2026 is beginning with a thrilling development for Taiwan’s Starlux Airlines, which has recently received its inaugural Airbus A350-1000.
**Starlux receives 18 Airbus A350-1000s**
Commencing operations in 2020, Starlux is Taiwan’s third full-service, high-quality airline, following China Airlines and EVA Air. The airline exclusively operates Airbus aircraft, starting with the A321neo, then receiving A330-900neos, and subsequently, A350-900s.
Now, the airline has welcomed its first A350-1000, marking the largest aircraft in its fleet to date. Specifically, Starlux has taken delivery of all 10 A350-900s ordered and is now beginning to receive the 18 A350-1000s it has on order.
The initial A350 has just arrived in Taipei (TPE) and bears the registration code B-58551. I must say, it’s a stunning aircraft!
All long-haul routes operated by Starlux utilize A350s, so as the airline expands its A350 fleet from 10 to 28 aircraft, significant growth can be anticipated, including new destinations in North America and first-time routes to Australia and Europe.
The airline aims to have all of these aircraft in service by 2031, indicating a slower delivery pace—expecting an average of several new planes annually.
The A350-1000 is the elongated version of the A350-900, offering remarkable range and cost efficiency. It’s an exceptionally efficient aircraft, and I’m confident Starlux will efficiently fill seats on long-haul routes due to the traffic dynamics in Taiwan.
**Starlux A350-1000s feature a four-cabin, 350-seat configuration**
What can passengers anticipate aboard Starlux’s Airbus A350-1000s? While the airline has yet to officially disclose the cabin details, I understand that the interiors will resemble those of the A350-900, but with slightly more space. Specifically:
– Starlux A350-900s have 306 seats, consisting of four first class seats, 26 business class seats, 36 premium economy seats, and 240 economy seats.
– Starlux A350-1000s offer 350 seats, which include four first class seats, 40 business class seats, 36 premium economy seats, and 270 economy seats.
As illustrated, the A350-1000s include 14 additional business class seats and 30 more economy seats compared to the smaller variant. I haven’t seen the updated seat map yet, but the intended layout is clear.
Between the first and second sets of doors, there are likely 44 seats, encompassing four first class and 40 business class seats. This indicates that Starlux is continuing with its unique first class offering, featuring high pricing yet a product that feels more like a “business class plus,” considering there isn’t even a curtain dividing first and business classes.
Starlux’s business class is, however, superb, providing the Collins Aerospace Element product, which I rank among the finest business class seats available.
The premium economy section remains the same, located just behind the second set of doors.
Meanwhile, the economy section simply contains a few extra rows, as the A350-1000 is an elongated version of the A350-900.
Thus, this should ensure a comfortable experience overall, although I remain puzzled by Starlux’s first class strategy (and somewhat frustrated, since I’d love to experience it on a long-haul flight but hesitate at their pricing for a cabin that isn’t fully separate).
**In summary**
Starlux Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000, with plans to incorporate 18 of these into its fleet by 2031. This represents the airline’s largest aircraft so far, complementing the 10 existing A350-900s. Anticipate the A350-1000 product to closely resemble the A350-900, with the differences being an additional 14 business class seats and 30 extra economy class seats.
**What are your thoughts on Starlux adding the A350-1000 to its fleet?**