Starlux Airlines Expands Fleet with Airbus A350 Freighters and A330neo Aircraft Orders

In a significant move at the Singapore air show on February 21, 2024, Starlux Airlines of Taiwan announced its acquisition of five Airbus A350 freighters and an additional three A330neo passenger planes. This purchase not only marks Starlux’s inaugural venture into dedicated cargo aircraft but also underscores its ambitious growth trajectory since its 2020 debut. The deal also includes options for another five freighters, augmenting Starlux’s already robust fleet that features A350 passenger jets and A330-900s.

Having welcomed its first widebody aircraft, an Airbus A330neo, in February 2022, Starlux continues to solidify its position in the aviation market. According to Airbus, the newly ordered A330neos are slated for delivery in 2025 and 2026, with the A350 freighters to follow subsequently.

Glenn Chai, the Chief Executive of Starlux, highlighted the significance of this order, stating, “Starlux becomes the first Taiwanese airline to operate the next-generation A350F widebody freighter.” This milestone reflects the airline’s strategic vision to enhance its cargo capabilities alongside passenger services.

The Airbus A350F, unveiled in July 2021 and anticipated to be operational by 2026, has already attracted 50 orders from leading global airlines, including Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines. This model is poised to set new standards in the freighter segment with its advanced features and efficiency.

Chai further emphasized the strategic benefits of the new A330neos, aiming to boost the airline’s competitive edge and operational flexibility for passenger flights.

Current fleet data from Cirium reveals that before this latest order, Starlux operated a diverse fleet consisting of four A350-900s, four A330neos, and 13 A321neos, with an additional 14 A350s on order, including eight of the -1000 variant. This expansion strategy underlines Starlux Airlines’ commitment to enhancing its global presence and service offerings through a modern and efficient fleet.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, airbus.com