On August 20, Starlux Airlines launched the gold-liveried “STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA” special aircraft (Airbus A350-1000, registration B-58554), created in collaboration with renowned Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama. The inaugural flight was JX800 from Taipei Taoyuan to Tokyo Narita, piloted by Starlux Airlines Chairman K.W. Chang, who holds a pilot’s license. Sorayama welcomed the aircraft upon its arrival at Narita Airport.
Of the Airbus A350-1000 aircraft that Starlux Airlines began operating this year, the third and fourth aircraft were created in collaboration with Sorayama. The third aircraft has been named the “AIRSORAYAMA” Silver aircraft, while the fourth is the “AIRSORAYAMA” Gold aircraft. The aircraft designs incorporate Sorayama’s original “Sexy Robot” artwork, featuring bold silver and gold exteriors, respectively. Sorayama’s art is also featured inside the cabin on headrest covers, pillow covers, paper cups, and other items.
The Silver aircraft entered service on July 12 on Flight JX800 from Taipei Taoyuan to Tokyo Narita. Chairman Chang also personally piloted that flight to Japan. The Gold aircraft, meanwhile, was delivered in August. Its ferry flight departed Toulouse, France, at 12:27 p.m. on August 15 and arrived at Taipei Taoyuan at 9:43 a.m. the following day.
A total of 341 passengers, including two infants, were on board the inaugural JX800 flight. It departed Taoyuan Airport at 8:30 a.m. and arrived at Spot 63 at Narita Airport at 1:03 p.m.
On the same day, the Silver aircraft was assigned to JX802/803 on the Taipei Taoyuan–Tokyo Narita route. It arrived at Spot 64 at Narita Airport at 3:51 p.m., marking the first time the gold and silver AIRSORAYAMA aircraft were parked side by side at adjacent spots.
The return Flight JX801 departed Narita Airport at 4:14 p.m., 29 minutes behind schedule due to air traffic control instructions on the Taiwan side. Chairman Chang, Sorayama, and others saw off the aircraft from the ramp, and it took off at 4:36 p.m.
Until September 30, the Gold aircraft will be assigned flexibly across routes operated by the A350-1000 rather than being fixed to a particular service. It is scheduled to operate JX822/823 between Taipei Taoyuan and Osaka Kansai on August 24, JX741/742 between Taipei Taoyuan and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi on August 26, and JX101/102 between Taipei Taoyuan and Prague on September 1.
▲Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama (left) and Starlux Airlines Chairman K.W. Chang pose for photographs at Narita Airport
Both aircraft are scheduled to officially enter service on October 1 and will operate on three routes: JX800/801 between Taipei Taoyuan and Tokyo Narita, JX26/25 between Taipei Taoyuan and Phoenix, and JX101/102 between Taipei Taoyuan and Prague. Specially designed boarding passes, name tags, paper cups, paper napkins, and other items supervised by Sorayama will be available on board. Limited-edition amenity kits for Economy Class and Premium Economy Class will also be offered on long-haul routes. In addition, passengers will be served an original gin- and sweet wine-based cocktail, the “AIRSORAYAMA Special Chrome Sky.”
Starlux Airlines has ordered a total of 18 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. Its first aircraft (registration B-58551) was delivered in Toulouse, France, on January 5 local time. The airline has now received four aircraft and expects to expand its fleet to six by the end of the year.
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