Simple Flying
Date: September 10, 2020
By: Emily Derrick

Taiwanese startup carrier Starlux Airlines has been forced to change its fleet plans due to the impact of the global pandemic. The new airline confirmed its order for 17 Airbus A350s last year. However, the manufacturing process is now behind schedule and delivery will not take place in 2021 as planned. The airline has decided to lease eight A330-900neos, which will join the fleet next year to allow operations to continue.

Starlux will lease eight Airbus A330-900neos to help grow its network. Its other aircraft have been delayed due to manufacturing issues. Photo: Airbus

Starlux Airlines can’t seem to catch a break. The airline was forced to suspend operations just two months after it first took to the skies because of the global pandemic. Now, even though it has resumed operations, its growth plans are stalling.

Starlux only had three routes when it grounded its fleet in March. It had planned to begin taking delivery of its A350s next year with ambitions to expand its network. However, as manufacturing ground to a halt due to the virus outbreak, the airline is now not expecting delivery until 2022 at the earliest.    [FULL  STORY]