Airlines

STARLUX Airlines orders A350F and more A330neo widebodies

Taiwan’s STARLUX Airlines has put in a formal order for three additional A330neo widebody aircraft and five brand-new A350F freighters. Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus’s Commercial Aircraft division, and KW Chang, Chairman of STARLUX Airlines, signed the deal during the Singapore Airshow.

With this purchase, STARLUX will fly the next-generation A350F widebody freighter, making it the first airline from Taiwan to do so. With its unparalleled fuel burn, CO2 emissions, and economic efficiency, the A350F offers substantial energy savings and carbon reduction advantages in an era of climate change. It complies with client demands for carbon reduction and supports STARLUX’s ESG goal of zero emissions by 2050. The three new A330neos will also increase our fleet advantage and give passenger operations more flexibility.

STARLUX Airlines now flies the A350-900, A330neo, and A321neo as part of its all-Airbus passenger fleet. STARLUX Cargo will fly the A350F on some of the busiest cargo routes in the world. The A350F, which is still in development, will be able to travel up to 4,700 nautical miles or 8,700 km and carry a cargo of up to 111 tonnes for a substantially cheaper price than any other freighter on the market. STARLUX Cargo will be able to service all heavy cargo markets globally with the A350F.

Equipped with the most recent Rolls-Royce Trent-XWB97 engines, the aircraft is at least 20% more efficient than its rival and will result in a 40% decrease in fuel consumption and carbon emissions when compared to the older 747F.

With its fuselage length and capacity built around the industry standard pallets and containers, the A350F boasts the largest main deck cargo door in the business. The airframe weighs 46 tonnes less at takeoff than the rival variant because more than 70% of it is constructed of cutting-edge materials. Additionally, starting in 2027, only the A350F will be able to fully comply with the ICAO’s higher CO2 emissions criteria.

STARLUX Airlines will continue to construct one of the most cutting-edge and effective passenger fleets, providing the highest standards of in-flight comfort, thanks to the further order for the A330neo. With the additional order, the airline would have seven A330neos instead of just four. These aircraft have a luxurious two-class cabin with 28 business class seats and 269 economy class seats.

Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.