Taiwan’s newest international carrier, STARLUX Airlines has taken delivery of its first widebody aircraft – an A330-900. The aircraft will be the first of 26 Airbus widebodies set to join the airline’s fleet, which comprises eight A330neo and 18 A350s.
The airline, which was founded in May 2018, has 17 A350s on direct order with Airbus, while the A330neo aircraft and one A350 are being acquired on lease from Air Lease Corporation (ALC).
The A330neo will be used for the airline’s regional routes from Taiwan to the rest of Asia-Pacific, and will join an existing fleet of seven single-aisle A321neos.
“I am delighted to welcome our first A330neo, as it marks a key milestone in our growth. Having already operated modern and efficient single-aisle A321neo, we are confident that the A330neo will bring even more flexibility and efficiency in our network strategy, whilst optimizing cost efficiency and achieving high passenger comfort,” founder and chairman of STARLUX Airlines K.W. Chang said in a statement.
“We are also looking forward to starting to take delivery of our A350s in the coming months.”
“We are excited to work closely with STARLUX to build their new fleet,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.
“Together the A321neo, A330neo and A350 will enable the carrier to benefit from the unique technical commonality and efficiency offered by our latest generation aircraft.”
STARLUX has also signed up for Airbus’ computer-based ACE (Airbus Cockpit Experience) Suite training solution. Using a “learning by discovery” approach, STARLUX’s flight crew will be able to use the ACE Trainer that simulates a 3D Cockpit environment with guided lessons and free play. ACE Suite is approved by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and in line with ICAO regulations.