KUALA LUMPUR: Airbus SE and Taiwan-based STARLUX Airlines has signed an agreement for five firm orders of A350F freighter aircraft and three additional A330neo (new engine option).
The purchase has made STARLUX Airlines as the first Taiwanese carrier to operate the next-generation A350F widebody freighter aircraft.
Chairman KW Chang said STARLUX Airlines has another five order options for the A350F as the carrier plans to expand its air cargo operations.
"Taiwan is a very important cargo hub especially from South Asia to North America. As a Taiwan-based carrier, we will not miss the opportunity to have cargo operations," he told the media at the signing ceremony event between STARLUX Airlines, Airbus and Rolls-Royce plc.
Airbus chief executive officer of the commercial aircraft business Christian Scherer said that the A350F aircraft is a result of a well thought-out strategy that responds to the market's desire for competition in the air cargo sector.
"We're particularly pleased and STARLUX Airlines is a confirmation of this. With the quality of the endorsement that the A350F has received of the three years since it's launched," he added.
The A350F is currently under development and is expected to enter into service starting in 2026.
The freighter aircraft can carry up to 111 tonnes of cargo weight and can fly up to 4700 nautical miles or 8700 kilometres at a lower cost compared to other freighter airplanes.
The Rolls-Royce's Trent-XWB97 engines that will power the A350Fs would reduce up to 40 per cent of fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to older Boeing 747F aircraft.
On the additional A330neo delivery, Airbus EVP sales, commercial aircraft, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry said the planes would be delivered between 2025 and 2026.
STARLUX Airlines operates an all Airbus passenger fleet including A350-900, A330neo and A321neo.
The carrier is also showcasing its A330neo on a static display at the 2024 Singapore Airshow.