STARLUX Airlines has strengthened its presence in the air freight sector with a firm order for five additional Airbus A350 Freighters (A350F), doubling its initial order placed in 2023. The move signals the airline’s growing ambition to carve out a significant presence in the global cargo market, with the A350F poised to service some of the world’s busiest freight routes under its STARLUX Cargo division.
STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai emphasized the growing importance of cargo operations within the airline’s broader business model. “The cargo market is set to become a key element in our business strategy, benefitting from Taiwan’s strategic geographical location,” Chai said. He also highlighted the A350F’s superior fuel efficiency and reduced carbon footprint, noting that the new freighters offer a compelling alternative to traditional aircraft with similar payload capabilities.
The A350F is a significant leap forward in the freighter segment, boasting a payload capacity of up to 111 tons and a range of 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km). With the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft delivers up to 40 percent lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to older freighter models, meeting the latest environmental standards set to take effect in 2027.
Airbus EVP Sales Commercial Aircraft, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, expressed his appreciation for STARLUX’s continued trust in the manufacturer. “The A350F will integrate seamlessly into STARLUX’s all-Airbus fleet, offering unmatched technical and operational commonality. This second order from such a dynamic carrier is a strong endorsement of the A350F’s potential to revolutionize the heavy-lift market,” de Saint-Exupéry said.
At present, STARLUX Airlines operates a fleet of 26 Airbus aircraft, including the A321neo, A330neo, and A350-900. The addition of the A350F, with its advanced design and performance, marks a key step in the airline’s expansion into the competitive cargo sector.
With over 70 percent of the A350F’s airframe constructed from lightweight, advanced materials, the aircraft boasts a 46-tonne lower takeoff weight than competing models, further enhancing its efficiency. The A350F also features the industry’s largest main deck cargo door, allowing for easier handling of industry-standard pallets and containers.
This order underscores the growing importance of the A350F in the global cargo landscape, with over 70 units already ordered by 10 major freight carriers. As demand for sustainable and efficient air cargo solutions rises, STARLUX’s expanded fleet positions it well to capitalize on this trend, while supporting the airline’s long-term growth ambitions.
