As a frequent traveler, I’m always curious about how airline alliances shape our journeys—better connections, smoother loyalty perks, or more options to explore the world. Oneworld, home to giants like American Airlines, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific, is reportedly considering new members to strengthen its Asia-Pacific network. Two airlines often come up: Starlux Airlines from Taiwan and China Southern Airlines from mainland China.
If Oneworld had to choose one, who should it be?
Spoiler alert: I’m rooting for China Southern Airlines, but unfortunately, the odds are stacked against them.
Starlux: Taiwan’s Rising Star
Launched in 2020, this Taiwanese carrier has turned heads, earning the 2025 Skytrax World’s Most Improved Airline award. With a fleet of 24 Airbus aircraft (A321neos, A330neos, and A350s, expanding to 33 by year-end), Starlux flies to over 30 destinations, including Tokyo (~3.5 hours), Bangkok (~3.8 hours), Los Angeles (~13.5 hours), and Phoenix (~13.5 hours, starting January 2026).
Why does Starlux fit Oneworld? Oneworld lacks a Taiwanese member. Taiwan’s a bustling travel hub, and Starlux’s rivals—China Airlines (SkyTeam) and EVA Air (Star Alliance)—are tied to other alliances. Adding Starlux would give Oneworld a base in Taipei, making it easier to connect through Taiwan to Asia and beyond. Imagine seamless transfers to Oneworld partners like Japan Airlines or Qantas, earning or redeeming miles via Starlux’s COSMILE program, which already partners with Oneworld’s Alaska Airlines and Finnair.
Starlux’s premium focus aligns with Oneworld’s quality emphasis. Their business class is a delight (think lie-flat seats and Taiwanese-inspired cuisine), and their smaller size means less overlap with Oneworld’s heavyweights, like Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific. Cathay’s CEO has signaled openness to Starlux joining—a promising sign for a stronger network.
China Southern: The Giant in Waiting
Now, consider China Southern, based in Guangzhou. This titan operates over 600,000 flights annually, carrying 115 million passengers. Its hubs in Guangzhou and Beijing connect to global destinations like London (~12.5 hours), Los Angeles (~14 hours), and Sydney (~9 hours). Since leaving SkyTeam in 2019, it’s a free agent with partnerships with Oneworld carriers like American Airlines. It seems perfect to fill Oneworld’s mainland China gap, where SkyTeam and Star Alliance have multiple members.
But there’s a hitch: Cathay Pacific. Hong Kong and Guangzhou are less than 160 kilometers apart, and Cathay, a founding Oneworld member, reportedly blocked China Southern’s entry to protect its hub. For travelers, the extra options would be fantastic—imagine connecting from Guangzhou to Doha on Qatar Airways with shared miles—but Cathay’s veto is a major obstacle. Plus, China’s aviation market brings complexities, like geopolitical sensitivities, which could limit immediate benefits.
Why Starlux Wins (For Now)
For globetrotters, Starlux is the smarter pick. It’s not just about sidestepping tension with Cathay. Starlux’s Taipei hub opens new routes—like Taipei to Phoenix in ~13.5 hours—without clashing with Oneworld’s network. It’s a fresh, premium option that complements rather than competes. Whether you’re chasing miles, smoother connections, or Taiwan’s hospitality, Starlux joining Oneworld could make your next trip better. China Southern’s vast network is tempting, but Starlux’s agility and strategic fit shine.
