Taiwan-based Starlux Airlines’ Airbus A330-900neo aircraft have entered service as of 1st June 2022. Initially, the airline will operate 2 A330 aircraft, with 2 more scheduled to join the fleet by the end of this year.
As of 1st June 2022, Starlux flights from Taipei to Bangkok, Thailand and Manila, Philippines are using Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, the newest type of aircraft in the airline’s fleet. Starlux took delivery of its first A330 aircraft in February 2022. In addition to Bangkok and Manila, flights to Ho Chi Minh City will also be operated by A330 as of 18th June 2022.
Starlux says that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been steadily expanding routes across Asia-Pacific region since 2020 with its Airbus A321neo aircraft.
Starlux Airlines has 8 A330-900neo aircraft on order. Additionally, the carrier has also placed an order for 19 Airbus A350 aircraft, which includes both the A350-900 and A350-1000 aircraft.
Describing the decision to buy these aircraft, K. W. Chang, Chairman, Starlux Airlines, said:
My team and I had spent much time evaluating and discussing the selection of the optimal mid-range aircraft to augment our current line A321neos and A350 XWBs, expanding the range of our fleet to full strength, covering short, mid and long range flights. The efficiency of the A330neo is outstanding by bringing together enhanced technologies and highly efficient Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines. In addition, pilots can easily acquire type rating for various aircraft that make up the Airbus family. I am delighted to welcome our first A330neo, as it marks a key milestone in our growth. With the addition of the A330neo, STARLUX can deploy our fleet more flexibly and provide our service to more passengers over regional routes.
Once the carrier gets 2 more A330 aircraft by the end of this year, it will be deployed on flights to Singapore, Japan etc.
Starlux’s A330-900neo aircraft
Starlux Airlines’ Airbus A330-900neos feature a total of 297 seats, of which 28 are lie-flat Business Class seats and 269 are standard Economy Class seats.
Business Class seats are in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, giving every passenger, direct aisle access. The seats are covered with a cashmere silver back shell and have enlarged privacy dividers. Each seat turns into a fully-flat bed. Each seat features a a 17.3-inch 4K inflight entertainment screen. Also, each seat has a side cubby for storing personal belongings, a mirror, a reading light with 3 brightness levels, and wireless charging.
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The Economy Class cabin features RECARO slimline seats, with 31 to 32 inches of seat pitch. The seats have six-way adjustable headrests, tablet holders, and cup holders. The seats also feature a 13.3-inch 4K inflight entertainment screen.
Each seat, regardless of the class of travel, features Bluetooth audio connectivity so that passengers can connect their own headphones onboard.
Starlux’ A330-900neos also feature Wi-Fi that is available to purchase to both Business and Economy Class passengers.
In addition to the hardware upgrades, Starlux is also rolling out new fragrance, coffee, and Starlux cocktails. “Home in the Air 2.0” is a new fragrance formulated by popular Taiwanese perfumer, P. Seven. Compared to the original cabin fragrance, “Home in the Air 2.0” introduces the element of Taiwanese tea as the main theme, using the original “Home in the Air” as the base and adding the aroma of tieguanyin tea to create a gentle, mature scent.
As aforementioned, the cocktails served onboard have also been upgraded. The Taipei-based airline has collaborated with popular Tainan pub Bar Home mixologist Huang Yixiang to offer five new Starlux cocktails. In addition, gourmet coffee has also been reintroduced by St.1 Cafe’/ Work Room, which exudes a premium caramel aroma on the plane.
Featured image by Starlux Airlines
All the other images by Starlux Airlines
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