BOC Aviation announced that it has signed a lease agreement with STARLUX Airlines for eight Airbus A321neo aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028.
The aircraft will be powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines and will support the Taiwanese carrier’s regional network growth. Each A321neo is valued at approximately $81.25 million.
Supporting regional expansion
Paul Kent, Chief Commercial Officer of BOC Aviation, said the deal marks a significant transaction for the lessor.
“We are delighted to be supporting Taiwan’s newest international airline with this landmark transaction for eight latest technology aircraft,” Kent said. “The A321neos that will be delivered to STARLUX from 2028 are amongst the most fuel-efficient aircraft in production and should demonstrate their versatility in supporting the airline’s regional network growth.”
A growing all-Airbus fleet
STARLUX currently operates an all-Airbus fleet that includes 13 A321neos, six A330neos, nine A350-900s, and one A350-1000. Six more A321neos are awaiting delivery, and the airline has 17 additional A350-1000s on order.
Among the incoming widebodies are two A350-1000s featuring a liquid metal livery designed by Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama. One aircraft will feature a gold design and the other silver. Both are expected to join the fleet in the third quarter of 2026.
STARLUX Chairman and founder Chang Kuo-Wei personally delivered the airline’s first A350-1000 on January 6, 2026, following a 13-hour ferry flight from Toulouse Blagnac Airport (TLS).
STARLUX first disclosed its intention to lease the eight A321neos from BOC Aviation in a filing with the Taiwan Stock Exchange in March 2026. The airline’s board of directors confirmed the decision on March 10, 2026.
The lease agreement follows another recent transaction by BOC Aviation involving three A350-1000s placed with Qatar Airways on long-term operating leases through a sale and leaseback arrangement. Those aircraft, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, have already been delivered.