STARLUX Airlines partners with Japanese artist on bespoke metallic A350-1000 liveries
January 28, 2026
Taiwanese premium carrier STARLUX Airlines has revealed plans to introduce two specially liveried Airbus A350-1000 aircraft into its long-haul fleet, following a multi-year collaboration with Japanese contemporary artist Hajime Sorayama.
The aircraft, designated under the project name AIRSORAYAMA, are scheduled to enter commercial service in the third quarter of 2026.
Sorayama’s distinctive metallic aesthetic will be applied to the exterior of two widebody aircraft.
Airbus A350-1000 chosen as platform for Starlux Airlines shiny new liveries
STARLUX selected the A350-1000, Airbus’s largest composite widebody twin, as the basis for the project.
At nearly 73m (237ft) in length, the type provided what the airline describes as the largest “canvas” of Sorayama’s career.
From an operational perspective, the A350-1000 is central to STARLUX’s long-haul growth strategy, offering fuel efficiency and extended range.
The decision to apply a highly unconventional exterior finish required close coordination between the airline, Airbus and coatings specialists.
Aviation certification standards, lightning strike protection requirements and the characteristics of carbon-fibre fuselage structures all place strict limits on paint composition, reflectivity and weight.
STARLUX said these constraints shaped the final design.
Developing metallic finishes for aircraft pushes the technical limits
To achieve Sorayama’s signature “liquid metal” effect without compromising safety or performance, STARLUX worked with Airbus and German coatings supplier Mankiewicz to develop bespoke paint formulations.
Rather than using conventional solid metallic paints, the group developed high-concentration mica-based coatings applied through multi-layer processes.
The result, according to the airline, is a flowing metallic appearance that changes subtly with light, while remaining compliant with aviation durability and weight requirements.
The airline says the development phase lasted more than three years, reflecting both the technical complexity and the novelty of applying such finishes to in-service commercial aircraft.
The AIRSORAYAMA aircraft: Liquid metallic finishes
The two aircraft will feature contrasting but complementary liveries: one predominantly silver with gold accents, the other gold with silver detailing.
STARLUX has designated the aircraft AIRSORAYAMA Silver (B-58553) and AIRSORAYAMA Gold (B-58554).
Both aircraft incorporate design elements drawn from Sorayama’s long-running exploration of mechanical forms, including underbelly line-work inspired by his “mechanical shark” motif.
Viewed from below during climb-out, the aircraft are intended to present a sharply defined, sculptural profile.
While each aircraft will operate independently within the fleet, STARLUX frames the pair as a “dialogue in motion”, with the two liveries intended to be seen together across the network over time.
Extending the AIRSORAYAMA concept beyond the exterior
STARLUX plans to extend the AIRSORAYAMA concept beyond the exterior paint scheme. The airline says themed in-flight amenities, a bespoke safety video and co-branded merchandise will accompany the aircraft’s entry into service.
Although STARLUX has not detailed the routes on which the aircraft will initially operate, the A350-1000 is expected to serve long-haul destinations across North America and Europe as the airline continues its international expansion.
Brand differentiation through design-led identity
For STARLUX, which launched operations in 2020, the project underlines a wider strategy to stand apart in the premium long-haul market through design-led differentiation, strong brand storytelling, and a carefully curated passenger experience.
The airline has consistently positioned itself as a carrier where aesthetics and atmosphere are as important as operational precision, and the Sorayama collaboration is intended to reinforce that identity on a global stage. Rather than treating the aircraft purely as a functional asset, STARLUX has framed the Airbus A350-1000 as an extension of its brand philosophy, blending advanced engineering with visual and emotional appeal.
Chairman KW Chang described the aircraft as “the ultimate mechanical structure”, but said the ambition was to soften that inherent precision by introducing warmth and beauty into the flying experience. He added that Sorayama’s work brings emotion into metal surfaces, reflecting the care and craftsmanship that underpin aviation itself, resulting in what he called an unprecedented “flying masterpiece”.
Sorayama, for his part, said the partnership was defined by STARLUX’s technical backing combined with his uncompromising focus on aesthetics. Calling the A350-1000 an ideal canvas, he said the collaboration had enabled the creation of a distinctive aircraft intended to inspire passengers and audiences well beyond the cabin.
Featured image: STARLUX
