Taiwanese-based Starlux Airlines has revealed the First, Business and Premium Class cabins on the first of its 18 long-haul Airbus A350-900s – with the first long-haul destination expected to be Los Angeles LAX in April 2023 from its Taipei base.
The new A350s will have four class cabins, and Starlux will be the first Taiwanese airline to offer a First Class product – with four Suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, along with 26 Business Class Suites in a 1-2-1 configuration and 36 Premium Economy seats in a 2-4-2 configuration and a total capacity for 306 passengers.
Starlux is also the first airline to debut the new-style A350 cabins, which are 4 inches (10 centimetres) wider and 35 inches (89 centimetres) longer than the predecessor. These A350s will also premier electro-dimmable passenger windows, an innovative product already used on Boeing 787s.
Full product details are limited; however, we know the Business Class Suites will be in a herringbone formation with zero-gravity lie-flat beds and a 48-inch (122 centimetres) high sliding privacy door. The suites will feature refined trim and materials and enjoy 24-inch (61 centimetres) 4K HD in-flight entertainment screens with Bluetooth audio connectivity.
The First Class Suite is a new concept by BMW Designworks, named ‘Glisten’, using high-end materials and will feature zero-gravity lie-flat beds enclosed by high walls and a 60-inch (152 centimetres) tall sliding privacy door. Each suite comprises a luggage wardrobe, a personal minibar and a 32-inch (81 centimetres) 4K HD IFE screen with Bluetooth audio.
Premium Economy seats will feature leg rests and footrest bars and come with a 15.6-inch (40 centimetres) 4K HD IFE screen and Bluetooth audio connectivity.
Starlux Airlines operated its first flight from Taipei in January 2020 and has expanded progressively with services throughout Asia using its fleet of Airbus A321neo and A330neo aircraft. The introduction of the A350s will allow the airline to operate long-haul flights, and Taiwanese regulators have already approved flights to 15 destinations in the United States, including Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Boston and Honolulu, with European destinations planned in due course.
