Pilot opens window to wave goodbye as Delta’s final flight takes off today, officially exiting Taiwan market

▲The captain and first officer specially opened the window to wave goodbye to ground staff. (Photo provided by Eastern TV News)

Reporter Yu Jiayun / Comprehensive Report

Delta Air Lines of the United States officially announced its exit from the Taiwan market earlier this year, and today (24th) at 9:30 AM, its final flight departed from Taoyuan bound for Tokyo, marking a formal farewell to its Taiwan branch. Before the final flight took off, Delta crew members bid farewell to long-time passengers, while the captain and first officer waved goodbye to ground staff in Taiwan before departure.

Delta Air Lines was the first U.S. airline to enter the Taiwan market. Even before operating at Taoyuan Airport, its predecessor Northwest Airlines flew to Taipei Songshan Airport. After the merger of Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines in 2008, Delta began using its own flight codes at Taoyuan Airport starting in 2009, until its final departure on the 24th.

▲Cathay Pacific and Taoyuan Aerospace staff handling the transition take a commemorative photo together.

Before the final flight took off, Delta ground staff remained at their posts until the very end, giving souvenirs to every passenger at the jet bridge gate, wishing them a safe journey, and embracing long-time customers with heartfelt goodbyes. After all passengers had boarded, Cathay Pacific and Taoyuan Aerospace staff involved in the transition gathered separately at the terminal counter and on the tarmac to take farewell photos.

▲The sight of a Delta aircraft parked at Taoyuan Airport will no longer be seen.

After all passengers boarded and ground operations for Delta’s final flight were completed, ground staff quickly seized the opportunity to take photos with the plane. The captain and first officer of the flight specially opened the cockpit windows to wave goodbye to the ground crew, symbolizing Delta’s official exit from the Taiwan market.