R2-D2 has landed！Star Wars-themed plane makes its debut in Taiwan, delighting aviation fans

▲ The Star Wars livery aircraft lands in Taiwan for the first time.

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Taipei

The ANA Star Wars R2-D2 livery aircraft, which has thrilled aviation and Star Wars fans across Taiwan, made its first landing at Taipei Songshan Airport at 15:43 today. Not only does the plane feature the adorable and iconic R2-D2 robot design, but it also utilizes the 787-9 model, known as the “Dreamliner,” leaving many onlookers amazed.

▲ The ANA Star Wars livery aircraft. (Photo / Reporter Li Zhongquan, the same below)

The R2-D2 livery aircraft is a special themed plane launched by ANA to coincide with the Star Wars movie series. It mainly operates international routes departing from Japan and is not regularly scheduled on the Haneda–Songshan route. As a result, news of its upcoming arrival in Taiwan sparked intense discussion.

▲ Aside from the R2-D2 on the nose, the Star Wars design on the tail also thrilled fans.

To catch a glimpse of the R2-D2 livery aircraft, aviation enthusiasts began lining up early at nearby spots such as Binjiang Street, Minquan Bridge, and the Fruit and Vegetable Market near Songshan Airport. The popular Binjiang Street Lane 180 attracted over a hundred photography enthusiasts waiting to capture shots. A business owner operating a scenic café near Songshan Airport also mentioned, “People were already staking out spots by 8 a.m.!”

▲ Photography hotspots were packed with people eager to catch a shot of the livery aircraft.

Due to wind direction issues, the plane initially planned to land on Runway 28 but later switched to Runway 10. This change did not dampen the enthusiasm of aviation fans, who kept moving to different vantage points to chase the “star.” One fan even remarked, “I’ve never seen so many people here!” As the Star Wars plane touched down, the sounds of camera shutters and cheers filled the air as everyone welcomed the arrival of the R2-D2 livery aircraft.

ANA stated that this R2-D2 livery aircraft is not a regular fixture on this route. After its stop at Songshan Airport, it is scheduled to depart for Tokyo Haneda Airport at 16:45.