SPECIAL LIVERY - STARLUX / Airbus A350-1000 / F-WZNI msn 791 "AIRSORAYAMA Silver cs"

Alain Charpentier - TLS
 

SPECIAL COLOURS - STARLUX Airlines is collaborating with renowned Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama to introduce two revolutionary "AIRSORAYAMA" special liveries on its Airbus A350-1000 aircraft

Photo: A380_TLS_A350
Taxiing faster msn791,  F-WZNI 1/6/2026

FLEET /ORDER - Starlux Airlines to sell, leaseback three A330-900s

Starlux Airlines (JX, Taipei Taoyuan) will sell and leaseback three A330-900Ns to First Commercial Bank Leasing and Taishin Daan Leasing for up to USD345 million in total, or no more than USD115 million per aircraft. The carrier will then lease the aircraft back for a total consideration of about TWD3.8 billion New Taiwan dollars (USD120.5 million) per aircraft, subject to interest-rate adjustments. The board approved the agreements on May 12, 2026.

CH Aviation / Photo: Duncan Stewart

Starlux / A330-900NEO / F-WWYX / 2121

Alain Charpentier - TLS
 

SPECIAL COLOURS - Starlux Airsorayama Gold - A350-1000, B-58554

The GOLD that will dazzle the world
The STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA GOLD makes its debut at AIRBUS headquarters!

Following the AIRSORAYAMA SILVER, the B-58554 has completed its paint job in Toulouse, France.

The flying masterpiece, designed by legendary Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama, will soon illuminate the skies.

 Photos: StarLux

SPECIAL COLOURS - STARLUX "AIRSORAYAMA" silver: A350-1000 , B-58553

Earlier this year in Tokyo, STARLUX announced a dream collaboration with iconic Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama, who personally designed two A350-1000 aircraft (B-58553 and B-58554), transforming them into sleek, high-shine works of art in the sky.

Now, the first aircraft, STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA SILVER, has rolled out from the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, unveiling her futuristic silver livery to the world for the very first time

Starlux
 

SPECIAL COLOURS - Starlux / A350-1000 / F-WZNI - First AIRSORAYAMA livery

Photo: A380_TLS_A350

ROUTES - ,Starlux Airlines Airbus A350-1000 (B-58551) has began operations ,operting from Taipei-Taoyuan (TPE), to Tokyo-Narita(NRT), Japan.

Starlux 

SPECIAL COLOURS - The Flying Masterpiece: STARLUX Airlines and Hajime Sorayama Unveil AIRSORAYAMA on Two Airbus A350-1000 Aircraft An unprecedented collaboration between a luxury airline and a celebrated artist transforms the skies into the world’s largest artwork, merging futuristic artistry with aeronautical innovation

In a landmark collaboration, Taiwan-based luxury carrier STARLUX Airlines has partnered with visionary Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama to launch AIRSORAYAMA, turning two Airbus A350-1000 aircraft into flying masterpieces. This innovative project marks the first time Sorayama’s iconic metallic aesthetic has been realized on a fullscale commercial aircraft. The two AIRSORAYAMA aircraft are scheduled to enter service in Q3 2026.

The AIRSORAYAMA collaboration was unveiled today at a launch event at Tokyo’s Omotesando Hills—an iconic fashion and design landmark—where the vision came to life in an immersive art spacewith digital projections extending Sorayama’s metallic aesthetic across the walls and echoing the aircraft’s liquidmetal livery. In a highlight moment, Sorayama presented STARLUX Chairman K.W. Chang with a handsigned AIRSORAYAMA artwork, marking the project’s official launch.

“An aircraft is the ultimate mechanical structure—rational, precise, inherently cold,” said Chairman Chang. “What we sought was to bring warmth and beauty into the flying experience. Sorayama-sensei’s creations embody futurism and breathe emotion into the metal, mirroring the precision and care behind aviation itself. Together we have created something unprecedented—a flying masterpiece that carries emotions across the world.” “These aircraft are works created jointly by Chairman Chang and me,” said Hajime Sorayama. “It is rare to meet someone who truly understands my vision. We share a rebellious spirit—never settling for the status quo, always striving to stand apart. With STARLUX’s full technical support and my insistence on aesthetics, the collaboration was powerful. Designing the Airbus A350-1000 as my canvas is a dream come true, and together we have created a truly distinctive ‘flying masterpiece’ that I hope will inspire the world.”

