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STARLUX Airlines promises to transform two A350-1000 aircraft into “flying masterpieces” in collaboration with Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama
January 29th 2026
STARLUX Airlines’ chairman, K.W. Chang, and renowned Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama jointly announced in Tokyo the collaboration “AIRSORAYAMA”. Read More » Under the partnership, STARLUX Airlines will launch two “Flying Masterpieces” Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, named “AIRSORAYAMA” with metallic paint livery reminiscent of Sorayama’s signature work “Sexy Robot”. The special livery will be applied to two aircraft: the third A350-1000 to be delivered to STARLUX Airlines within this year (registration: B-58553). The project took three years of planning. The A350’s carbon fiber body made it technically difficult to paint it to a mirror finish. The airline, together with Airbus and paint manufacturer Mankiewicz, developed a multi-layer coating method using “high-concentration special mica,” allowing to recreate a liquid metal-like texture while ensuring flight safety. “Aircraft are extremely rational, but also have a somewhat cold mechanical structure. We wanted to give 'warmth' and 'beauty' to flight”, Chang explained. The collaboration will include in-flight amenities, the safety video, and original merchandise. “There are a lot of ‘Sorayama colors’ expressed in the cabin as well, so I hope people really enjoy it. It might be a bit dazzling, but please look forward to it,” Sorayama commented. “It’s a dream come true. For me, it’s right in the strike zone, a big strike,” he said. In a social media statement, STARLUX Airlines promises passengers “surprises and delights” as a fruit of “mutual dedication—and near-obsessive attention to detail” by Sorayama and Chang.
