LIFESTYLE | 40 PHOTOS
STARLUX cabin and flight crew welcoming trade visitors onboard their newly delivered A350-1000 during the Singapore Airshow 2026. (Photo: STARLUX)
10 February 2026 – STARLUX Airlines today launched its first revenue flight with its new flagship—the Airbus A350-1000, operating flight JX802/803 between Taipei Taoyuan and Tokyo Narita. Just days earlier, the airline partnered with Airbus to present the brand-new aircraft at the Singapore Airshow 2026, where we had a first look at the premium onboard experience. With 17 additional A350-1000s on order, the type is set to play a central role as STARLUX expands deeper into the U.S. and prepares for its first steps into Europe.
A Modern Fleet Takes Shape
The delivery of the first A350-1000 (registration B-58551) on 6 January 2026 marked a milestone not only for STARLUX, but for Taiwan’s aviation industry—it is the country’s first example of Airbus’ largest twin-engine widebody, dubbed “The Long Range Leader”. The timing also coincides with a particularly intense period of fleet growth. Fourteen new aircraft are scheduled to join the airline in 2026 alone, including five A350-1000s, bringing the total fleet to 43.
From its inception, STARLUX positioned itself as a luxury full-service carrier with a clear and disciplined fleet strategy. The airline has focused on acquiring a modern, all-Airbus fleet that now spans the A321neo, A330neo, A350-900, and the A350-1000. According to ch-aviation data, the airline operated the world’s youngest fleet in 2025.
From Pandemic Launch to Long-Haul Ambitions
Since its launch in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, STARLUX has successfully emerged with a well-established and robust Asian network across Southeast Asia and Japan. In 2023, the airline expanded into long-haul North American markets, serving San Francisco, Ontario, Los Angeles, and Phoenix Sky Harbor, with Taipei positioned as a key hub feeding its core Asian routes.
STARLUX also established a Taichung base in 2023, which serves “thinner routes” with the A321neo. Destinations include Kobe, Okinawa, Takamatsu, Macau, Da Nang and Phu Quoc Island, and to be introduced this year, Miyako Island, Tokyo and Kumamoto. A third base in Kaohsiung is scheduled for Q2 2026 to strengthen the airline’s strategic reach into the Northeast Asia, catering to business and leisure travellers.
As of February 2026, STARLUX serves 31 international destinations across 11 countries. The airline maintains codeshare agreements with Alaska Airlines and Etihad Airways, as well as an interline agreement with American Airlines.
Last week, STARLUX announced its first European destination, with flights between Taipei Taoyuan and Prague Václav Havel Airport set to launch on 1 August 2026. The service will operate three times weekly initially, increasing to four weekly flights from October, and will be served by the four-class A350-900.
With a nonstop range of up to nearly 9,700 miles (15,600 kilometres), the introduction of the A350-1000 is expected to further fuel the airline’s long-haul ambitions. As more examples enter the fleet, STARLUX is eyeing initial Northern European routes by 2026 (with Prague and Helsinki at the top of the list), as well as future services to the U.S. East Coast.
A Familiar Sight at the Singapore Airshow
STARLUX’s A330neo (left) and A350-1000 (right) on static display during the 2024 and 2026 editions of the Singapore Airshow.
Recent editions of the Singapore Airshow have become synonymous with STARLUX’s participation. At the 2026 edition, the airline showcased its newly delivered A350-1000 (registration B-58551) for static display from 3–5 February, drawing steady crowds throughout the event. Two years earlier, an A330neo (registration B-58303) had made a similar appearance during trade days.
On both occasions, STARLUX aircraft occupied prominent positions at the heart of the static display park, an indication of the airline’s rising profile.
Glenn Chai, CEO of STARLUX Airlines, said: “We are honoured to participate in the Singapore Airshow with an actual aircraft for the second consecutive edition, reflecting not only the strong recognition of STARLUX but also our steady progress in fleet planning and operational execution.”
He added: “Showcasing Taiwan’s first A350-1000 demonstrates more than the arrival of a single aircraft type—it marks the maturation of a comprehensive fleet capable of supporting both long-haul and regional operations. Through this international platform, we aim to highlight our professional capabilities to a global audience and attract greater attention to the development of Taiwan’s aviation industry. We sincerely thank Airbus for their ongoing partnership and support.”
Anand Stanley, President of Airbus Asia-Pacific, added: “We are delighted to welcome STARLUX’s newest A350-1000 to the Singapore Airshow, a milestone that underscores both the strength of our enduring partnership and the growing importance of long-haul connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region. The A350-1000 is truly a Long Range Leader, combining efficiency, comfort, and cutting-edge design. Featuring a luxurious four-class layout, the STARLUX aircraft is a prime example of what is possible with the A350-1000 in terms of passenger experience.”
The New Flagship – A350-1000
As the largest aircraft in the STARLUX fleet, the A350-1000 naturally assumes flagship status. Visually, it is unmistakable. The airline’s signature “Obsidian Gray” woven livery is accented with “Earth Gold,” while a bespoke tail design pays tribute to the carbon fibre materials that form the backbone of the aircraft’s construction. Prominent “1000” fuselage markings leave little doubt about its flagship role.
