China Airlines unveils "Cloud Gate Dance Theatre livery aircraft" with ink paintings adorning the cabin

Reported and photographed by You T-Ru / Taipei

Another livery aircraft symbolizing the spirit of Taiwan has been born. China Airlines and Cloud Gate Dance Theatre jointly unveiled the "Cloud Gate livery aircraft" today (21st), featuring elegant dance poses of Cloud Gate performers. Continuing the spirit of China Airlines' cultural and creative livery series, it vividly showcases Taiwan’s outstanding culture. Starting from the 22nd, a new A330-300 aircraft will take flight, traveling via New Delhi, India to Rome.


▲ The Cloud Gate livery aircraft will take to the skies starting tomorrow.

The "Cloud Gate livery aircraft" was unveiled today at China Airlines’ maintenance facility. After a stunning solo dance performance by dancer Tsai Ming-Yuan, the curtain rose to reveal the same dance pose painted on the aircraft. China Airlines Chairman Sun Hong-hsiang stated that the airline promotes Taiwanese culture and creativity on the world stage. This collaboration with Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, representing Taiwan’s contemporary dance art, allows passengers to experience the rich cultural essence of Taiwan.

Mr. Lin Hwai-min, founder of "Cloud Gate Dance Theatre," described the airplane as a country’s calling card. "Cloud Gate has been performing internationally for many years. Seeing a China Airlines plane at a foreign airport feels like seeing a family member." Lin added that whenever he returns and steps into the cabin of a China Airlines plane, it feels like coming home, and he hopes to create a beautiful image for Taiwan.


▲ After a stunning solo dance by Tsai Ming-Yuan, the curtain rose to unveil the livery aircraft.


▲ China Airlines Chairman Sun Hong-hsiang poses for a photo with Cloud Gate Dance Theatre founder Lin Hwai-min, First Lady Chow Mei-ching, and Cloud Gate dancer Tsai Ming-Yuan.

The visual design of the "Cloud Gate livery aircraft" features calligraphy series images selected by Mr. Lin Hwai-min from over 160 dance works, presenting the imagery of "black-and-white dancing shadows, as if in flight": On the left side of the aircraft, Tsai Ming-Yuan is depicted in a flowing skirt dashing forward in quick steps, while Su Yi-ping is crouching quietly, gazing downward like a bird spreading its wings and overlooking. On the right side of the aircraft, the nose bursts forth with the large figure of Wang Li-xiang leaping, while the fuselage shows Lin Jia-liang, Huang Zhe-ou, and others in mid-motion, forming a unified composition.

This livery aircraft is filled with creations by Taiwan’s top artistic talents. The Cloud Gate dancers wear costumes designed by renowned designer Lin Tsai-yi, while the cabin features designs by interior designer Di Renyi, complemented by images of dancers captured by photographer Chang I-jen. The cabin also includes calligraphy works by master calligrapher Chu Weiguo, presented in the form of "wave patterns," showcasing the unique styles of calligraphy, ink painting, and dance. The overall design exudes a strong cultural atmosphere, with layers of depth that captivate passengers. The brushstroke paintings in the cabin allow everyone to pause and reflect.

▲ First Lady Chow Mei-ching and Cloud Gate dancer Tsai Ming-Yuan (right).


▲ The "Cloud Gate livery aircraft" can accommodate 30 business class passengers and 277 economy class passengers, with the cabin infused with a strong artistic ambiance.

The "Cloud Gate livery aircraft" can carry 30 business class passengers and 277 economy class passengers. The cabin is filled with a rich artistic atmosphere, including hanging Cloud Gate dance paintings, Cloud Gate videos, and ink-painted seat headrest covers. In addition, the livery aircraft manual and introductory cards, designed by renowned designer Horng Jung-ling, allow passengers to gain deeper insight into the artistic achievements of Taiwan’s pride — "Cloud Gate Dance Theatre." In the future, passengers will have the opportunity to experience this aircraft, filled with Taiwanese artistic flavor, in cities such as Rome, Honolulu, Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland, and various locations across Asia.

Since June last year, China Airlines has successively launched a series of cultural and creative livery aircraft representing Taiwan. The first, the "Embrace livery aircraft," featured works by renowned children's book author Jimmy Liao; the second, the "Taiwan Tourism livery aircraft," showcased the tourism slogan "Travel Taiwan Now"; the third, the "Taiwan Indigenous Journey livery aircraft," displayed the painting "Wedding Celebration" by indigenous artist Sakuliu Pavavaljung; and the fourth, the "Cloud Gate livery aircraft," brings the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre founded by Lin Hwai-min to the skies, dancing among the clouds.