From the Singapore Airshow today, Airbus announced that STARLUX has placed a firm order for five new A350F freighters, as well as an additional three A330neos. The carrier currently operates an all-Airbus fleet, which includes the A350-900, A330neo and A321neo.
On Wednesday (February 21, 2024), from the Singapore Airshow, Airbus announced that STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has placed a firm order for five all-new A350F freighters and three additional A330neos. STARLUX Cargo will operate the A350F on some of the world’s busiest routes. Currently, the carrier operates an all-Airbus fleet, including the A350-900, A330neo and A321neo. With the incremental order, the STARLUX A330neo fleet will grow from four to seven. The aircraft will be configured in a premium two-class cabin with 28 Business Class and 269 Economy Class seats.
In Wednesday’s announcement, SSTARLUX Airlines’ CEO, Glenn Chai, said,
“STARLUX Airlines has continuously nurtured the cargo market since its inception, capitalising on the strategic advantages offered by Taiwan’s geographical location. With this order, STARLUX will become the first Taiwanese airline to operate the next-generation A350F widebody freighter. In an era of climate change, the A350F has unbeatable efficiency in terms of fuel burn, CO2 emissions, and economics, offering significant energy-saving and carbon reduction benefits. It not only meets customer requirements for carbon reduction but also aligns with STARLUX’s ESG plan to achieve zero emissions by 2050. Additionally, the three new A330neos will strengthen our fleet advantage and provide greater flexibility for passenger operations.”
Also commenting on the new order, Airbus’ EVP Sales – Commercial Aircraft, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, said,
“We love working with STARLUX Airlines in building and strengthening its fleet. Operating both the latest generation Airbus single aisle and widebody aircraft brings the airline enormous benefits. It significantly reduces fuel consumption and carbon emission and offers unrivalled levels of technical commonality, benefits in maintenance and training. The A350F, the only new generation large freighter, will fit seamlessly into this all-Airbus fleet and enable STARLUX Airlines to compete effectively with the leading players in key cargo markets.”
Currently under development, the all-new Airbus A350F will have a payload capacity of up to 111 tonnes, and a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km). Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent-XWB97 engines, the aircraft will deliver a reduction in fuel use and emissions of up to 40 percent compared to the older 747F, and will be at least 20 percent more efficient than the competition. The A350F will enable STARLUX to serve all heavy cargo markets worldwide.
The aircraft also boasts the industry’s largest main deck cargo door, and features a fuselage length and capacity optimized to accommodate standard pallets and containers. More than 70 percent of the airframe is constructed of advanced lightweight materials, resulting in a 46 tonne lighter takeoff weight versus the competitor’s derivative. Additionally, the A350F will be the only freighter to fully meet ICAO’s 2027 enhanced CO2 emissions standards.
As of January 31, 2024, the latest generation Airbus A350 Family had won over 1,200 orders from 57 customers worldwide, including 50 A350F freighters from nine of the leading cargo carriers. In the mid-size widebody category, the A330neo Family has received nearly 300 orders from 28 customers across the globe.
Source: Airbus