STARLUX Airlines, the Taiwan-based luxury carrier, has officially ushered in a new era of intercontinental travel with the delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000. This delivery marks a significant milestone for the airline as it becomes the 11th global operator of the largest and most powerful variant of the A350 family. The aircraft is the first of 18 A350-1000s ordered by the carrier, positioning it as the new crown jewel of the STARLUX fleet. Designed to redefine premium aviation, the A350-1000 will join the airline’s existing stable of ten A350-900s, reinforcing its capacity on high-demand, long-haul routes connecting Taipei to North America, Europe, and key hubs across the Asia-Pacific region.
To celebrate the arrival of its new flagship, STARLUX unveiled a striking custom livery that blends the airline’s sophisticated brand identity with a nod to modern engineering. The design features a distinct carbon-fiber motif, which serves as a visual tribute to the advanced composite materials that make up the majority of the aircraft’s structure. A prominent “1000” is emblazoned across the fuselage, signaling the aircraft’s status as the largest in-production Airbus model. This aesthetic choice highlights the airline’s commitment to innovation and identity, merging the sleek look of the A350 with the carrier’s high-end luxury ethos.
The integration of the A350-1000 is a calculated move for STARLUX, which maintains a streamlined, all-Airbus fleet to maximize operational synergy. Currently, the airline utilizes the A321neo for regional, narrow-body efficiency and the A330-900 to support mid-to-long-range routes, while the A350-900 serves as the established long-haul workhorse. By adding the A350-1000, the airline gains a higher-capacity flagship that fits seamlessly into its existing pilot and maintenance infrastructure. Beyond passenger services, STARLUX is looking toward the logistics sector by placing orders for 10 A350F freighters, aiming to leverage the platform’s efficiency to build a robust global cargo network in the coming years.
The A350-1000 is widely regarded as the world’s most modern widebody aircraft. Its clean-sheet design incorporates cutting-edge aerodynamics and new-generation engines that provide a 25% advantage in fuel burn, operating costs, and CO2 emissions compared to previous-generation competitors. For passengers, the aircraft features the signature Airbus Airspace cabin, which offers superior cabin pressure and humidity to reduce jet lag, wider seats, higher ceilings for a sense of openness, and advanced ambient lighting within the quietest cabin in its class.
Sustainability remains at the forefront of the STARLUX-Airbus partnership. Like all Airbus models, the A350 is currently certified to fly with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with a roadmap to reach 100% SAF capability by 2030. The global demand for the A350 family remains high; as of the end of November 2025, the program has secured nearly 1,500 orders from 66 customers worldwide, cementing its status as the preferred choice for modern, eco-conscious long-haul aviation.