Starlux Airlines of Taiwan have been busy, taking delivery of their first Airbus A330neo.
Starlux Airlines first Airbus A330-900neo – Image, Airbus.
This Airbus A330-900 is Starlux’s first wide-body aircraft. It represents the leader of the fleet of 26 aircraft joining the fleet. This will be split between eight A330-900neo and 18 A350-900s.
The A330neo aircraft and one A350 are being acquired on lease from ALC, while the airline has 17 A350s on direct order with Airbus.
Starlux’s Airbus A330-900neo will feature the Airspace interior, with a two-class cabin installed – split by 28 business class seats and 269 economy class seats.
The A330neo joins an existing fleet of seven single-aisle A321neo at the airline and will complement the airline’s network by flying regional routes from Taiwan to the wider Asia-Pacific.
In preparation for deployment, Starlux signed up for the computer-based ACE (Airbus Cockpit Experience) Suite training solution. Using a “learning by discovery” approach, STARLUX’s flying crew will be able to use the ACE Trainer that simulates a 3D Cockpit environment..
In Quotes
K.W. Chang, Founder and Chairman of STARLUX Airlines said:
“I am delighted to welcome our first A330neo, as it marks a key milestone in our growth. Having already operated modern and efficient single-aisle A321neo, we are confident that the A330neo will bring even more flexibility and efficiency in our network strategy, whilst optimising cost efficiency and achieving high passenger comfort,”
“We are also looking forward to starting to take delivery of our A350s in the coming months.”
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer said
“We are excited to work closely with STARLUX to build their new fleet,”
. “Together the A321neo, A330neo and A350 will enable the carrier to benefit from the unique technical commonality and efficiency offered by our latest generation aircraft. In addition they offer the best levels of comfort in their respective size categories, which will be a key element for STARLUX in delivering its premium in-flight experience.”
The network will be key
How Starlux will use these new aircraft and how they build their long-haul network will be key. As Asia continues to recover from the pandemic (even if some nations are locking down harder), Starlux will have the challenge of where to connect these aircraft – be it on regional services that can demand a full plane-load of passengers, or the long haul routes that could introduce new revenue streams to the airline, as well as forge new connections.
It’s going to be interesting where they send their fleet and where they choose to expand. There are some logical choices (such as the USA), but there could be room for some very interesting routes if Starlux gets creative…
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