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STARLUX Airlines’ latest Airbus A350-1000, dressed in a shimmering “AIRSORAYAMA Gold” livery, has completed its first flight, adding a striking new chapter to the Taiwanese carrier’s fast-growing long-haul fleet and its high-end first class offering.
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Golden A350 Takes to the Skies for the First Time
The aircraft, an Airbus A350-1000 associated with the registration B-58554 in fleet reporting, carried out its maiden flight in Europe in mid-July, according to enthusiast photography and fleet-tracking reports. Images show the jet in full gold metallic “STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA Gold” colors, completing test sorties ahead of planned delivery later this summer.
Aviation photography platforms describe the flight as the first airborne outing of the gold-liveried airframe, following completion in the paint shop and pre-delivery checks. The sortie marks a key step before the jet is handed over to STARLUX and ferried to Taipei for entry into passenger service.
Reports from Japanese aviation outlets indicate that this aircraft will become the fourth A350-1000 in the STARLUX fleet, with delivery targeted for August 2026. Once in service, it is expected to join the airline’s growing network of long-haul and select regional routes that showcase the carrier’s flagship first class cabin.
Part of the STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA Silver and Gold Pair
The golden A350-1000 follows closely behind the introduction of the “STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA Silver” special livery, which entered revenue service on July 12 on a Taipei to Tokyo Narita rotation, according to regional aviation news coverage. That aircraft, already operating scheduled flights, features a metallic silver finish and the same collaboration branding.
Both aircraft stem from a partnership between STARLUX and celebrated Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama. Publicly available information on the project notes that two custom metallic tones were created specifically for the airline: “AIRSORAYAMA Silver” and “AIRSORAYAMA Gold.” The colors were developed with Pantone and have been added to the Pantone system as bespoke metallic shades formulated for commercial aircraft use.
The twin-livery approach positions the Silver and Gold A350-1000s as a matched pair within the fleet, each carrying the STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA identity but interpreted through different metallic palettes. With the silver jet already serving passengers and the gold airframe now flight-tested, the full concept is moving from design studio to regular airport ramps across Asia and beyond.
Showcase for STARLUX’s Four-Suite First Class
The Golden A350’s first flight also draws attention to the cabin that lies beneath the metallic skin. STARLUX configures its A350-1000s with 350 seats, including four enclosed first class suites at the front of the aircraft, followed by business, premium economy, and economy cabins, according to aircraft configuration data cited in regional industry coverage.
The airline has been positioning its A350 family as the centerpiece of a premium-focused strategy, with first class offered primarily on long-haul routes and select high-demand regional services. Aviation analysts note that STARLUX is currently the only Taiwanese carrier to feature a full international first class product, using the A350 platform as its primary showcase.
The Golden A350 therefore serves a dual role: it is both a mobile art installation that reinforces the company’s design-led brand image and a flagship for the most exclusive seats in its network. As the aircraft moves from test flying to delivery and scheduled operations, attention from AvGeeks is likely to be matched by interest from travelers looking to sample the four-suite first class cabin in its newest guise.
Expanding A350-1000 Fleet and Network Ambitions
STARLUX took delivery of its first A350-1000 in January 2026, joining a fleet of A350-900s already used on transpacific and European services. Airbus delivery and order data show that the Taiwanese carrier has committed to a double-digit A350-1000 orderbook, reinforcing its focus on long-haul growth from Taipei.
Since the first A350-1000 joined the fleet, STARLUX has steadily introduced the type on routes linking Taiwan with North America, including the United States West Coast, and on selected flights within the Asia Pacific region. The addition of the AIRSORAYAMA Silver and Gold aircraft is expected to provide extra capacity and marketing visibility on these high-profile services.
Fleet plans published in investor and annual-report material emphasize the A350-1000 as a cornerstone of the airline’s premium long-haul expansion. With only a small number of first class suites per aircraft, each additional A350-1000 delivered marginally increases the total number of first class seats the airline can deploy on trunk routes, while maintaining a sense of rarity.
Spotter Buzz and What Comes Next
The Golden A350’s first flight has already generated significant attention among spotters and aviation communities, where photos from Toulouse test operations and paint hangars have circulated widely. Commentary highlights the unusual depth and reflectivity of the metallic finish, with opinions divided on whether the bold gold outshines the more understated silver sister ship.
The next milestone will be the formal handover of the aircraft to STARLUX, followed by its ferry flight to Taiwan and eventual deployment on scheduled services. While the airline has not yet published a detailed inaugural route plan for the Gold jet, observers expect it to appear on key long-haul city pairs where the airline’s first class product and design-driven brand strategy can be most prominently displayed.
As the Golden A350 transitions from test flights to revenue operations, STARLUX is set to add one of the most eye-catching widebodies in the sky to an already distinctive fleet, underlining its intention to compete globally on both product quality and visual impact.