STARLUX Airlines is betting big on air cargo expansion by exercising options for five additional Airbus A350F freighters, bringing its total order to 10 aircraft and making it one of the largest customers for the new cargo jet.
The Taiwanese carrier will spend up to NT$100 billion ($3.1 billion) on the deal, with deliveries starting in 2027. The move signals STARLUX’s push to capitalize on Taiwan’s strategic location as a major air freight hub in Asia.
CEO Clay Lau said the carrier sees strong growth potential in international cargo markets, prompting the early conversion of these options. The A350F offers 25% better fuel efficiency and generates half the engine noise compared to older freighters, while providing an extra three tons of payload capacity.
The order expands STARLUX’s current fleet of 26 aircraft, which includes 13 A321neos, five A330neos and eight A350-900 passenger jets. All A350Fs will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, with the manufacturer recently investing £1 billion to improve engine durability and efficiency.
The A350F features a 4.3-meter-wide main cargo door, the largest in its class, enabling transport of outsized freight. Airbus executives noted this capability would be crucial for STARLUX’s cargo network development.
