Starlux Takes Delivery of First A350-1000 for US East Coast Push

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Starlux Airlines has officially entered a new era of ultra-long-haul travel. On January 6, 2026, the Taipei-based carrier took delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000, marking a pivotal milestone in its aggressive strategy to conquer the North American market, specifically targeting the lucrative U.S. East Coast.

The aircraft, registered as B-58551, was personally ferried from Airbus headquarters in Toulouse to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) by the airline’s chairman and veteran pilot, Chang Kuo-wei. This delivery is the first of eighteen A350-1000s the airline has on order, complementing its existing fleet of ten A350-900s.

The "Carbon-Fibre" Flagship

The A350-1000 introduces a striking new visual identity for the airline. While maintaining the signature "rose gold" and "iron grey" palette, the fuselage features a bespoke carbon-fibre inspired motif on the tail and rear section, with a bold "1000" emblazoned to signify the larger variant.

Inside, the aircraft is configured with 350 seats across four distinct classes:

First Class (4 Suites): Private sanctuaries featuring sliding doors, 60-inch high partitions, and zero-gravity seat technology.

Business Class (40 Seats): All-aisle access suites with privacy doors and 4K entertainment screens.

Premium Economy (36 Seats): Generous legroom with dedicated calf rests and ergonomic support.

Economy Class (270 Seats): Optimised for long-haul comfort with advanced mood lighting and high-speed Wi-Fi.

From Tokyo to New York

Starlux plans to deploy the A350-1000 on high-demand regional routes starting in February 2026, including Tokyo (NRT) and Osaka (KIX), to build operational experience. However, the true purpose of this "Big Bird" is the transpacific leap.

According to official reports, Starlux is eyeing a direct launch to New York (JFK) in the second half of 2026. This move will be supported by an expanded codeshare agreement with Alaska Airlines and American Airlines, allowing passengers to connect to over 20 cities across the East Coast, including Washington D.C. and Boston. Furthermore, the airline is set to launch a new direct service to Phoenix (PHX) on January 15, 2026, utilising its A350-900 fleet.

New and Expanded Air Operations (2026)

The following table outlines the latest scheduled and upcoming flight operations as Starlux expands its footprint:

*A350-1000 regional training flights are tentatively scheduled for February 2026.

Looking Ahead

With the arrival of the A350-1000, Starlux is no longer just a "boutique" regional player. By bridging the gap to the U.S. East Coast and exploring future routes to Europe (London and Paris), the airline is positioning itself as a premium alternative to traditional carriers in the Asia-Pacific region.