STARLUX Airlines, in partnership with Airbus, and Rolls-Royce, recently announced the execution of an option for five A350F freighters, doubling its freighter fleet to 10 aircraft. This strategic move positions STARLUX as one of the largest purchasers of the A350F model. This order builds upon the purchase agreement signed last year at the 2024 Singapore Airshow. A formal signing ceremony held at the STARLUX Flight Operations Center in Taiwan marked the formalization of the purchase agreement.
“STARLUX Airlines has continuously nurtured the cargo market since its inception, capitalizing on the strategic advantages offered by Taiwan’s geographical location,” said STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai. “This acquisition of five more A350F freighters not only prepares us for the rapidly growing demand in the cargo market but also reflects our optimism about the potential of the international cargo market. The A350F is the most fuel-efficient freighter in the industry, meeting customer requirements to reduce carbon emissions and is in line with STARLUX’s ESG plan to achieve zero emissions by 2050.”
According to Airbus Executive Vice President Sales Commercial Aircraft, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry de Saint-Exupéry: “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 unrivalled 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.”
Ewen McDonald, Chief Customer Officer, Rolls-Royce – Civil Aerospace, said: “It’s been a pleasure collaborating with STARLUX Airlines and we’re delighted that they have opted for an additional five Trent XWB-97 powered Airbus A350F. We thank STARLUX Airlines for its continued confidence in the power of our Trent engines. The engine will benefit from the £1bn investment we’re making to the Trent engine family that improves their durability and efficiency across all operations. We are proud to continue supporting the expansion of STARLUX Airlines and look forward to supporting these new aircraft as they enter into service.”
The A350F freighter is equipped with Roll-Royce’s Trent XWB engines, which are also used in the A350 passenger aircraft. These engines are renowned as the most fuel-efficient large aero engine in today’s market, reducing fuel consumption by 25% on aircraft level and cutting engine noise by half. With a 109-tonne payload capability, the A350F features the largest main cargo door in the industry, with its fuselage length and capacity optimized around the industry’s standard pallets and containers.
STARLUX currently operates a fleet of 26 aircraft, including 13 A321neos, five A330neos, and eight A350-900 aircraft. The 10 A350F freighters are scheduled for delivery starting 2027. STARLUX aims to strengthen both its passenger and cargo network through this strategic fleet expansion and route development.
