Continuing the theme of the Airbus A350, STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has received its first Airbus A350-1000.
STARLUX is the first Taiwanese airline to operate the aircraft type. The aircraft, registered as B-5855, flew from Airbus in Toulouse to Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei, where it was welcomed with a ceremonial water salute.
The airline has configured the new aircraft with four cabin classes—First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy, offering 350 seats on the aircraft.
Externally, the A350-1000 introduces a new look for STARLUX. While maintaining the airline’s refined aesthetic, the new livery draws inspiration from the aircraft’s extensive use of advanced composite materials—more than 50 per cent of the airframe is built from carbon-fibre-reinforced composites, with a 1000-wordmark on the airline’s new flagship aircraft.
STARLUX intends to use the Airbus A350-1000 as part of its next long-haul expansion. With the airline serving North America, its eyes are now turning to Europe and the US East Coast. It expects to launch the routes in the second half of 2026, as further deliveries of the aircraft arrive to support the expansion.
In Quotes
STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai said:
“The delivery of our first A350-1000 marks the beginning of a new era in STARLUX’s long-haul capabilities,”
.“With extended range compared to the A350-900, this aircraft can reach the U.S. East Coast while delivering exceptional fuel efficiency and superior passenger comfort, allowing us to extend our signature service from Taipei to even more destinations across North America and Europe.”
President Airbus Asia-Pacific Anand Stanley added
“STARLUX has built an impressive long-haul vision with an all-Airbus fleet, and the A350-1000 Long Range Leader now takes that strategy to new heights with superior range, efficiency, and cabin comfort. Airbus is proud to celebrate this milestone delivery of STARLUX’s first A350-1000 as the airline expands its transcontinental network and brings a new standard of premium travel from Taiwan to the world.”
Many adventures ahead
STARLUX currently operates the Airbus A330-900neo and Airbus A350-900 in its widebody fleet, as well as the A321neo on its single-aisle operation, with the airline slowly growing its network, whilst positioning itself as a premium carrier.
With 16 mid-to-long range aircraft in its fleet and a clear intention to expand, the airline will need the aircraft for its European and US East Coast missions, be they will be seeking to exploit the A350-1000 for those missions that require the capacity, as well as the range to support the airline.
I’ll be interested to see where they end up in the world.
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