 Where Metal and Emotion Converge

Sorayama’s work explores the relationship between metal and emotion—transforming industrial materials into expressions of humanity. This philosophy aligns seamlessly with STARLUX’s brand spirit: aircraft may be machines of metal, but they carry human longing, connection, and discovery. Technology enables flight; emotion gives the journey meaning.

Sorayama’s creative credo echoes STARLUX Airlines’ commitment to breaking away from conventional airline frameworks and embracing innovation. When STARLUX learned of Sorayama’s lifelong aspiration to create the world’s largest artwork, the decision was clear: transform the very symbol of human flight—the aircraft—into a flying masterpiece.

Inside the STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA Vision

True collaboration is like fighting side by side on a battlefield

Breaking convention, Sorayama named the project after himself, fusing “AIR” with his surname to create AIRSORAYAMA, a reflection of the deep significance he places on this partnership. He personally designed the “STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA” logo and key visual, underscoring his deep involvement. For him, a collaboration becomes meaningful only when artist and brand form a long-term creative partnership—a shared destiny rather than a one-off project.

The partnership began with a chance visit to Sorayama’s studio, where he and Chairman Chang—despite speaking different languages—immediately connected through a shared rebellious spirit and a belief in pursuing what has never been done before. A later visit to Narita Airport strengthened that bond. Watching aircraft take off and land, Chairman Chang realized that if Sorayama’s four decades of work revolve around silver and gold, then those colors should take center stage in the sky: one aircraft in silver with gold accents, the other in gold with silver—two flying masterpieces forming a dialogue in motion across the horizon.

The co-branded logo carries Hajime Sorayama’s signature surreal metallic aesthetic, transforming the “STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA” typography into a radiant, cold-metal texture. Every curve and every play of light evokes a vision of the future, lifting the mark beyond typography into a dynamic work of art defined by fluidity and mechanical tension. It is more than a reinvention of type—it is an avant-garde visual language rich in depth and futuristic expression.

The core visual combines his iconic robot with the aircraft set against a deep blue sky subtly incorporating STARLUX’s’ guiding emblem—the North Star. The “STARLUX” gold ring engraved on the robot’s leg becomes a symbolic link between Sorayama’s metallic aesthetics and the brand’s spirit. As the form soars through the clouds, refracted light adds depth and vitality. In an age of AI-generated imagery, Sorayama’s commitment to hand-drawing preserves the emotion and personal expression behind every metallic highlight.

Not Just an Aircraft, but a Skyborne Art Gallery Above the Clouds

STARLUX selected two next-generation Airbus A350-1000 aircraft as Sorayama’s new artistic medium. At 237 feet in length, each aircraft became the largest canvas of Sorayama’s six-decade career, fulfilling a dream he first envisioned 30 years ago—after seeing Jacques-Louis David’s The Coronation of Napoleon at the Louvre—to create the world’s largest artwork.

Over a three-year development process, Sorayama approached the aircraft as a sculptural form, reimagining the livery to enhance the A350-1000’s contours while meeting strict technical requirements. The project’s greatest challenge was color and finish: aviation safety requirements, carbon-fiber fuselage composition, and lightning protection constraints made mirror-like metallic finishes nearly impossible.

To achieve Sorayama’s signature cool, liquid-metal effect, STARLUX collaborated closely with Airbus and leading coatings manufacturer MANKIEWICZ. Abandoning solid color shades, they developed high-concentration special mica color shades and multi-coating techniques, successfully imparting the fuselage with the layered, fluid appearance of liquid metal. The result is a flowing, liquid-metal brilliance—without compromising safety or weight.

