Taiwanese airline STARLUX Airlines has announced an unprecedented project in commercial aviation, revealing that two of its Airbus A350-1000 aircraft will receive special liveries inspired by a “liquid metal” aesthetic.
Named AIRSORAYAMA, the initiative was developed in collaboration with renowned Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama and marks the first time his signature style has been fully applied to a commercial aircraft.
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Each aircraft will become a mobile art installation measuring more than 70 meters in length. The A350-1000 registered as B-58554 will receive the AIRSORAYAMA Gold livery, while B-58553 will be decorated with the AIRSORAYAMA Silver version, both featuring mirrored gold and silver finishes. According to STARLUX, the two jets were conceived as a visual “dialogue” in the sky, functioning as complementary flying sculptures.
The project goes beyond the external livery. The AIRSORAYAMA aesthetic will also be incorporated into the airline’s visual identity, onboard service elements, safety videos, and an exclusive line of merchandise, reinforcing the concept of transforming the aircraft into a complete work of art rather than merely a promotional platform.
To make the metallic coating possible, STARLUX worked together with Airbus and MANKIEWICZ on the development and certification of a special paint compatible with the A350’s carbon-fiber fuselage. The material meets stringent requirements for protection against electrical discharges and electromagnetic interference, including lightning protection.
Entry into service of the two Airbus A350-1000 aircraft with AIRSORAYAMA liveries is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. The initiative fits within a rare but striking tradition of artistic aircraft liveries, in which the fuselage is treated as an independent work of art. In STARLUX’s case, the project signals a broader strategy to rethink the image of the modern long-haul aircraft by combining technology, design, and contemporary culture.
Globally recognized, Hajime Sorayama is famous for his hyper-realistic depictions of robots and mechanical creatures with a glossy “liquid metal” finish. His influence extends across industrial design, fashion, and cinema, including visual references in productions such as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, as well as iconic collaborations with global brands like Sony and Dior.
Source and images: STARLUX Airlines | X @starluxjapan. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
