STARLUX Takes Delivery of Taiwan's First Airbus A350-1000

STARLUX Airlines took delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000 (registration B-58551) on Jan. 6, 2026, after a 13-hour flight from Toulouse. The aircraft landed at Taoyuan International Airport and was later showcased at the 2026 Singapore Airshow, marking Taiwan's debut with the widebody type on the global stage.

The new A350-1000 is configured with 350 seats across four classes and offers a nonstop range of nearly 9,700 miles. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, it delivers enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, aligning with STARLUX's sustainability goals. The airline's fleet strategy has expanded from an original 2018 memorandum of understanding for 17 A350s to 23 aircraft, including 12 A350-1000s and 11 A350-900s.

Alongside the fleet expansion, STARLUX announced its first European destination: Prague. Beginning Aug. 1, 2026, the carrier will operate three to four weekly flights between Taipei and Prague using an A350-900, adding to its network of U.S. and Asia-Pacific routes. The airline also plans to launch Busan flights from Taipei and Taichung in June, further expanding its regional footprint. CEO Glenn Chai emphasized that the A350-1000 delivery represents STARLUX's maturation as a long-haul operator, positioning the boutique carrier for continued growth in the competitive international market.