Written/Compiled and Reported by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Travel Life Network
The Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and China Airlines have jointly launched the "Taiwan Sightseeing Livery Plane." Yesterday (13th), it completed its maiden flight from Taipei Songshan Airport to Tokyo Haneda Airport in Japan, taking Taiwan’s tourism promotion efforts to new heights. This one-of-a-kind global sightseeing livery aircraft, an A330-300 model, will serve major inbound tourist markets including Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Mainland China. Showcasing Taiwan’s six core tourism themes—lifestyle, ecology, romance, cuisine, shopping, and culture—through a vibrant cultural and creative style, the plane aims to capture worldwide attention via China Airlines’ extensive route network, establishing Taiwan as a top-tier destination for tens of millions of travelers.
Taiwan's sightseeing livery plane made its first public appearance yesterday, sharing the island's unique features with the world through its specially painted fuselage. (Photo provided/China Airlines)
Liu Xilin, Deputy Director-General of the Tourism Bureau, stated that in 2012, Taiwan welcomed a record-high 7.31 million visitors, and the first three quarters of this year have already surpassed 5.8 million, with hopes of reaching the annual target of 7.7 million—and even the possibility of hitting 8 million—as the country moves toward another peak. The goal is to attract over 10 million tourists by 2016. Therefore, the heart-shaped design of The Heart of Asia, Taiwan’s tourism brand, has been painted on the aircraft. The "Taiwan Sightseeing Livery Plane" will serve as Taiwan’s best tourism ambassador, representing the aspiration for the country’s tourism industry to soar to new heights.
In-flight meal service on China Airlines' Taiwan Sightseeing Livery Plane during its inaugural Songshan flight. (Photo provided/China Airlines)
Sun Hongxiang, Chairman of China Airlines, noted that the airline has long been committed to promoting Taiwan’s unique features. In the past, it operated fruit and Phalaenopsis orchid livery planes, successfully showcasing Taiwan’s agricultural products on the world stage. This year, the airline has launched a series of cultural and creative livery planes. The first, the "Embrace Livery Plane," highlighted Taiwan’s cultural creativity and artistic strength. Now, the "Taiwan Sightseeing Livery Plane" takes it further, using the aircraft’s fuselage as a platform to promote the very best of Taiwan.
China Airlines displays in-flight service items from the inaugural flight. (Photo provided/China Airlines)
The fuselage design of the "Taiwan Sightseeing Livery Plane" incorporates the phrase "Welcome to Taiwan," along with seven hearts symbolizing the themes “Travel Taiwan, Do It Now.” These elements include Cloud Gate Dance Theatre performers in front of the National Theater, set against the dazzling fireworks of Taipei 101, showcasing Taiwan’s culture and landmarks. Other scenes feature cycling tours near the National Palace Museum, integrating Taiwan’s 3C products and the conservation icon Formosan black bear, highlighting diverse features such as lifestyle, shopping, and ecological experiences. Beloved Taiwanese snacks like pineapple cakes, bubble tea, xiaolongbao, and fresh fruits are also depicted. Additionally, the imagery of lanterns from the Lantern Festival complements the scenic beauty of Sun Moon Lake, inviting all to experience the romance of Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Formosan black bear and Cloud Gate dancers take to the skies together on the livery plane. (Photo provided/China Airlines)
The inaugural flight cabin was adorned with heart-shaped pillow cushions and headrest covers featuring the Tourism Bureau’s logo. Passengers could learn about the meanings behind the seven hearts—representing travel, lifestyle, ecology, romance, cuisine, shopping, and culture—via informational cards at their seats. On the back of the seat, there is a poster titled “My Taiwan / Seeing the Homeland of the Soul,” designed by Professor Lin Pansong, known as the “Mentor of Taiwan’s Design Circle.” With a refined visual style, the poster blends imagery of Taiwan’s landscape to present different facets of the country, allowing passengers to deeply appreciate Taiwan’s tourism and cultural creativity through aesthetic art.
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