Delivery Delays Slow Growth at Taiwan’s Starlux Airlines

Starlux Airlines is scaling back its 2025 growth forecast due to Airbus delivery delays and weakening demand on U.S. routes, according to CEO Glenn Chai. Speaking to Bloomberg, Chai said economic uncertainty driven by tariffs imposed under U.S. President Donald Trump has contributed to a drop in bookings and overall passenger demand.

Chai revealed that Airbus had informed Starlux of reduced aircraft deliveries for the year. While the airline initially expected nine new aircraft in 2025, it now anticipates receiving just one A350-1000 and two A330-900Ns. Two A350-900s have already been delivered this year, bringing the total to five—four fewer than planned.

As a result, Starlux’s projected 50% capacity growth for 2025 has been revised down to 20–30%. Airbus continues to face supply chain challenges, particularly with engines and structural components. Customers are reportedly being warned of delivery delays of up to six months for aircraft scheduled as far out as 2027–2028.

Starlux currently operates 28 aircraft, including thirteen A321-200NX, five A330-900Ns, and ten A350-900s. The airline has 27 aircraft on order, including six A321-200NX, three A330-900Ns, eight A350-1000s, and ten A350 freighters.

Its U.S. network includes Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Ontario, California, all served by A350-900s. Starlux operates daily flights to Seattle and San Francisco, 11 weekly to Los Angeles, and four weekly to Ontario, offering 17,136 weekly seats between Taiwan and the U.S.

Chai expects booking trends to improve by late 2025 as tariff concerns stabilize and traveler confidence returns.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com