EVA Airways and Starlux Airlines said in notices issued Monday that surcharges implemented on April 7 for flights departing from Taiwan will remain in effect.

China Airlines (CAL), Taiwan’s largest carrier, also said it would keep surcharge levels unchanged in May in accordance with the Civil Aviation Administration’s (CAA) pricing mechanism, though it said it would continue to monitor global crude oil price trends.

Under the current scheme, passengers departing from Taiwan on short-haul routes, including flights to Hong Kong, will continue to pay a fuel surcharge of US$45 per flight segment, while travelers on long-haul routes will pay US$117 per segment.

The decision to freeze the surcharges came despite what the airlines say is a significant gap between market fuel prices and the industry’s baseline.

Data from state-run refiner CPC Corp., Taiwan showed that average aviation fuel prices reached US$208.78 per barrel in May, far exceeding the US$40 benchmark on which fuel surcharges are based.

As a result, carriers said they are absorbing a substantial portion of the higher fuel costs.

EVA Air estimated its additional fuel cost per passenger at US$797.82 on long-haul routes and US$133.50 on short-haul routes.

After deducting the approved surcharges, the airline said it would absorb about 85 percent of the additional fuel cost on long-haul services and 66 percent on short-haul flights, up slightly from 65 percent for short-haul routes in April.

Starlux Airlines estimated its additional fuel cost per passenger at US$271.14 on long-haul routes and US$61.58 on short-haul routes.

After deducting the surcharges, the carrier said it would absorb about 66 percent and 43 percent of the added fuel costs, respectively, both slightly higher than the 64 percent and 42 percent recorded in April.

The current surcharge levels were initially set following a CAA announcement on April 1, which saw rates jump from US$27.50 to US$45 for short-haul flights and from US$71.50 to US$117 for long-haul flights, effective April 7.

Credits: Taiwan Major Airlines

The post Taiwan’s major airlines freeze fuel surcharges for May first appeared on AircrewNews.com.

The Taiwanese carrier wanted something special to stand out in a crowded sky. Sorayama, famous for his hyper-realistic chrome robots and metallic art, answered the call. The result is a striking pair of A350-1000s that look more like flying sculptures than ordinary airliners.

AIRSORAYAMA SILVER & GOLD

The first jet, B-58553, known as STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA SILVER, left the paint shop in March 2026. Its metallic silver body shines with gold accents. The new gold twin flips the design: a brilliant mirror-like gold finish with silver details.

Both planes use advanced multi-layer mica coatings developed with Airbus and paint specialist Mankiewicz. These special paints keep the aircraft light, safe from lightning, and dazzling under sunlight.

Sorayama added his signature style to the undersides too. Subtle shark and robot motifs appear when the planes taxi or fly low. The liveries create a “dialogue in motion” — silver and gold talking to each other across the clouds.

Behind the Metallic Finish

Most airline paint jobs use standard colours. STARLUX chose something far more complex. The chrome effect reflects the sky and airport lights, changing appearance throughout the day. Engineers spent months perfecting the formula so the carbon-fibre fuselage stays protected while looking futuristic.

Passengers will enjoy the theme inside too. Matching safety videos, cabin décor, and even special merchandise are planned. The jets will offer STARLUX’s award-winning business class with extra touches inspired by Sorayama’s art.

Ready for Takeoff in 2026

Both aircraft are scheduled to enter regular service in the third quarter of 2026. They will fly STARLUX’s long-haul routes, giving travellers a one-of-a-kind experience from the moment they spot the plane on the ramp.

This project shows how airlines can turn aircraft into moving works of art. Hajime Sorayama’s bold vision meets STARLUX Airlines’ modern premium style, creating something truly unforgettable.

Aviation enthusiasts already call the pair the most beautiful A350s ever painted. With the gold jet now out of the paint shop, the countdown to their first flights has officially begun.

Credits: STARLUX Airlines

The post Sorayama-designed STARLUX A350 completes paint phase first appeared on AircrewNews.com.