Breaking News / Watch the sunrise from 30,000 feet – China Airlines launches pioneering “2015 Dawn Flight”

Reported and photographed by You Ruru / Taipei

Watch the first ray of sunlight in 2015 from 30,000 feet in the air. China Airlines announced today (4th) that it will pioneer the domestic industry by launching an international “2015 Happiness Dawn Flight,” taking passengers to greet Taiwan’s first ray of sunlight at high altitude — also the highest sunrise in Taiwan. The dawn flight will be operated by a Boeing 737-800, flying from Taoyuan Airport toward the east coast to catch the sunrise first, then heading to Okinawa, Japan for a one-day New Year trip. A total of 158 seats will go on sale at noon on the 5th.


▲ China Airlines unveils the “2015 Happiness Dawn Flight.”

China Airlines’ “2015 Happiness Dawn Flight,” with flight number CI2015, will take off from Taoyuan Airport at 05:20 on January 1, 2015. After passing over the northern coast of Sanzhi, it will head southeast, flying over Taipei and Yilan, and reach an altitude of 30,000 feet over the east coast at 05:46. It will continue southward along the coastline and receive the first light of 2015 at 06:19 on the shores of Shiqi, Hualien, beating the earliest mainland sunrise in Lanyu at 06:32.

The flight features Captain Ding Changhao, known as the “storytelling captain,” who will introduce Taiwan’s scenic spots and coastal beauty along the way. Ding said that if the weather is clear that day, passengers may have the chance to see Yushan and the mouth of the Siouguluan River. At 30,000 feet, without any obstructions, travelers can truly enjoy the experience of reaching the clouds and witnessing the first light of dawn.


▲%Crowded new waste whisper? Preaching France?

After enjoying the light show of the sunrise, the “2015 Happiness Dawn Flight” will fly to Okinawa, Japan, with an estimated local arrival time of 09:05 at Naha Airport, concluding approximately 2.5 hours of a memorable journey. Passengers can freely explore Okinawa or choose a 4-hour or 8-hour private car tour before returning to Taiwan aboard regular flight CI 123 at 20:50, arriving in Taipei at around 21:30.

To book the “2015 Happiness Dawn Flight,” passengers can choose a business class double ticket for TWD 21,888, or economy class packages for three at TWD 18,888, two at TWD 13,888, or one at TWD 5,888 (all prices exclude tax). There are also optional self-guided tour packages starting from TWD 6,100 for a car rental. China Airlines has also designed special meals for passengers on the happiness dawn flight, and will present souvenirs including a model plane, a framed boarding certificate, and premium sparkling wine.

A “Sunrise Welcome, Gifts Galore” lucky draw will also be held onboard. Lucky passengers may win round-trip economy class tickets to any destination in Japan, gold card membership, and free 10,000-mile rewards, among other major prizes. Those who share their experience on social media after the event may also have a chance to win a round-trip economy class ticket to anywhere in the world.

%Thistle? Teach the French side? Weight Fulong left one), China Airlines Senior Vice President Dong Xiaoxing (left two), Captain Ding Changfg (left three), China Airlines Passenger Marketing Department Vice President Cao Zhifen (right one).


How to purchase the “2015 Happiness Dawn Flight” package:
1. Starting at 12:00 noon on December 5, call China Airlines’ unified customer service hotline across Taiwan: 412–9000 (add 02 for mobile phones)
2. Select the exclusive booking number for the Happiness Dawn Flight: 2015
3. Inform the customer service staff of your chosen package to complete the seat reservation and ticketing process
4. Inform the customer service staff whether you wish to add a self-guided tour package
5. Receive a purchase confirmation message from customer service
Note: China Airlines customer service center operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 08:00–20:00