Starlux Airlines unveils Silver Sorayama Airbus A350-1000 by Hajime Sorayama

Starlux Airlines has officially unveiled its artistic aircraft, named “Silver Sorayama”: a customised Airbus A350-1000 created in collaboration with acclaimed Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama.

Registered B-58553, the aircraft was delivered on 3 July at Airbus’s delivery centre in Toulouse, France. It was then flown on its inaugural journey to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport by the airline’s chairman, Chang Kuo-wei.

Starlux Airsorayama and the Silver Sorayama Airbus A350-1000

The design forms part of the “Starlux Airsorayama” project, which also features a second aircraft, “Gold Sorayama” (registered B-58554). Together, the two jets turn their fuselages into genuine artworks, displaying Sorayama’s signature liquid-metal aesthetic.

“Silver Sorayama” uses a primarily silver livery with gold accents, including a jointly branded logo applied to the fuselage, belly, winglets and upper section of the aircraft. Its underside features the artist’s classic “mechanical shark” artwork, while the winglets carry subtle metallic gradients.

Three years of design and engineering collaboration

The project took three years to develop and required close cooperation between Starlux, Airbus and paint manufacturer Mankiewicz. Because the fuselage is made from carbon fibre and must meet aviation regulatory requirements, the team created a specialised layered paint technology using highly concentrated mica. This accurately recreates the metallic fluidity that characterises Sorayama’s work while also maintaining flight safety.

Starlux CEO Zhai Jianhua said the partnership marks a milestone in bringing together the aviation industry and contemporary art. It offers passengers an unprecedented visual and artistic experience while raising standards in design and engineering.