Taipei: A Starlux Airbus A350-1000 featuring livery by renowned Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama arrived at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport on Sunday, ahead of its commercial debut on the Taiwan-based carrier's Taipei-Tokyo route later this week.
According to Focus Taiwan, the aircraft, registered B-58554 and named "Airsorayama Gold," landed at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at 9:43 a.m. In a statement, Starlux stated it is the second plane in the airline's "Starlux Airsorayama" art project, which showcases Sorayama's signature metallic aesthetic.
The new aircraft features a gold-themed livery that complements the airline's first Sorayama-designed jet, "Airsorayama Silver." The aircraft is scheduled to enter commercial service on Flight JX800 on the Taipei-Narita route starting Thursday.
To mark the launch, Starlux plans to display both Sorayama-themed aircraft side by side on the apron at Narita International Airport, allowing the artist to see the completed works together. The airline also plans to use the gold-liveried aircraft on its Taipei-Bangkok route beginning Aug. 26, offering what it described as a limited-time art flight experience.
Starlux stated its fleet has now expanded to 36 aircraft, comprising 13 Airbus A321neo jets, nine A330neo aircraft, 10 A350-900s, and four A350-1000s. The carrier mentioned it will continue expanding its medium- and long-haul widebody fleet, with the A350-1000 expected to play a key role in supporting the airline's long-haul network expansion due to its long-range capability and higher passenger capacity.
