This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and STARLUX Airlines.

STARLUX Airlines Accepts Delivery of First Airbus A350-1000, Targets US Expansion

On January 6, 2026, Taiwan-based STARLUX Airlines officially took delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000, marking a significant milestone in the carrier’s rapid expansion strategy. The aircraft, registered as B-58551, was ferried from the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France, to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) under the command of the airline’s founder and chairman, Chang Kuo-wei.

This delivery represents the first of 18 firm orders for the A350-1000, the largest variant in the A350 family. According to the official announcement, STARLUX has become the 11th global operator of this aircraft type. The arrival of the A350-1000 is central to the airline’s plan to extend its network to the U.S. East Coast and major European destinations, capitalizing on the jet’s extended range and increased capacity.

Cabin Configuration and Technical Specifications

The newly delivered A350-1000 features a premium-heavy, four-class configuration designed to align with STARLUX’s “luxury” brand positioning. The aircraft accommodates a total of 350 passengers, offering a significant capacity increase over the airline’s existing A350-900 fleet.

According to details released regarding the interior, the cabin layout includes:

• First Class (4 seats): Located in the front row, these suites feature 60-inch high walls and 32-inch 4K screens.
• Business Class (40 seats): Equipped with privacy doors and lie-flat beds, utilizing “Zero G” technology.
• Premium Economy (36 seats): A dedicated cabin arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration.
• Economy Class (270 seats): Featuring 4K entertainment screens and Bluetooth audio connectivity.

The aircraft also incorporates electro-dimmable windows, a feature similar to those found on the Boeing 787, which reportedly block 99.99% of light and transition significantly faster than previous generations.

“The A350-1000 is currently the largest wide-body aircraft in our fleet… It will play a crucial role in expanding our North American and European network.”

, Glenn Chai, CEO of STARLUX Airlines (via press statement)

Operational Plans and Route Network

STARLUX has confirmed that the A350-1000 will enter commercial service almost immediately. The inaugural flight is scheduled for January 15, 2026, on the route between Taipei (TPE) and Phoenix (PHX). This route highlights the strategic utility of the A350-1000, which boasts a range of approximately 8,700 nautical miles (16,100 km).

The additional capacity, roughly 44 more seats per flight compared to the A350-900, is expected to lower the cost per seat, allowing STARLUX to compete more aggressively on long-haul sectors. Future network plans for the fleet include non-stop services to key cities on the U.S. East Coast and in Europe.

AirPro News Analysis

The delivery of the A350-1000 places STARLUX ahead of its local competitors in terms of fleet modernization cycles. By securing this delivery in early 2026, STARLUX has beaten legacy carriers EVA Air and China Airlines to the punch regarding this specific aircraft type. While EVA Air has 18 A350-1000s on order and China Airlines has ordered 15 to replace their Boeing 777-300ERs, their deliveries are pending.

From an operational standpoint, STARLUX’s decision to maintain an all-Airbus fleet (comprising A321neo, A330neo, A350-900, and A350-1000) offers distinct advantages in maintenance streamlining and pilot training commonality. This “clean sheet” approach contrasts with the mixed fleets of its older rivals, potentially offering STARLUX a leaner cost structure as it scales its long-haul operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the STARLUX A350-1000 begin flying?
The aircraft is scheduled to begin commercial operations on January 15, 2026, serving the Taipei to Phoenix route.

How many A350-1000s has STARLUX ordered?
The airline has placed firm orders for 18 A350-1000 aircraft.

Does the STARLUX A350-1000 have First Class?
Yes, the aircraft features a four-seat First Class cabin in the front row, offering enhanced privacy and larger screens compared to Business Class.

Sources:
Airbus Press Release,
STARLUX Airlines,
CNA (Central News Agency Taiwan)

This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.

Embraer Reports 91 Aircraft Delivered in Q4 2025, Meeting Full-Year Guidance

Embraer has officially released its delivery figures for the fourth quarter of 2025, reporting a strong finish to the fiscal year with 91 aircraft delivered across all segments. According to the company’s data released on January 6, 2026, this performance represents a 21% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

For the full fiscal year of 2025, the Brazilian aerospace manufacturer delivered a total of 244 aircraft, marking an 18% increase over the 206 units delivered in the previous year. The company confirmed that these figures allowed it to meet its 2025 guidance for both Commercial and Executive Aviation, notably hitting the upper end of its target range for executive jets.

Commercial Aviation Growth

In the Commercial Aviation segment, Embraer reported delivering 32 jets in the fourth quarter of 2025. This surge in deliveries contributed to a full-year total of 78 commercial jets, which falls squarely within the company’s guidance range of 77 to 85 aircraft.

The E2 program continues to be a primary driver for the manufacturer. Data from the report highlights the E195-E2 as a key model, with 15 units delivered in the fourth quarter alone. This volume suggests that the E2 family is solidifying its position in Embraer’s commercial mix as airlines move to modernize their fleets with more efficient aircraft.

Executive Aviation Hits High End of Guidance

Embraer’s Executive Aviation unit posted its strongest quarter of the year, delivering 53 jets in Q4 2025. This performance pushed the full-year total to 155 executive jets, reaching the very top of the company’s projected guidance range of 145 to 155 units.

The segment showed robust year-over-year growth of 35%. The Phenom 300 series remains a standout performer for the manufacturer. According to the delivery data:

The Phenom 300 series continues to be the segment leader, with 23 units delivered in Q4. It remains the world’s best-selling light jet for over a decade.

Defense Deliveries and Backlog Context

While lower in volume compared to civil aviation, Embraer’s Defense & Security segment delivered six aircraft in the fourth quarter. This included two KC-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft and four A-29 Super Tucano light attack and training aircraft. For the full year, the defense segment delivered 11 aircraft.

