News Flash / Paiwan Wedding Culture Soars to the Skies     China Airlines Indigenous-Themed Livery Aircraft Takes Off

▲ Taiwan Tribal Journey Painted Aircraft.

Reported and photographed by You t
ru / Taoyuan

Taiwan’s skies have gained another painted aircraft. The Council of Indigenous Peoples, Executive Yuan, in collaboration with China Airlines, has launched the “Taiwan Tribal Journey Painted Aircraft.” Today (the 11th), it flew from Taoyuan via Sydney to Auckland, featuring designs that showcase Taiwan’s unique indigenous cultures. The aircraft showcases the “Wedding” series artwork by acclaimed contemporary Taiwanese indigenous artist Sakuliu Pavavaljung for the first time, highlighting the distinctive wedding traditions of the Paiwan people and exuding festive joy.


▲ Acclaimed contemporary indigenous artist Sakuliu Pavavaljung unveils his “Wedding” series artwork on board the aircraft for the first time.

The “Taiwan Tribal Journey Painted Aircraft” is an A330-300 model, capable of carrying 30 business class and 277 economy class passengers. The cabin is specially adorned with indigenous elements such as headrest covers, artworks, and information cards about the livery. It will primarily operate on routes to Australia and New Zealand, as well as regional flights to Japan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia.

The inaugural flight event kicked off with a lively performance of a traditional Paiwan wedding ceremony. China Airlines pilots, flight attendants, and maintenance crew members of indigenous heritage, together with the Taipei Indigenous Children and Youth Choir, sang “Song of the Ocean.” Amid the harmonious voices of a hundred singers, Vice President Wu Den-yih, Council of Indigenous Peoples Minister Lin Chiang-yi, China Airlines Chairman Sun Hung-hsiang, and General Manager Lin Peng-liang jointly witnessed the unveiling of the “Taiwan Tribal Journey Painted Aircraft.” First-flight passengers traveling from Sydney to Auckland received a Taiwan Tribal Journey travel journal, indigenous-patterned passport holders, playing cards, and elegant tote bags to share in the celebration.


▲ Vice President Wu Den-yih, Council of Indigenous Peoples Minister Lin Chiang-yi, China Airlines Chairman Sun Hung-hsiang, and General Manager Lin Peng-liang jointly witness the unveiling of the “Taiwan Tribal Journey Painted Aircraft.”

The livery design of this “Taiwan Tribal Journey Painted Aircraft” features the “Wedding” series artwork by Sakuliu Pavavaljung, a leading figure in Taiwanese indigenous art and a key promoter of contemporary indigenous art, making its debut. The series depicts the unique Paiwan marriage ceremony. The aircraft livery highlights some of the most iconic elements from the “Wedding” series, including the betrothal gifts on the right side of the fuselage and the bridal procession and swing on the left, along with the phrase “MASALU！TAIWAN,” which in the Paiwan language means “Welcome to Taiwan.”

Taiwan’s indigenous peoples are a unique and beautiful treasure. There are currently around 530,000 indigenous people in Taiwan, accounting for 2% of the total population. There are 14 officially recognized indigenous groups, each preserving its own distinct culture, language, customs, and traditions. To promote the rich cultural heritage of indigenous peoples and attract international visitors to experience tribal life and Taiwan’s unique humanistic beauty, the Council of Indigenous Peoples collaborated with China Airlines to launch this painted aircraft. Its maiden voyage to New Zealand not only aligns with the Indigenous Cooperation Chapter under the Taiwan-New Zealand Economic Cooperation Agreement—supporting closer institutional ties in tourism—but also aims to boost economic development in indigenous communities.