A Pair of Flying Sculptures and Art Beyond the Aircraft

Each aircraft features Sorayama’s iconic metallic finishes, with underbelly linework inspired by his classic “Mechanical Shark (SORAYAMA Shark)” motif—transforming the aircraft into a shark soaring through the sky. When viewed from the ground, the aircraft’s sharp, powerful lines create a striking visual impact as it ascends toward the horizon.

Individually, each stands as a complete flying masterpiece. Together, they become a pair of sculptures in motion at 30,000 feet—a traveling exhibition across the world’s skies. The AIRSORAYAMA experience will extend beyond the livery to include themed in-flight amenities, a safety video, and a series of co-branded merchandise, ensuring that the flying masterpiece experience permeates every stage of the journey.

The two aircraft are named STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA Silver (B-58553) and STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA Gold (B-58554) and are scheduled to enter service in Q3 2026.

STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA’s website is: https://media.starlux-airlines.com/airsorayama/en

FLEET - STARLUX takes delivery of first Airbus A350-1000

Toulouse, France, 2026 – STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has taken delivery of its first of 18 A350-1000s, becoming the 11th global operator of the largest version of the A350. The new A350-1000 will join a fleet of 10 A350-900s already in service with the airline, deployed on premier long-haul services from Taipei to Europe and North America, as well as selected destinations within the Asia-Pacific region.

To mark the arrival of its newest fleet member, STARLUX has unveiled a striking livery that reflects both innovation and identity. The design integrates the airline's signature visual elements with a carbon-fibre motif, representing the advanced composite materials integral to the aircraft's construction. The prominent '1000' emblazoned on the fuselage highlights the aircraft’s designation as the largest in-production Airbus model, now serving as the airline's new flagship.

STARLUX currently operates an all-Airbus fleet comprising the A321neo, the A330-900, and the A350-900 aircraft. The new A350-1000 will seamlessly complement the airline’s existing fleet. Furthermore, the airline has ordered 10 A350F freighters to develop its future cargo network.

The A350 is the world’s most modern widebody aircraft and has set new standards for intercontinental travel. The A350’s all-new design includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of operational efficiency and passenger comfort. Its new generation engines and use of lightweight materials bring a 25 per cent advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. The A350 is equipped with a comfortable and spacious Airspace cabin, wide seats, high ceilings and alluring ambient lighting.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

At the end of November 2025, the A350 had won nearly 1,500 orders from 66 customers worldwide.

FLEET - STARLUX Airlines is expanding its fleet with the Airbus A350-1000, with a total of 18 ordered.

The first of these aircraft, registration B-58551, has been spotted at the Airbus facility in Toulouse after its maiden test flight in November 2025
Photo: Alain Charpentier

ORDER - STARLUX orders 10 more Airbus A350-1000s

Paris, France, 18 June 2025 – STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has signed a firm order with Airbus for the purchase of ten additional A350-1000 aircraft. The agreement was signed at the Paris Airshow by STARLUX Airlines CEO Glenn Chai and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

STARLUX Airlines already operates an all-Airbus fleet of 28 aircraft including the A350-900, the A330neo and the A321neo. The Taiwanese airline has on order 30 aircraft including the A350F freighters and A350-1000.

“Expanding our international fleet with additional A350-1000s is a significant step toward reinforcing our global presence and enhancing connectivity across key markets,” said Glenn Chai. “This aircraft offers efficiency, range and comfort, making it the perfect fit for our strategy to optimise long-haul operations while delivering an exceptional passenger experience. As we continue to strengthen our international network, the A350-1000 will play an important role in driving growth, sustainability and operational flexibility.”

“STARLUX Airlines’ decision to add more A350-1000s to its growing fleet reaffirms the aircraft’s standing as the benchmark for long-haul operations. With its advanced design and fuel-efficient performance, the A350-1000 Long Range Leader enables airlines to optimise routes while reducing environmental impact,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry. “We are pleased to strengthen our long-standing partnership with STARLUX Airlines as they expand their global footprint and connect more destinations with efficiency and comfort.”

