STARLUX Airlines exercises options for 5 A350F freighters

STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has exercised options for five A350F freighter aircraft and officially signed agreements with Airbus and Rolls-Royce, expanding its cargo fleet to 10 A350Fs.

The 10 A350F freighters are scheduled for delivery starting in 2027, says an official release.

"This move positions STARLUX as one of the world's largest A350F customers. The exercised options originate from the purchase agreement signed during the Singapore Airshow in early 2024. This demonstrates STARLUX's strong confidence in the steady and long-term growth of the cargo market, laying a solid foundation for its future cargo strategy."

Glenn Chai, CEO, STARLUX Airlines says: "Since its inception, STARLUX Airlines has been deeply committed to the cargo market. Taiwan’s advantageous geographical location offers significant benefits for cargo operations. The decision to exercise options for five A350F freighters not only prepares us for the growing demand for air cargo but also underscores our optimism about the future potential of the international cargo market.

"The A350F is the industry’s lowest-emission freighter, meeting airlines’ expectations for energy efficiency and carbon reduction, and aligns with STARLUX’s ESG roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050."

Benoit de Saint-Exupery, Executive Vice President, Commercial Aircraft Sales, Airbus adds: "We are grateful for STARLUX Airlines’ continued trust in Airbus. We believe the A350F freighter will integrate seamlessly, both technically and operationally, with STARLUX’s existing fleet. This additional order of five A350Fs further highlights the model’s pivotal role in the growing cargo market and its capability to support STARLUX Airlines in expanding its business ambitiously."

STARLUX Airlines currently operates a fleet of 26 aircraft, including 13 A321neo, five A330neo and eight A350-900, the release added.

A350F under development
Currently under development, the A350F can carry a payload of up to 111 tonnes and can fly up to 4,700 nautical miles/8,700 kilometres, says a release from Airbus. "Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40 percent when compared to previous generation aircraft with a similar payload-range capability."

At the end of November 2024, the latest generation widebody A350 family had won 1,345 orders from 61 customers worldwide, including 55 for the all-new A350F from 10 leading cargo carriers, the release added.