Starlux’s Airsorayama Silver Makes Maiden Flight to Tokyo

Taipei: Airsorayama Silver, one of two specially designed Airbus A350-1000 aircraft operated by Taiwan-based Starlux Airlines, made its maiden flight to Tokyo on Sunday, piloted by the airline's chairman, Chang Kuo-wei the carrier said. After arriving in Tokyo, Chang invited Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama, who collaborated with the airline on the aircraft's design, aboard to autograph the cabin, leaving his signature on what the airline described in a news release as a "flying artwork." According to Focus Taiwan, the aircraft's livery and themed amenities feature Sorayama's signature futuristic mechanical aesthetic, combining metallic finishes, streamlined forms and liquid-metal textures. The Airsorayama Silver and its sister aircraft, Airsorayama Gold, are scheduled to begin regular service on routes to Tokyo, Phoenix, and Prague on Oct. 1, according to the airline. Each aircraft is configured with 350 seats, including four in First Class, 40 in Business Class, 36 in Premium Economy and 270 in Economy Cla ss. Among the amenities highlighted by the airline that follow the design theme are baggage name tags, napkin rings and aluminum foil used in in-flight meals, coasters, paper cups, napkins and menus. Starlux held a launch event at Narita Airport featuring some of those amenities, and limited-edition commemorative gifts, including streamers, collectible cards and tote bags, were also distributed.