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and has set new standards for intercontinental travel. It offers the longest range capability of any commercial airliner in production today. Powered by the latest generation of Rolls-Royce engines, the aircraft is designed to fly up to 9,700 nautical miles / 18,000 kilometres non-stop, using 25% less fuel than previous generation types and with a similar reduction in carbon emissions.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

The A350 Family has received more than 1,390 orders from 60 customers worldwide, with more than 650 aircraft currently in the fleets of 38 operators, flying primarily on long-haul routes.

 

Starlux Airlines & JetOUT have been recognized as the global winners of the ch-aviation Youngest Aircraft & Business Jet Fleet Award!

 

Photo:K.C Wong - LAX

Starlux Airlines has won the "ch-aviation World's and Asia's Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award" for the third year in a row, with a fleet average aircraft age of only 2.62* years! The airline once again distinguishes itself through its commitment to a modern fleet, enhancing fuel efficiency and sustainability.
To determine operators operating the youngest aircraft fleets, ch-aviation maintains an extensive aircraft database of more than 13,500 active commercial and business jet operators and more than 110,000 aircraft.
Thomas Jaeger, the CEO of ch-aviation, said of the Award:
“ch-aviation introduced the Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award to recognize airlines worldwide that prioritize fleet investment, embracing next-generation aircraft that significantly reduce CO2 emissions and enhance fuel efficiency. Sustainability remains a major challenge for the aviation industry, demanding continuous innovation and progress. To acknowledge these efforts, ch-aviation honours airlines leading the way with this award. This year, in celebration of the launch of our business aviation data, we are also recognizing business jet operators with the youngest fleets!

It is essential to say that this Award is entirely based on non-manipulable fleet data. There is no jury or any other subjective parameter involved.”

Here are the Top 5 youngest aircraft fleets worldwide:

Ranking	Operator	Continent	Average aircraft age	Fleet Size
1	Starlux Airlines	Asia	2.62 years	26
2	KM Malta Airlines	Europe	3.36 years	8
3	flyadeal	Asia	3.58 years	38
4	flynas	Asia	4.03 years	61
5	Arajet	North America	4.05 years	10

 

The Award also acknowledges:

·        The Top 5 youngest aircraft fleets from Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America

·        The Top 5 youngest aircraft fleets worldwide in the category “100+ aircraft in their fleet”

·        The Top 5 youngest business jet fleets worldwide

·        The Top 5 youngest business jet fleets in the category “50+ aircraft in their fleet”

Africa's Top 5 youngest aircraft fleets:

Ranking	Operator	Average aircraft age	Fleet Size
1	Uganda Airlines	5.12 years	6
2	Air Tanzania	6.16 years	16
3	Jambojet	6.32 years	8
4	Air Cairo	6.92 years	36
5	Air Austral*	7.23 years	10

*Includes: EWA Air

Asia's Top 5 youngest aircraft fleets:

Ranking	Operator	Average aircraft age	Fleet Size
1	Starlux Airlines	2.62 years	26
2	flyadeal	3.58 years	38
3	flynas	4.03 years	61
4	IndiGo Airlines	4.38 years	410
5	Genghis Khan Airlines	4.41 years	7

Europe's Top 5 youngest aircraft fleets:

 

Ranking	Operator	Average aircraft age	Fleet Size
1	KM Malta Airlines	3.36 years	8
2	Corsair	4.19 years	11*
3	airBaltic	4.39 years	49
4	Binter Canarias**	4.52 years	41
5	PLAY	4.59 years	10

 

*Two Corsair aircraft remain on their AOC but are no longer in active operation.

