TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A unique Star Wars-themed aircraft operated by All Nippon Airways touched down at Taoyuan International Airport (桃園機場) Friday (Aug. 8) for its final mission, marking the end of a decade-long journey that captivated aviation enthusiasts worldwide. Hundreds of Star Wars fans and plane spotters gathered at Taiwan's main international gateway to witness this historic moment. The aircraft's arrival concluded ten years of service that brought the beloved science fiction franchise to the skies.
The aircraft featured the distinctive blue and white design of R2-D2, the beloved droid from the Star Wars franchise, and commenced service in 2015. Ground crew members embraced the theatrical moment by donning Darth Vader costumes to guide the specially-painted plane to its final parking position. This Taiwan visit represented the culmination of the aircraft's decade-long mission bringing Star Wars magic to commercial aviation.
Enthusiasts arrived hours early, positioning cameras and climbing onto chairs to photograph the aircraft's final appearance at the airport. One devoted fan expressed his determination to commemorate this historic last flight of the iconic plane. Another enthusiast, who had visited ANA's hangar the previous month hoping to glimpse the R2-D2 aircraft but encountered only the C-3PO themed plane instead, finally seized this opportunity to witness the droid-themed aircraft's concluding journey.
Some devotees arrived at the airport as early as 7 a.m., while others, including one dedicated enthusiast from Taichung City in central Taiwan, secured their viewing positions the previous evening. The R2-D2 aircraft was originally scheduled to land at Taipei Songshan Airport (松山機場) on May 4, widely celebrated as Star Wars Day, but scheduling conflicts forced cancellation of those plans. ANA plans to restore the R2-D2 aircraft to its standard livery while in Taiwan, and the companion C-3PO themed aircraft will undergo similar restoration next January. ◼