STARLUX Airlines has employed the talents of “visionary” Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama on the livery design of two upcoming Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.
Dubbed AIRSORAYAMA, Sorayama has adopted his distinctive style to create liveries that use a metallic aesthetic, transforming the A350-1000 aircraft into “flying masterpieces”.
On January 27, 2026, after three years of development, the unique designs were unveiled at a launch event at Tokyo’s Omotesando Hills where STARLUX also confirmed that the two AIRSORAYAMA jets are scheduled to enter service in the third quarter of 2026.
Describing Sorayama’s metallic aesthetic as liquid metal livery, STARLUX said that the aircraft is the “ultimate mechanical structure—rational, precise, inherently cold”.
“What we sought was to bring warmth and beauty into the flying experience. Sorayama-sensei’s creations embody futurism and breathe emotion into the metal, mirroring the precision and care behind aviation itself. Together we have created something unprecedented—a flying masterpiece that carries emotions across the world,” said STARLUX Chairman K.W. Chang.
STARLUX said it commissioned the two designs after learning of Sorayama’s lifelong aspiration to create the world’s largest artwork and felt his art exploring metal and emotion aligned “seamlessly” with the carrier’s brand spirit.
“These aircraft are works created jointly by Chairman Chang and me. It is rare to meet someone who truly understands my vision. We share a rebellious spirit—never settling for the status quo, always striving to stand apart. With STARLUX’s full technical support and my insistence on aesthetics, the collaboration was powerful,” said Sorayama.
He added: “Designing the Airbus A350-1000 as my canvas is a dream come true, and together we have created a truly distinctive ‘flying masterpiece’ that I hope will inspire the world.”
As well as the gold and silver liveries, Sorayama also personally designed the “STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA” logo.
To achieve Sorayama’s signature cool, liquid-metal effect, STARLUX collaborated closely with Airbus and coatings manufacturer Mankiewicz.
AIR × ART
空飛ぶマスターピース、幕開け。#STARLUX pic.twitter.com/0jgIu2itU9— STARLUX Airlines Japan (@starluxjapan) January 27, 2026
“Each aircraft features Sorayama’s iconic metallic finishes, with underbelly linework inspired by his classic ‘Mechanical Shark (SORAYAMA Shark)’ motif—transforming the aircraft into a shark soaring through the sky. When viewed from the ground, the aircraft’s sharp, powerful lines create a striking visual impact as it ascends toward the horizon,” said STARLUX.
The two aircraft are named STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA Silver (B-58553) and STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA Gold (B-58554). The collaboration will also feature onboard amenities, a dedicated safety video and original merchandise.
The first of 18 Airbus A350-1000 widebody jets landed safely at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) in Taiwan on January 6, 2026.
