Taiwanese start-up Starlux Airlines has placed an order with Airbus for 17 A350 XWB aircraft to expand long-haul services.
The order is expected to be worth $6bn, Reuters reported.
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It consists of five A350-900s and 12 A350-1000s, which will be respectively powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB84 engines and Trent XWB97 engines.
Starlux intends to use the A350 aircraft on its long-haul services from Taipei to Europe and North America, in addition to selected destinations within the Asia-Pacific.
Starlux Airlines founder and chairman Chang said: “The A350’s combination of extra-long-range capability, significantly lower operating costs and high passenger comfort were key factors in our decision.
“We are positive that with the A350 XWB, we will be able to spread our wings to further destinations, bringing our best-in-class services to more people over the world in the near future.”
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By GlobalDataThe A350 XWB offers adaptable operational flexibility for all market segments up to ultra-long haul (9,700nm), and features aerodynamic design and carbon-fibre fuselage and wings.
The A350 XWB’s Airspace by Airbus cabin offers modern in-flight products to passengers and crews.
The aircraft are built with more than 70% advanced materials, combining 53% carbon composites, titanium and aluminium alloys.
Starlux will take delivery of five A350-900s beginning in late 2021 while the 12 A350-1000s will begin to join the company’s fleet in the third quarter of 2022.
The airline is expected to have up to 27 aircraft in its fleet by the end of 2024 to serve more than 20 destinations in Asia and North America.
Last month, the A350 XWB family received 852 firm orders from 48 customers worldwide.
In December 2017, China Airlines took delivery of a new A350-900 aircraft powered by a combination of traditional and sustainable biofuels from Airbus.
