Taiwan's Starlux Airlines has significantly expanded its cargo capabilities by ordering five additional Airbus A350F freighters, doubling its commitment to this model. This order, announced on January 9, 2025, is a strategic move to bolster the airline's presence in the global cargo market, highlighting its ambition to leverage Taiwan's strategic location for international freight operations. Starlux Airlines initially ordered five A350F freighters in February 2024, during the Singapore Airshow, marking its entry into the dedicated freighter market. With this new order, Starlux now has ten A350F aircraft on order, all expected to be part of the Starlux Cargo division. This fleet expansion aims to address the increasing demand for air freight, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, a significant hub for manufacturing and trade.
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The Airbus A350F is designed to offer exceptional payload-range capabilities similar to previous-generation freighters but with significantly reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Starlux's CEO, Glenn Chai, emphasized that the cargo market would become a key element in the airline's business model, benefiting from Taiwan's geographical advantages. He noted, "The A350F is the perfect choice for Starlux, offering a similar payload-range capability as previous generation freighters, but with very significant reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions." The A350F freighter features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with fuselage length and capacity-optimized around standard industry pallets and containers. This design not only increases efficiency but also aligns with the global push towards more sustainable aviation practices. Over 70% of the airframe is made from advanced materials, which contributes to a 46-tonne lighter take-off weight than competing derivatives, potentially offering both cost and environmental benefits.
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft, expressed appreciation for Starlux's ongoing confidence in Airbus products. He highlighted that the A350F would seamlessly integrate into Starlux's all-Airbus fleet, providing technical and operational commonality that would bring substantial benefits in terms of maintenance and training. "This second order from this fast-growing airline is another endorsement of the all-new A350F as the future game-changer in heavy lift markets," de Saint-Exupéry stated. Currently, Starlux operates a fleet of 26 Airbus aircraft, including the A321neo, A330neo, and A350-900, making it an all-Airbus operator. This consistency in fleet choice not only simplifies operations but also aligns with Starlux's brand identity of offering luxury and efficiency. The A350F, powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, can carry a payload of up to 111 tonnes and fly up to 4,700 nautical miles, offering a significant capability boost to Starlux's cargo operations.
This order also reflects broader trends in the aviation industry, where there's a noticeable shift towards more environmentally friendly and efficient aircraft, especially in the cargo sector. With its commitment to the A350F, Starlux is positioning itself to compete effectively with established players in key cargo markets, potentially expanding its network to include routes across Asia, Europe, and North America. The decision to double down on the A350F underscores Starlux's long-term vision for growth in both passenger and cargo segments, leveraging Taiwan's strategic location to become a pivotal player in global air freight. As the airline awaits the delivery of these freighters, scheduled to start in 2026, the industry watches closely, anticipating how this move will reshape cargo logistics in the region.