Airbus has revealed the first Airbus A350-1000 painted for Taiwan-based STARLUX Airlines under a special livery created by Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama.
The aircraft, registered B-58553, rolled out from Airbus facilities in Toulouse after receiving a metallic silver paint scheme developed as part of a collaboration between the airline and the artist. A second aircraft, B-58554, will carry a complementary gold-themed version of the design.
Sorayama, a Japanese artist known for his hyperrealistic metallic imagery and robot-themed illustrations, designed the graphics used on the aircraft. The fuselage features a reflective silver finish intended to resemble liquid metal, along with stylized linework on the underside inspired by the shape of a shark.
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According to STARLUX, the livery required the development of special coating techniques in cooperation with Airbus and paint manufacturer Mankiewicz to achieve the metallic appearance while meeting aviation safety and weight requirements.
The two aircraft are scheduled to enter service in the third quarter of 2026.
STARLUX currently operates a fleet of 30 Airbus aircraft. The airline flies 13 A321neo narrowbodies, six A330-900 widebodies, 10 A350-900s and one A350-1000, with additional aircraft on order as it expands its long-haul network.
Founded in 2018 and based in Taipei, STARLUX operates routes across Asia as well as long-haul services to the United States.
