STARLUX: Takes delivery of first A350-1000

Starlux Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000, becoming the first Taiwanese airline to operate Airbus’ largest long-range twin-engine aircraft, a fleet milestone that has implications for Australian travellers flying long haul via Asia. The aircraft, registered B-58551, was handed over at Airbus’ Toulouse headquarters before operating a nonstop delivery flight to Taipei, where it arrived Today, 6 January.

The A350-1000 is scheduled to enter commercial service in February, and Starlux expects to receive a further five aircraft during 2026 as part of an 18-aircraft order supporting its long-haul expansion. The aircraft has four First Class seats, 26 in Business Class, 36 in Premium Economy and 240 in Economy. It has a published range of around 15,600 kilometres, enabling nonstop services across the Pacific, to Australia, and, in future, to Europe.

A signal of bigger long-haul ambitions

Starlux CEO Glenn Chai said at the aircraft’s delivery that the A350-1000 marks the airline’s entry into a “larger, more competitive” long-haul market and will play a “crucial role” in expanding its North American and European networks. Those comments underline a strategic shift for an airline that has so far positioned itself as a premium, design-focused carrier with a small, focused long-haul footprint.

The A350-1000 gives Starlux the scale and range required to compete directly with established long-haul operators in Asia, including EVA Air, China Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and ANA, all of which are widely used by Australian travellers.

Where Starlux flies today

Starlux’s long-haul network currently consists of nonstop flights from Taipei to Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles (Ontario International Airport), with Phoenix scheduled.

In addition to its trans-Pacific services, Starlux operates a growing regional network across Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, and China.

Australia and New Zealand on the roadmap

Starlux has publicly stated that Australia and New Zealand are target markets once sufficient long-haul aircraft are delivered, and ET has reported that Sydney and Melbourne are under consideration for future services from Taipei. Those flights are expected for late 2026 or early 2027, subject to aircraft deliveries, regulatory approvals and slot availability.

The arrival of the A350-1000 is a prerequisite for those plans, as the aircraft offers the payload, range, and premium-cabin capacity required to operate competitively on Australia–Asia routes.

Why this matters for Australian travellers

The impact on Australian travellers is limited until Starlux starts servicing Australia. When that happens, it might form yet another one-stop route to Europe, the USA, and destinations in Asia.

Starlux’s move also aligns with a broader shift among Taiwanese airlines, as both China Airlines and EVA Air have substantial A350-1000 orders intended for Asia–US and Asia–Europe routes, increasing the number of next-generation widebodies serving Taipei.

The 2PAXfly takeaway

Starlux’s first A350-1000 does not yet deliver direct flights to Australia, but it confirms the airline now has the aircraft type needed to enter the market.

Starlux has already expressed interest in joining OneWorld, which would make it a Qantas partner. It already partners with American Airlines in the US.

For Australians flying long-haul via Asia, it strengthens Taipei’s position as an alternative hub to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. It increases the likelihood that Starlux will become a familiar option on trans-Pacific and, eventually, Australia-bound routes.