Start-Ups Starlux Airlines orders 17 Airbus A350 XWB

The committed order from the Taiwanese Start-Up Starlux Airlines consists of 12 A350-1000s and five A350-900s.

The order was announced during the Farnborough International Airshow FIA18 and signed by Chang Kuo-wei, founder and Chairman of Starlux Airlines and Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

Earlier this year, the airline has decided to lease 10 A321neo aircraft for its short- to mid-haul operations.

Starlux is expected to receive their first A321neo in 2019 and the first A350 in 2021. By 2030, the carrier said it plans to operate a fleet of 50 aircraft.

Airbus stated: “The A350 XWB is an all new family of mid-size wide-body long-haul airliners shaping the future of air travel, featuring the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fiber fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs.”

The new cabin of the A350 XWB family features a better ambience, design and services. It will be more spacious and quieter than others in its class.

Starlux Airlines is a new airline based and headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. It was founded by Chang Kuo-wei, the former chairman of EVA Air. Starlux seeks to establish a network with destinations across Asia and will implement long-haul routes to North America. Planned launch is in early 2020. Long-haul flights are expected to commence in early 2022.