Taipei, Nov. 24 (CNA) Taiwan's newest carrier Starlux Airlines announced Wednesday that it will launch a Taoyuan-Fukuoka route in February next year as part of the company's efforts to increase its flights to Japan, with bookings immediately available.

In a statement, Starlux said the maiden flight will be on Feb. 17, with an initial offering of one flight per week. However, from March 1, there will be two flights every week and more could be added depending on market demand, the company said.

Tokyo recently eased a year-long entry ban and issued visas to work or study in Japan to eligible applicants, which has improved two-way air travel between Taiwan and Japan, Starlux said.

As Japan has long been a top tourist destination for Taiwanese visitors, Starlux said it is assessing the feasibility of flying more routes to the country.

The airline said it will take delivery of two A321neos by the end of this year, which will boost its capacity amid high anticipation that global tourism will regain momentum in 2022.

After its inauguration on Jan. 23, 2020, the airline initially flew to Macau, Danang in Vietnam, and Penang in Malaysia at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic was spreading across the globe.

It later offered flights to Bangkok, Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City and Manila -- all popular destinations among Taiwanese visitors.

Meanwhile, Starlux has come up with a special offer in the hope of grabbing a larger slice of the air travel market.

Customers who purchase tickets on its website up to Dec. 14, or from major tourist agencies for outbound flights to be taken from Jan. 1 to Dec. 4, 2022, will receive a special discount.

In addition, those who change the date of their flights before Feb. 14 can do so an unlimited number of times without being charged a service fee, Starlux said.