Starlux Airlines has firmed up options for five additional Airbus A350 freighters, doubling an initial order placed in 2024.
The order, announced 9 January, comes as the Taiwanese operator focuses on cargo as a “key element” of its business model. Starlux will operate the A350Fs on “some of the world’s busiest freight routes”.
Starlux placed an initial order for five A350Fs – with options for five more – at the Singapore air show in 2024, marking its first foray into dedicated cargo aircraft operations. The airline, which will also be the first Taiwanese operator of the type, had previously said its initial A350F would be delivered after 2026.
The Taipei-based carrier is an all-Airbus operator, with a fleet of 26 aircraft comprising a mix of A321neos, A330neos and A350-900s.
The order now takes the backlog for the A350F to 55 aircraft. Other customers include Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Air France. The A350-1000-derived freighter is expected to enter commercial service in 2026.
