STARLUX has placed a firm order for five all-new A350F freighters and three more A330neo widebody aircraft with Airbus.

The order means that STARLUX will become the first Taiwanese airline to operate the next-generation A350F widebody freighter.

Glenn Chai, chief executive of STARLUX, said: “STARLUX Airlines has continuously nurtured the cargo market since its inception, capitalising on the strategic advantages offered by Taiwan’s geographical location.

“In an era of climate change, the A350F has unbeatable efficiency in terms of fuel burn, CO2 emissions, and economics, offering significant energy-saving and carbon reduction benefits.

“It not only meets customer requirements for carbon reduction but also aligns with STARLUX’s ESG plan to achieve zero emissions by 2050.

“Additionally, the three new A330neos will strengthen our fleet advantage and provide greater flexibility for passenger operations.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus executive vice president sales, commercial aircraft, said: “We love working with STARLUX Airlines in building and strengthening its fleet.

“Operating both the latest generation Airbus single-aisle and widebody aircraft brings the airline enormous benefits.

“It significantly reduces fuel consumption and carbon emission and offers unrivalled levels of technical commonality, benefits in maintenance and training.

“The A350F, the only new generation large freighter, will fit seamlessly into this all-Airbus fleet and enable STARLUX Airlines to compete effectively with the leading players in key cargo markets.”

The agreement was signed at the 2024 Singapore Airshow by KW Chang, chairman of STARLUX Airlines and Christian Scherer, chief executive of Airbus’ commercial aircraft business.

STARLUX Airlines operates an all-Airbus passenger fleet that already includes the A350-900, A330neo and A321neo. The A350F will be operated by STARLUX Cargo on some of the world’s busiest cargo routes.

The A350F

Currently under development, the A350F can carry a payload of up to 111 tonnes and can fly up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 kilometres) at significantly lower cost than any other freighter available today.

The A350F will enable STARLUX Cargo to serve all heavy cargo markets around the world.

Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent-XWB97 engines, the aircraft will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40% when compared with the older 747F and is at least 20% more efficient than its competitor.

The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with fuselage length and capacity optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers.

Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials, resulting in a 46 tonne lighter take-off weight than the competing derivative.

The A350F is also the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO2 emissions standards, coming into effect in 2027.

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