**Includes: Canair and Naysa

North America's Top 5 youngest aircraft fleets:

 

Ranking	Operator	Average aircraft age	Fleet Size
1	Arajet	4.05 years	10
2	Frontier Airlines	4.77 years	159
3	Spirit Airlines	5.93 years	213
4	Breeze Airways	5.96 years	49
5	Flair Airlines	6.21 years	20

 

 

 

South America's Top 5 youngest aircraft fleets:

 

 

Ranking	Operator	Average aircraft age	Fleet Size
1	JetSMART*	3.19 years	44
2	SKY Airline**	4.06 years	36
3	Clic	6.96 years	19
4	Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras***	8.08 years	187
5	avianca****	9.93 years	112

 

*Includes: JetSMART Colombia, JetSMART Perú, JetSMART Argentina

**Includes: SKY Airline Perú

***Includes: Azul Conecta

****Includes: avianca airlines Ecuador, avianca airlines El Salvador, avianca cargo, avianca express and avianca airlines Costa Rica

 

Oceania's Top 5 youngest aircraft fleets:

 

Ranking	Operator	Average aircraft age	Fleet Size
1	Fiji Airways*	7.48 years	23
2	Air Tahiti	7.57 years	12
3	Air New Zealand	10.47 years	112
4	Jetstar Airways**	10.65 years	101
5	Virgin Australia***	13.17 years	106

 

*Includes: Fiji Link

**Includes: Jetstar Asia Airways

***Includes: Virgin Australia International and Virgin Australia Regional

 

World’s Top 5 youngest aircraft fleets in the category “100+ aircraft in their fleet”:

 

Ranking	Operator	Continent	Average aircraft age	Fleet Size
1	IndiGo Airlines	Asia	4.38 years	410
2	Pegasus Airlines	Europe	4.66 years	118
3	Wizz Air*	Europe	4.77 years	227
4	Frontier Airlines	North America	4.77 years	159
5	Spirit Airlines	North America	5.93 years	213

 

*Includes: Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, Wizz Air Malta and Wizz Air UK

 

World’s Top 5 youngest business jet fleets worldwide:

 

Ranking	Operator	Continent	Average aircraft age	Fleet Size
1	JetOUT	North America	1.63 years	6
2	Summit Aviation	North America	2.27 years	20
3	Platoon Aviation	Europe	2.65 years	9
4	Cobalt Air (US)	North America	3.22 years	18
5	Jetfly Aviation	Europe	3.35 years	17

 

World’s Top 5 youngest business jet fleets in the category “50+ aircraft in their fleet”:

 

Ranking	Operator	Continent	Average aircraft age	Fleet Size
1	NetJets*	North America	8.23 years	1007
2	Flexjet**	North America	8.79 years	307
3	Vista***	Europe	14.03 years	299
4	Skyservice Business Aviation	North America	14.35 years	56
5	Jet Linx Aviation	North America	17.63 years	103

 

*Includes: NetJets Aviation + Executive Jet Management, Executive Jet Management Europe, NetJets Business Aviation, NetJets UK and NetJets Transportes Aereos

**Includes: Flextjet, Flexjet UK and Flight Options Ohio

***Includes: VistaJet (Malta), VistaJet (Germany), Jet Edge, JetSelect Aviation, Red Wing Aviation, XOJET Aviation and Talon Air

About the Methodology

ch-aviation maintains one of the industry's most extensive and detailed commercial and business aviation databases, enabling the assessment of the youngest aircraft fleets. This vast intelligence covers over 110,000 aircraft, more than 13,500 active airlines, 2,900 aircraft owners, and more. To determine the award winners, ch-aviation considered only active commercial operators—both passenger and cargo—with at least five aircraft, as well as active business jet operators. A consolidated AOC list was used for airline groups with multiple Air Operator Certificates (AOCs).

*Data from "ch-aviation aircraft data” as of 31.1.2025.

About ch-aviation

ch-aviation provides accurate data and news on the aviation industry. For over 25 years, ch-aviation has been a trusted source of accurate aviation data and news, serving a wide array of industry stakeholders, including operators, airports, OEMs, MROs, aircraft finance companies, leasing and trading firms, charter brokers, and technology providers. Many industry leaders use their data in their decision-making processes.

More details about the Award can be found on the official ch-aviation Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award page.

For additional photos of the digital Awards and logos, reach out to us directly using the contact information below.

Contact details for editors:

ch-aviation GmbH