The chairman articulated a clear corporate hierarchy of priorities that positions passenger safety unequivocally above the carrier's renowned luxury service standards that have defined its market positioning. While regrettable, this incident has become an invaluable teaching moment for our entire organization, Chang told shareholders, framing the episode as an opportunity to demonstrate Starlux's unwavering commitment to safety culture even when it requires difficult personnel decisions and public transparency. ◼