Last Updated on July 23, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Chang Kuo-wei is the founder and chairman of STARLUX Airlines, Taiwan’s boutique luxury carrier. Widely recognized as the youngest son of Evergreen Group founder Chang Yung-fa and a former EVA Air chairman ousted in a high-profile family succession dispute, Chang transformed corporate setback into aviation history. After establishing STARLUX in 2018, he launched premium international service with a modern Airbus fleet, aiming for top-tier cabin comfort and aggressive global growth.
Quick Answer
Chang Kuo-wei is a Taiwanese aviation executive, certified commercial airline captain, and founder of STARLUX Airlines. After being ousted as EVA Air chairman in 2016 during a family succession dispute, he established luxury-focused STARLUX Airlines in 2018. Following a successful October 2024 mainboard IPO and a favorable Taiwan Supreme Court inheritance ruling, his net worth stands at approximately $1.2 billion.
Key Takeaways
- Resilient Leadership: Chang Kuo-wei established STARLUX Airlines in 2018 after being removed from EVA Air during a 2016 family dispute over his father’s estate.
- Hands-On Pilot Executive: Unlike most airline chairmen, Chang is a licensed commercial pilot and flight instructor qualified on Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 widebody aircraft.
- Billionaire Valuation: Driven by STARLUX’s October 2024 listing on the Taiwan Stock Exchange and a confirmed NT$14 billion inheritance, Chang’s net worth is estimated at $1.2 billion.
- Boutique Luxury Focus: STARLUX distinguishes itself through BMW Designworks cabins, Michelin-inspired dining, signature scents, and advanced Airbus A321neo, A330neo, and A350 fleets.
Who Is Chang Kuo-wei?
Chang Kuo-wei, born on September 6, 1970, in Taipei, Taiwan, is the founder and chairman of STARLUX Airlines and the former chairman of EVA Air. An experienced aviation executive who built his career from aircraft maintenance to commercial piloting and executive management, he holds a Master’s degree in Economics from California State University, Long Beach. As the youngest son of Evergreen Group founder Chang Yung-fa, his tenure as EVA Air chairman ended abruptly in 2016 following a high-profile family feud.
Rather than retiring, Chang launched STARLUX Airlines in 2018 and commenced commercial flights in January 2020. The carrier quickly captured international attention, with inaugural flight tickets selling out within 11 minutes. As a certified pilot who personally flies STARLUX delivery routes, Chang focuses heavily on luxury travel, giving passengers a premium experience with modern cabin designs. Following STARLUX’s successful mainboard listing on the Taiwan Stock Exchange in October 2024 and a favorable Supreme Court ruling regarding his inheritance, his net worth reached approximately $1.2 billion.
Chang Kuo-wei’s Early Life and Education
You can trace Chang Kuo-wei’s story back to Taipei, Taiwan, where he grew up inside one of Asia’s most prominent maritime and aviation dynasties. He pursued higher education in North America, earning his undergraduate degree before securing a Master of Economics from California State University. This mix of Taipei industrial roots and American academic training helped shape his strategic approach to airline management.
Taipei Childhood
Born in Taipei on September 6, 1970, Chang Kuo-wei grew up surrounded by the shipping and aviation operations that defined his family’s corporate empire. In Taipei, his early environment provided direct exposure to global logistics, international trade, and fleet management. Those early experiences instilled corporate discipline, technical curiosity, and operational focus. Long before founding STARLUX Airlines, his upbringing in Taipei laid the foundation for his hands-on aviation career.
USC Education
During his undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California, Chang Kuo-wei began building the academic foundation that supported his future in business and aviation. His American education allowed him to analyze global aviation trends and competitive international business strategies. That environment sharpened his operational framework before he returned to Taiwan in 1996 to begin working directly inside EVA Air.
Economics Master’s Degree
After his studies at USC, Chang Kuo-wei earned a Master of Economics from California State University, Long Beach, gaining expertise in economic strategy and quantitative market analysis. Concurrently, he immersed himself in practical operations by working in ground-level aircraft maintenance at EVA Air. Combining academic theory with hands-on mechanical work gave him technical credibility among flight crews and mechanics—a perspective that proved invaluable when he became chairman of EVA Air and later founded STARLUX Airlines.
His Rise and Exit at EVA Air
Chang Kuo-wei joined EVA Air in 1996, progressing from maintenance hangars and flight training to become chairman in 2013. During his tenure as chairman, he modernized the carrier’s brand, expanded long-haul routes, joined Star Alliance, and launched popular themed initiatives, including the airline’s iconic Hello Kitty jet series. His rise reflected technical mastery, as he qualified as a Boeing 777-300ER captain alongside his executive duties.
“I was removed from executive leadership while in the cockpit flying an EVA Air route to Singapore—a pivotal moment that inspired me to build a brand-new carrier from scratch.”
In March 2016, following the death of founder Chang Yung-fa, a succession dispute erupted. Although the founder’s handwritten will designated Chang Kuo-wei as sole successor to the group presidency, his half-brothers utilized board voting control to remove him as chairman. The board executed his removal while Chang was actively flying an EVA Air flight to Singapore. Stripped of his leadership roles within the Evergreen Group, Chang pivoted toward establishing an independent carrier.
How STARLUX Airlines Took Shape
In 2018, Chang Kuo-wei founded STARLUX Airlines with a clear mandate: build a boutique, luxury-focused airline to rival Asia’s legacy carriers. STARLUX inaugurated commercial flights in January 2020 connecting Taipei to Macau, Da Nang, and Penang, with initial flight inventories selling out in 11 minutes. Despite navigating global travel disruptions shortly after launch, the carrier continuously expanded its fleet with modern Airbus A321neo, A330neo, and A350 aircraft.
