STARLUX Airlines has ordered five additional A350F cargo aircraft from Airbus, doubling its initial order from last year.
The Taiwanese carrier will operate the A350F fleet on major global freight routes through its STARLUX Cargo division.
STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai said the cargo market would become crucial to the airline’s operations.
“The cargo market is set to become a key element in our business model and will benefit from the advantages offered by Taiwan’s geographical location,” Chai said.
The A350F can carry up to 111 tonnes of cargo and has a range of 8,700 kilometres.
The new freighter promises up to 40 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to previous generation aircraft.
STARLUX currently operates 26 Airbus aircraft including A321neo, A330neo and A350-900 models.
The A350F features advanced materials in 70 per cent of its airframe, making it 46 tonnes lighter than competing models at take-off.
Airbus EVP Sales Commercial Aircraft Benoît de Saint-Exupéry said the order reinforced the A350F’s position in heavy lift markets.
The manufacturer has received 1,345 orders for the A350 family from 61 customers worldwide, including 55 A350F orders from 10 cargo carriers.
The new freighter will be the only aircraft that fully meets ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, which take effect in 2027.
