On December 9, 2024, STARLUX Airlines announced that it has exercised options for five A350F freighter aircraft and officially signed agreements with Airbus and Rolls-Royce, expanding its cargo fleet to 10 A350Fs. 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.

STARLUX Airlines CEO Glenn Chai stated, “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.” Airbus Executive Vice President of Commercial Aircraft Sales, Benoit de Saint-Exupery, commented, “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.

Ewen McDonald, Rolls-Royce’s Chief Customer Officer for Civil Aviation, said, “We are honored to collaborate with STARLUX Airlines once again and are delighted they have exercised this option for A350F freighters powered by our Trent XWB-97 engines. We sincerely thank STARLUX Airlines for their trust and support in the Trent engine series. Rolls-Royce has recently invested £1 billion in enhancing the durability and efficiency of the Trent engines, ensuring airlines achieve greater operational efficiency. Rolls-Royce will continue to support STARLUX Airlines’ expansion, including its cargo operations, and we look forward to seeing these excellent new aircraft contribute to STARLUX Airlines’ exceptional service.

” The A350F freighter is equipped with the same Trent XWB engines as the A350 passenger aircraft, making it the most efficient aircraft engine currently on the market. It delivers a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and halves engine noise. In addition to being more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, the A350F offers a 3-ton payload advantage over competing models and features the widest main cargo door (4.3 meters) available, providing a larger lateral opening. This enables the transport of larger shipment, offering greater versatility for clients.

STARLUX Airlines currently operates a fleet of 26 aircraft, including 13 A321neo, 5 A330neo, and 8 A350-900. The 10 A350F freighters are scheduled for delivery starting in 2027. The fleet expansion will complement the airline’s growing network of passenger and cargo destinations, paving the way for the future development of its global operations.