Inside, the cabin continues the design language introduced on the A350-900. Developed in collaboration with BMW Designworks, the “Glisten” concept combines understated luxury with a refined, contemporary aesthetic. Electro-dimmable Gentex windows, carefully tuned mood lighting, accent luminous panels, and a PRM (Passenger with Reduced Mobility)-accessible lavatory contribute to a cohesive and thoughtful onboard environment.
The A350-1000’s additional 4.5 metres of fuselage length between Doors 1 and 2 has allowed STARLUX to significantly upscale its premium offering. Business class capacity increases by 67 percent—from 26 to 40 seats—while the overall four-class configuration totals 350 seats:
- First Class: Four Collins Aerospace Elements suites in a 1-2-1 configuration
- Business Class: 40 Collins Aerospace Elements suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, 44″/46″ seat pitch
- Premium Economy: 36 Recaro PL3530 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration, 40″ seat pitch
- Economy Class: 270 Recaro CL3710 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration, 31″/32″ seat pitch
AIRSORAYAMA: Art Takes Flight
STARLUX’s AIRSORAYAM Silver and Gold liveries will become the world’s largest flying art pieces once they take to the skies later this year. (Photo: STARLUX)
Following the delivery of the A350-1000, STARLUX unveiled the “AIRSORAYAMA” project on 28 January—a multi-year collaboration with renowned Japanese hyperrealist artist Hajime Sorayama. The initiative will see two A350-1000 aircraft (registrations B-58553 and B-58554) transformed into liquid-metal silver and gold liveries respectively.
The designs will also feature underbelly linework inspired by Sorayama’s iconic Mechanical Shark motif. Scheduled to debut in Q3 2026, the AIRSORAYAMA experience will extend beyond the aircraft livery to include in-flight amenities, a dedicated safety video, and a range of co-branded merchandise.
The airline hopes the project will strengthen STARLUX’s global visibility and continue to drive brand momentum, following previous successful collaborations such as with Peanuts and 7-Eleven.
Photo Gallery: STARLUX A350-1000 Experience at the Singapore Airshow 2026
The morning sun casts a golden glow on the STARLUX A350-1000.
The A350-1000 is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, delivering enhanced fuel efficiency, reduced noise, and lower carbon emissions. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 is already capable of operating with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The -1000 variant features two six-wheel main landing gear (MLG) units with no tilt, compared to the two four-wheel tilting MLG units on the -900.
The A350 cockpit features six very large liquid crystal displays (LCDs), providing ample space and redundancy for the display of the OIS, PFD, ND, MFD, systems, engine, mailbox, warnings, and other functionalities.
Manufacturer plates located on Door 1L.
The flight attendant panel allows control of the IFE, PA broadcasts, mood lighting, and temperature, which is divided into eight independent zones to maximise passenger comfort.
Seat 1K, one of four First Class suites located in the first row of STARLUX’s A350-1000.
Upright (left) and fully flat (right) configurations of the First Class seat. The seats also feature a Zero Gravity mode, made possible by NASA space technology, and include an air massager to ease fatigue on long-haul flights.
First Class guests are presented with the distinguished FPM “Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano” co-branded kit, complemented by the Aesop “Departure Kit”.
The First Class suite is complemented with premium features such as an amenity drawer, a personal minibar, and a 32-inch high-definition screen.
The reverse herringbone layout, together with the suite doors, allows couples to enjoy enhanced privacy in the two centre First Class suites.
A combination of rose-gold trim with black and grey leather creates a sense of calm, warmth, luxury, and protection.
The “halo” feature at the top of each Business Class suite wall angles inward, creating a psychological effect of gentle embrace and seclusion. The maintained wall height, coupled with the absence of a middle overhead compartment, provides a spacious feel throughout the cabin.
Business Class features 40 seats arranged in a reverse herringbone layout. The design combines dark grey, warm brown, and champagne tones, offering a homely yet professional environment for the business traveller.
Electro-dimmable Gentex windows is able to fully isolate outdoor natural light from the cabin.
Upright (left) and fully flat (right) configurations of the Business Class seat.
The Business Class seat includes a storage cabinet with a mirror, housing a headphone hook, power outlets, a wireless charging pad, and an IFE remote.
On North America-bound Business Class flights, amenity kits in partnership with Japanese natural herbal beauty brand THREE, along with pyjamas, are provided. The IFE features a 24-inch 4K screen.
STARLUX cabin crew showcasing the premium product offerings onboard the A350-1000.
Galley located at Door 2. As this is typically the main boarding area, it is lined with wooden tones to provide a calming and warm welcome.
There are 36 Premium Economy seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration. The seats feature a leg rest with an integrated footbar.
A “STARLUX Home in the Air 35” scent developed by P.Seven, along with vibrant amenity kits from hipster brand The SMILE Company, complements the elegant yet uplifting premium economy experience.
The PRM lavatory is located at Door 3, with sliding walls that allow the configuration to be converted as required.
Economy Class features the award-winning RECARO CL3710 seats.
Economy Class guests can enjoy IFE via a 13-inch 4K screen.
The 3-3-3 seating configuration gives the A350-1000 an Economy Class capacity of 270 seats, split into two sections located at the centre and rear of the fuselage.
STARLUX is the world’s 11th operator of the A350-1000, with a planned total fleet of 18 aircraft of the type.
Airbus continues to market the A350-1000 as the ideal long-range widebody. At the Singapore Airshow 2026, the manufacturer also conducted demonstration flights using a factory aircraft.