We’re the first in all of Taiwan!

▲ The first rays of dawn spotted by China Airlines and Mandarin Airlines’ dawn flights at 35,000 feet above sea level. (Photo / Provided by China Airlines, the same below)

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Comprehensive report

On New Year’s Day, China Airlines’ “2015 Happiness Dawn Flight” from Taoyuan to Okinawa and Mandarin Airlines’ “2015 First Light Charter Flight” from Songshan to Taitung both simultaneously spotted the first sunrise of the year at 06:18 AM on January 1, 2015, at an altitude of 35,000 feet above Taiwan’s eastern coast — the earliest sunrise seen anywhere in Taiwan. They beat all ground-based observers to welcome the first light of the Year of the Goat, setting a global record in the aviation industry for both international and domestic flights greeting the dawn together.

▲ There was also a special flash mob dance performance by China Airlines flight attendants at the boarding gate.

China Airlines’ 2015 Happiness Dawn Flight took off from Taoyuan Airport at 05:09 AM on New Year’s morning. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, carrying 158 passengers, was the first to see the New Year’s sunrise at 06:18 AM at an altitude of 35,000 feet over the offshore area of Qiji, Hualien, Taiwan, and arrived at Naha Airport in Okinawa at 08:42 AM Japan time. Mandarin Airlines’ 2015 First Light Charter Flight subsequently took off from Songshan Airport at 05:52 AM. The E-190 aircraft, with 104 passengers on board, welcomed the first light of dawn at 06:19 AM over the waters off Yilan, and arrived at Taitung Fongnian Airport at 07:03 AM.

▲ Mandarin Airlines’ 2015 First Light Charter Flight.

The dawn flights featured numerous interactive activities at the check-in counters, as well as a flash mob dance performance by flight attendants. Additionally, there was a “storytelling captain” on board who introduced the beauty of Taiwan to the passengers.

China Airlines stated that the dawn flights prepared happiness dawn gifts for passengers, including picture-frame-style flight certificates, commemorative model airplanes, and sparkling wine, as well as a special energy breakfast served on board. Passengers who uploaded the most beautiful or creative photos of the dawn had the chance to win prizes such as flight tickets to any destination.

▲ Passengers on the dawn flight raised their glasses together to welcome the first light of 2015. (Drink in moderation, as excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to health)

Mandarin Airlines’ dawn charter flight to Taitung also offered many commemorative gifts. General Manager Han Liangzhong boarded the flight along with the passengers to welcome the first light of dawn. In addition to serving a Western breakfast and hosting a storytelling session with the captain on board, Taitung Airport also held a special water-sprinkling ceremony and a welcoming dance for the dawn flight. Taitung County Magistrate Huang Jian-ting and his wife also came to the airport to greet the passengers, allowing travelers to feel the warmth and hospitality of Taitung.