Regarding future revenue visibility, Embraer highlighted a record backlog. As of the end of the third quarter of 2025, the company reported a firm order backlog valued at US$31.3 billion, the highest level in its history. Updated backlog figures for Q4 are expected to be finalized in the upcoming financial earnings report scheduled for March 6, 2026.

AirPro News Analysis

Supply Chain Resilience: The ability of Embraer to meet its guidance,specifically hitting the high end for executive jets,indicates that the manufacturer has effectively navigated the supply chain constraints that have challenged the broader aerospace sector throughout 2024 and 2025. While competitors have faced significant delays, Embraer’s delivery consistency suggests operational stability.

Market Positioning: The consistent delivery rate of the E195-E2 signals program maturity. We believe Embraer is successfully capitalizing on the sub-150 seat market gap. With the Airbus A220 facing backlog pressures and Boeing navigating its own challenges, Embraer’s ability to deliver aircraft on schedule strengthens its competitive advantage in regional and crossover jet markets.

Sources

• Embraer Investor Relations

This article summarizes reporting by bdnews24.com.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines Pivots to Boeing with 14-Jet Order, Citing Strategic and Economic Pressures

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has officially approved the acquisition of 14 new aircraft from U.S. manufacturer Boeing, marking a significant reversal of previous fleet modernization plans that favored European rival Airbus. According to reporting by bdnews24.com, the decision was finalized during a board meeting on December 30, 2025, and made public on January 1, 2026.

The move represents a major shift in Bangladesh’s aviation strategy, effectively scrapping a 2023 commitment to purchase 10 Airbus A350s. While airline officials have cited operational benefits such as fleet commonality, reports indicate that the decision is heavily influenced by geopolitical factors, specifically, the need to mitigate severe trade tariffs imposed by the United States in mid-2025.

This procurement plan, which includes a mix of wide-body Dreamliners and narrow-body MAX jets, aims to standardize the national carrier’s fleet while addressing urgent economic diplomacy needs. As detailed by bdnews24.com, the proposal has been approved in principle and now moves to a negotiation committee to finalize pricing.

Breakdown of the Boeing Order

The approved acquisition plan details a specific mix of aircraft designed to bolster Biman’s long-haul and regional capabilities. According to the board’s decision, the 14 aircraft include:

• 8 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners (High-capacity, wide-body)
• 2 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners (Long-range, wide-body)
• 4 Boeing 737-8 (MAX) (Narrow-body)

This selection aligns seamlessly with Biman’s existing infrastructure. The airline currently operates a fleet dominated by Boeing, including 777-300ERs, 787-8s, 787-9s, and 737-800s. By sticking with a single manufacturer, the carrier avoids the substantial costs associated with establishing new maintenance facilities, spare parts inventories, and pilot training programs that an Airbus introduction would have required.

Geopolitical Drivers: The “Trade War” Context

Tariffs and Economic Diplomacy

While operational efficiency provides a strong business case, the timing of the order suggests external pressures played a decisive role. In July 2025, the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump imposed a 35% tariff on Bangladeshi exports. This policy, aimed at countries with trade surpluses with the U.S., posed a catastrophic threat to Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector, which relies on the U.S. as its largest single export market.

Reporting suggests that the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, viewed a significant purchase from Boeing as a necessary diplomatic tool. By narrowing the trade deficit through high-value capital imports like aircraft, officials hope to negotiate relief from the punitive tariffs.

Reversing the Airbus Pledge

The decision effectively nullifies a commitment made in September 2023 during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Dhaka. At that time, the administration of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had pledged to purchase 10 Airbus A350 aircraft to diversify the fleet and strengthen ties with the European Union. However, following political upheaval in August 2024 and the subsequent change in government, priorities shifted toward stabilizing relations with Washington.

Diplomatic Fallout and European Warnings

The pivot back to Boeing has not gone unnoticed by European partners. In November 2025, ambassadors from the UK, France, Germany, and the EU reportedly lobbied the interim government to honor the Airbus commitment. German Ambassador Rüdiger Lotz explicitly warned that excluding Airbus could negatively impact Bangladesh’s future trade relations with Europe.

“Ambassadors… warned that excluding Airbus could negatively impact Bangladesh’s trade relations with Europe.”

, Summary of diplomatic briefings

The European diplomats emphasized “fair competition” and noted that the decision could influence Bangladesh’s application for GSP+ (Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus) status, a critical trade privilege the country seeks after graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

AirPro News Analysis

From an aviation management perspective, Biman’s decision to stick with Boeing is operationally sound. Operating a mixed fleet of small numbers, such as introducing just 10 A350s alongside a dominant Boeing fleet, often creates “diseconomies of scale” due to duplicated training and maintenance requirements. However, the geopolitical stakes here are unusually high.

While the Boeing order may offer a short-term shield against U.S. protectionism, it risks alienating the European Union, another vital trade partner. Biman has effectively become a chess piece in a larger trade dispute. The challenge for the airline’s management will be ensuring that the technical terms of the deal, pricing and delivery slots, are not compromised by the political urgency to sign the contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

What aircraft is Biman Bangladesh Airlines buying?
Biman has approved the purchase of 14 Boeing aircraft: eight 787-10 Dreamliners, two 787-9 Dreamliners, and four 737-8 (MAX) jets.

Why did Biman cancel the Airbus deal?
The decision was driven by a combination of fleet commonality benefits (sticking to one manufacturer reduces costs) and urgent geopolitical pressure to reduce the trade deficit with the U.S. following the imposition of 35% tariffs on Bangladeshi goods.

When was this decision made?
The Biman board approved the proposal on December 30, 2025, and the decision was publicly reported on January 1, 2026.

Sources

• bdnews24.com
• The Business Standard (Context on tariffs)
• The Financial Express (Context on trade deficit)