STARLUX Becomes 11th Global Operator of Airbus A350-1000 with First Delivery

STARLUX Becomes 11th Global Operator of Airbus A350-1000 with First Delivery

(IN BRIEF) STARLUX Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000, becoming the 11th airline globally to operate the largest variant of the A350 family. The aircraft joins the carrier’s existing A350-900 fleet on long-haul routes and debuts as STARLUX’s new flagship, featuring a bespoke livery highlighting advanced composite materials. The A350-1000 enhances fleet efficiency and passenger comfort while supporting sustainability goals through improved fuel efficiency and SAF compatibility. The delivery marks the first of 18 A350-1000 aircraft ordered by the airline.

(PRESS RELEASE) TOULOUSE, 7-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — STARLUX Airlines has taken delivery of its first A350-1000, marking a milestone as the airline becomes the 11th operator worldwide of Airbus’ largest in-production widebody aircraft. The delivery is the first of 18 A350-1000 aircraft ordered by the Taiwanese carrier.

The new aircraft joins STARLUX’s existing fleet of 10 A350-900s, which are currently deployed on the airline’s flagship long-haul routes from Taipei to destinations across Europe and North America, as well as select markets in the Asia-Pacific region. The A350-1000 will further strengthen STARLUX’s long-haul offering while serving as the new flagship of the fleet.

To commemorate the arrival, STARLUX has introduced a distinctive new livery exclusive to the A350-1000. The design blends the airline’s established visual identity with a carbon-fibre-inspired pattern, symbolising the advanced composite materials used extensively in the aircraft’s construction. A bold “1000” marking on the fuselage underscores the aircraft’s status as the largest Airbus currently in production.

STARLUX operates an all-Airbus fleet that includes the A321neo, A330-900, and A350-900. The addition of the A350-1000 is designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing fleet, enhancing operational consistency and efficiency. Beyond passenger services, the airline is also preparing for future cargo growth, having placed orders for 10 A350F freighters.

The A350 family represents the latest generation of widebody aircraft, incorporating advanced aerodynamics, cutting-edge technologies, and new-generation engines. These features deliver significant gains in efficiency, offering approximately 25 percent reductions in fuel burn, operating costs, and carbon dioxide emissions compared with previous-generation competitor aircraft. The A350 also features the Airbus Airspace cabin, designed to enhance passenger comfort with wider seats, higher ceilings, and ambient lighting.

In line with Airbus’ sustainability roadmap, the A350 is already certified to operate with up to 50 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with Airbus targeting full SAF capability across its aircraft portfolio by 2030.

By the end of November 2025, the A350 programme had secured close to 1,500 orders from 66 customers worldwide, underscoring its position as one of the most successful long-haul aircraft families in commercial aviation.

Media Contacts:

Belinda Ng
AIRBUS | Asia-Pacific
+65 9683 6361
 belinda.ng@airbus.com

Lena Moline
AIRBUS | Commercial Aircraft
+33 607 22 57 39
 lena.moline@airbus.com

SOURCE: AIRBUS