STARLUX Airlines has signed a firm order for 17 Airbus A350 aircraft, comprising five A350-900s and 12 A350-1000s.

The new Taiwanese airline plans to deploy the new aircraft on its long-haul services from Taipei to Europe and North America, as well as selected destinations within the Asia-Pacific region.

“We are very glad to sign the official purchase agreement today for Airbus widebodies,” said K.W. Chang [centre in photo], founder and chairman of STARLUX Airlines. “The A350’s combination of extra-long range capability, significantly lower operating costs and high passenger comfort were key factors in our decision. STARLUX is committed to becoming one of the best airlines in the world. We are positive that with the A350 XWB, we will be able to spread our wings to further destinations, bringing our best-in-class services to more people over the world in the near future.”

STARLUX and Airbus signed a memorandum of understanding at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2018.

“What K.W. and STARLUX are proving is that when you start from a clean sheet, you make no compromises,” said Christian Scherer [second from left in photo], chief commercial officer of Airbus. “Every STARLUX A350-1000 takes off 45 tonnes lighter than its alternative. Imagine the savings! And will fly up to 1,000 more miles than the alternative, enabling STARLUX to serve US-East Coast destinations non-stop. Imagine the extra market and revenue!”

At the end of February 2019, the A350 XWB Family had received 852 firm orders from 48 customers worldwide, according to Airbus.