STARLUX Airlines promises to transform two A350-1000 aircraft into “flying masterpieces” in collaboration with Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama

January 29th 2026

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STARLUX Airlines’ chairman, K.W. Chang, and renowned Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama jointly announced in Tokyo the collaboration “AIRSORAYAMA”. Read More » Under the partnership, STARLUX Airlines will launch two “Flying Masterpieces” Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, named “AIRSORAYAMA” with metallic paint livery reminiscent of Sorayama’s signature work “Sexy Robot”. The special livery will be applied to two aircraft: the third A350-1000 to be delivered to STARLUX Airlines within this year (registration: B-58553). The project took three years of planning. The A350’s carbon fiber body made it technically difficult to paint it to a mirror finish. The airline, together with Airbus and paint manufacturer Mankiewicz, developed a multi-layer coating method using “high-concentration special mica,” allowing to recreate a liquid metal-like texture while ensuring flight safety. “Aircraft are extremely rational, but also have a somewhat cold mechanical structure. We wanted to give 'warmth' and 'beauty' to flight”, Chang explained. The collaboration will include in-flight amenities, the safety video, and original merchandise. “There are a lot of ‘Sorayama colors’ expressed in the cabin as well, so I hope people really enjoy it. It might be a bit dazzling, but please look forward to it,” Sorayama commented. “It’s a dream come true. For me, it’s right in the strike zone, a big strike,” he said. In a social media statement, STARLUX Airlines promises passengers “surprises and delights” as a fruit of “mutual dedication—and near-obsessive attention to detail” by Sorayama and Chang.