Which Airline Just Became the 11th Global Operator of the Airbus A350-1000?

January 6, 2026 at 12:00 AM•2 min read

Starlux Airlines has accepted its first Airbus A350-1000, joining the exclusive group of 11 global operators and boosting its long-haul widebody fleet for US East Coast routes.

Key Points

1Starlux Airlines took delivery of its first of 18 Airbus A350-1000s on January 6, 2026.
2The delivery makes Starlux the 11th global operator and the first in Taiwan for the A350-1000.
3The A350-1000's extended range will enable new routes to the US East Coast and Europe, starting service in February.
4The new widebody features a 350-seat, four-cabin configuration, including First Class.

Taiwan's Starlux Airlines has reached a major fleet milestone. The carrier accepted its first Airbus A350-1000 widebody jet. This delivery occurred on January 6, 2026. It makes Starlux the 11th global operator of the largest A350 variant. The airline is also the first Taiwanese carrier to fly the A350-1000.

The new aircraft, registered B-58551, arrived at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). It completed a ferry flight from the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France. Starlux Chairman Chang Kuo-wei personally piloted the delivery flight. This action highlights the importance of the new flagship aircraft. Starlux Airlines has 18 A350-1000s on firm order.

Expanding Long-Haul Reach

The A350-1000 is a key part of Starlux's global growth plan. This long-range jet will boost intercontinental flight operations. Extended range capability is a crucial factor. It will allow Starlux to reach the US East Coast. The aircraft will begin service in February.

CEO Glenn Chai noted the aircraft's strategic fit. It reinforces the airline's global presence. European routes are planned for the second half of 2026. The airline currently serves four US destinations. These include Los Angeles and San Francisco. A fifth US route to Phoenix begins on January 15. This expansion targets high-demand trans-Pacific routes.

Fleet and Configuration Details

The new widebody is configured with 350 seats. It features a premium four-cabin layout. This includes First Class, Business Class, and Premium Economy. This design supports Starlux's luxury-focused brand. The A350-1000 offers 44 more seats than the A350-900. The aircraft is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines.

Starlux operates an all-Airbus fleet. This commonality reduces training and maintenance costs. The A350 family offers better fuel efficiency. It uses 25% less fuel than previous generation aircraft. This is important for global sustainability goals. The A350-1000 competes directly with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The Airbus jet offers greater range and capacity.

Competitive Market Impact

This delivery intensifies competition in the Asian market. Rival Taiwanese carriers are also expanding. EVA Air and China Airlines have A350-1000s on order. Starlux's early adoption gives it a market edge. The long-haul market is seeing strong growth. Starlux is positioning itself as a global player. This expansion is vital for Taiwan's hub status. Industry experts watch this fleet growth closely. The global aviation industry, tracked by IATA, continues its recovery and expansion. More commercial aviation news can be found at flying.flights.