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Starlux to lease A330s
March 22nd 2019
Chang Kuo-wei’s start-up expects to have 50 aircraft in 10 years. Read More »
Starlux Airlines, the start-up of former EVA Air Chairman Chang Kuo-wei, has not even flown but is already expanding. Five to six leased A330s could join the previously disclosed A321neo and A350 fleet, the airline announced this week when signing for 17 firm A350s. The A321neos are leased.
Starlux did not give a timeframe on the A330s, but indicated they would help provide regional widebody lift ahead of Starlux’s first A350-900 delivery in late 2021 and A350-1000s from the third quarter of 2022. Both will be in four classes including first. The A330s will have three cabins. Chang expects to have 27 aircraft by the end of 2024 and a fleet of 50 aircraft in a decade.
Starlux’s first A321neo is due in October ahead of receiving its AOC in November or December. Taiwanese law prohibits an airline from selling tickets until it has its AOC. Commercial flights would begin in December or January 2020, which would give a small window for advanced sales but let it capture Chinese New Year traffic.
The launch network will be destinations within three hours of Taipei.
Chang expects to launch North America in 2022, shortly after receiving its first A350. He is wisely not rushing to expand to Europe, where there is intense sixth freedom competition.
Starlux’s vice-chairman is Austin Cheng, who was president of EVA during Chang’s tenure. Starlux’s president is Glenn Chai, who was previously EVA EVP corporate planning.
Starlux has 350 employees and expects to recruit 900 by the end of the year.
