Taiwan-based Starlux Airlines will enter the freighter market after it placed an order for five Airbus A350 cargo aircraft at the Singapore Airshow.
The carrier’s chief executive, Glenn Chai, said the entry into the freighter market would enable the carrier to capitalize on “the strategic advantages offered by Taiwan’s geographical location. It also took options on five more of the models.
The carrier currently offers cargo transportation in the bellyhold of its fleet of A321, A330 and A350 aircraft.
STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has placed a firm order for five all-new A350F freighters and three more A330neo widebody aircraft.
The agreement was signed at the Singapore Airshow by KW Chang, Chairman of STARLUX Airlines, and Christian Scherer, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business of Airbus.
Glenn Chai, STARLUX CEO, 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.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft 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”.
Starlux operates four A350 passenger aircraft and has outstanding orders for 14 more. The A350F is currently under development with the first aircraft expected to be delivered in 2026.
The aircraft has a payload of up to 111 tonnes and can fly up to 8,700 km.
Airbus claims the aircraft will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40% when compared with the older 747F and is at least 20% more efficient than its competitor.
“The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with fuselage length and capacity optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers,” the airframer said.
Airbus’ A350F order book now stands at 55 orders from 10 customers, following its launch at Dubai Airshow in 2021.
Late last year, Airbus secured orders from Turkish Airlines for five of the freighters and Cathay Pacific for six.
Other carriers to have placed an order are Air France (4), Air Lease Corp (7), CMA CGM (4), Etihad Airways (7), Martinair (4), Silkway West (2), Singapore Airlines (7) and undisclosed (4).
Boeing is also developing a new freighter based on its developmental 777-8 widebody, which has so far accumulated 55 orders from carriers such as Qatar Airways, Cargolux, and All Nippon Airways.