Founding Vision
STARLUX Airlines was conceived as a luxury-first boutique carrier, reviving high-end passenger service through custom cabin interiors, pre-ordered gourmet dining, and personalized inflight amenities. Setting itself apart from regional competitors, STARLUX introduced BMW Designworks cabin interiors, curated meal pairings, and a custom inflight fragrance. By investing heavily in fuel-efficient Airbus widebody jets, STARLUX positioned itself as a premium transpacific competitor.
Launch And Growth
Following its 2020 commercial debut, STARLUX rapidly expanded across Asia before launching long-haul transpacific service. By establishing direct routes connecting Taipei to Los Angeles (2023), San Francisco (2023), and Seattle (2024), STARLUX built a reliable network catering to transiting business and leisure travelers. The airline’s public debut on the Taiwan Stock Exchange in October 2024 provided capital momentum to support ongoing fleet acquisitions and global hub expansion.
Why STARLUX Feels Different
STARLUX distinguishes itself by approaching passenger comfort as a holistic product. Featuring muted earth tones, warm ambient lighting, and high-end materials designed by BMW Group Designworks, the cabins feel intentional and calm. In Business Class, custom seats provide full-flat 82-inch beds, direct aisle access, zero-gravity seating modes, and 4K entertainment screens.
Pro Tip: Passengers traveling in STARLUX Business or Premium Economy Class can pre-order exclusive, chef-curated Asian and international meals online up to 24 hours prior to departure, securing specialized dining options not available in the standard onboard menu.
Passenger amenities extend beyond seating hardware. STARLUX collaborates with top culinary partners to offer Michelin-starred pre-ordered dishes, signature cocktails, hot infused towels, and its proprietary cabin fragrance, “Home in the Air.” By maintaining competitive pricing across Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class, STARLUX makes premium air travel accessible to broader traveler segments.
STARLUX’s Fleet and Route Growth
To support its network strategy, STARLUX operates an all-Airbus fleet optimized for regional density and long-haul intercontinental routes. The airline operates Airbus A321neo narrowbodies alongside widebody A330neo and A350-900/1000 aircraft.
| Aircraft Model | Configuration | Primary Route Deployment |
| Airbus A321neo | 188 Seats (8 Business, 180 Economy) | Short-haul regional Asian destinations (Macau, Da Nang, Penang) |
| Airbus A330neo | 297 Seats (28 Business, 269 Economy) | Medium-haul high-density trunk routes across East & Southeast Asia |
| Airbus A350-900 / 1000 | 306–350 Seats (4 First, 26 Business, 36 Premium Econ, Econ) | Long-haul transpacific routes (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle) |
The A321neo handles regional regional connections, while the widebody A330neo and A350 aircraft anchor high-density Asian trunk routes and transpacific long-haul flights. STARLUX continues to expand its route network across Asia, North America, and partner alliances.
Chang Kuo-wei’s Net Worth and Legacy
Chang Kuo-wei’s financial standing reflects personal resilience and strategic execution. His net worth stands at approximately $1.2 billion, driven by his controlling shareholding in STARLUX Airlines and verified inheritance assets. In August 2024, Taiwan’s Supreme Court ruled conclusively in his favor regarding his late father’s estate, validating Chang Yung-fa’s will and granting him sole entitlement to an estate valued at approximately NT$14 billion ($433 million).
Note: In October 2024, STARLUX Airlines completed its mainboard initial public offering (IPO) on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE: 2646), solidifying its position as Taiwan’s third major international carrier alongside China Airlines and EVA Air.
Today, STARLUX ranks as one of Taiwan’s primary international carriers by passenger volume. Beyond equity growth, Chang’s legacy stems from his technical credibility as a licensed captain and executive who turned a high-profile corporate ejection into a successful aviation brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Chang Kuo-wei?
Chang Kuo-wei is a Taiwanese aviation executive, commercial airline captain, and the founder and chairman of STARLUX Airlines. He previously served as chairman of EVA Air until 2016.
How much is the owner of STARLUX Airlines worth?
Chang Kuo-wei’s net worth is estimated at $1.2 billion. His wealth derives primarily from his controlling equity stake in STARLUX Airlines and inherited assets confirmed by Taiwan’s Supreme Court in 2024.
How good is STARLUX Airlines?
STARLUX Airlines is highly regarded for its luxury passenger experience, modern Airbus fleet, lie-flat business class seats, BMW Designworks interiors, and Michelin-inspired inflight dining options.
What is the Chinese name for STARLUX Airlines?
The Chinese name for STARLUX Airlines is 星宇航空 (Xīng Yǔ Háng Kōng), which translates as “Star Universe Aviation.”
Conclusion
Chang Kuo-wei’s career represents one of the most remarkable comebacks in commercial aviation. After being ousted from EVA Air during an intense family succession feud, he turned adversity into industry innovation by creating STARLUX Airlines from the ground up. Combining pilot-level operational knowledge with executive strategy, Chang built a boutique luxury airline that successfully competes across global routes. As STARLUX continues expanding its fleet and international network, Chang Kuo-wei’s influence remains central to Asia’s evolving aviation landscape.
Sources
- Forbes Profile: Chang Kuo-wei — Net worth valuation and STARLUX equity details.
- Focus Taiwan (August 2024) — Taiwan Supreme Court ruling on Chang Yung-fa’s estate inheritance.
- Airbus Official Press Release — STARLUX Airlines fleet acquisition and A350 widebody specifications.
- Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) — Mainboard listing data and capital structuring for STARLUX Airlines (TWSE: 2646).