Toulouse, France — Taiwan-based STARLUX Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000, marking a milestone in the carrier’s fleet expansion and making it the 11th airline worldwide to operate the largest variant of the A350 widebody aircraft.
The aircraft is the first of 18 A350-1000s on order and will join STARLUX’s existing fleet of 10 A350-900s, which currently serve long-haul routes from Taipei to destinations in Europe and North America, as well as selected cities across the Asia-Pacific region.
To mark the arrival of its new flagship aircraft, STARLUX unveiled a distinctive livery incorporating the airline’s signature design elements alongside a carbon-fibre motif—a reference to the advanced composite materials used in the A350’s construction. The number “1000,” prominently displayed on the fuselage, underscores the aircraft’s status as the largest in-production model offered by Airbus.
STARLUX operates an all-Airbus fleet that includes the A321neo, A330-900, and A350-900 aircraft. The addition of the A350-1000 is expected to enhance capacity and range on the airline’s premium long-haul services. Beyond passenger operations, the carrier has also placed orders for 10 A350F freighters as part of plans to build out its future cargo network.
The A350 family is positioned by Airbus as its most advanced widebody aircraft, featuring next-generation engines, aerodynamic improvements, and extensive use of lightweight materials. According to Airbus, these innovations deliver a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption, operating costs, and carbon dioxide emissions compared with previous-generation aircraft. The A350 also features the manufacturer’s Airspace cabin, designed to improve passenger comfort through wider seats, higher ceilings, and enhanced ambient lighting.
Like all Airbus aircraft currently in production, the A350 is certified to operate with up to 50 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus has set a target for all its aircraft to be capable of operating on up to 100 percent SAF by 2030.
As of the end of November 2025, the A350 program had secured close to 1,500 orders from 66 customers worldwide, underscoring strong demand for next-generation long-haul aircraft amid the aviation industry’s push for greater efficiency and sustainability.