STARLUX Orders 10 Airbus A350F Freighters to Boost Cargo
Airbus has announced that STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has placed a firm order for an additional five A350F freighters, doubling its initial order of five A350Fs made in February 2024. This significant expansion brings the total number of Airbus A350F freighters on order to ten, all of which will be operated by STARLUX Cargo, the airline’s dedicated freight division. These new freighters are set to service some of the world’s busiest freight routes, enhancing STARLUX’s cargo capabilities and expanding its global reach.
The Airbus A350F, an innovative freighter based on the A350-900 passenger variant, is yet to be certified. It boasts a payload capacity of up to 111 tonnes and a range of 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km). Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the A350F promises a 40% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft with similar payload and range capabilities. Additionally, the A350F is the only freighter aircraft that fully meets the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, set to take effect in 2027.
“The cargo market is set to become a key element in our business model and will benefit from the advantages offered by Taiwan’s geographical location,” said Glenn Chai, CEO of STARLUX Airlines. “The A350F is the perfect choice for STARLUX, offering a similar payload-range capability as previous generation freighters, but with very significant reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial Aircraft, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We thank STARLUX Airlines for its ongoing confidence in Airbus and its products. The A350F will fit seamlessly into the carrier’s latest generation all-Airbus fleet, which offers unrivaled levels of technical and operational commonality. This second order from this fast-growing airline is another endorsement of the all-new A350F as the future game-changer in heavy lift markets.”
The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with fuselage length and capacity optimized for standard pallets and containers. Over 70% of the airframe is constructed from advanced composite materials, resulting in a 46-tonne lighter take-off weight compared to competitors like the Boeing 777-200F and 777-300F. These enhancements make the A350F a highly efficient and environmentally friendly option for cargo operators.
Since its inaugural commercial flight in January 2020, STARLUX Airlines has rapidly expanded its operations and fleet. Currently, the airline operates an all-Airbus fleet comprising 13 A321neos, five A330-900neos, and eight A350-900s, serving 31 routes to 29 destinations across 11 countries. In addition to the latest order for five A350Fs, STARLUX has 24 more Airbus aircraft on order, including eight A350-1000s, further strengthening its position in the global aviation market.
Airbus data reveals that by the end of November 2024, the A350F freighter family had amassed 1,345 orders from 61 customers worldwide. Prominent customers include Air France, Air Lease Corporation, Cathay Pacific, CMA CGM, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines, highlighting the A350F’s growing popularity and trust within the cargo aviation sector.
The expansion of STARLUX Cargo with ten A350Fs underscores the airline’s commitment to enhancing its freight operations and meeting the increasing demand for efficient and sustainable cargo solutions. By leveraging Airbus’s cutting-edge technology and the strategic advantages of the A350F, STARLUX Airlines is well-positioned to capture a significant share of the global cargo market and support international trade with greater efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=Starlux