TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The C-3PO ANA JET landed at Taoyuan International Airport (桃園機場) Wednesday (Jan. 14) after two-day technical delays. Star Wars and aviation fans gathered to witness the arrival of the All Nippon Airways special collaboration aircraft. The plane will undergo livery removal in Taiwan, marking its final appearance with the iconic yellow C-3PO design.
The aircraft, nicknamed "Pickled Radish" (たくあん) by enthusiasts, completed its final scheduled flight Jan. 9. Taoyuan Airport arranged gate D6 parking and streamed the arrival online for fans unable to attend. The special Star Wars collaboration livery will be permanently removed following this Taiwan visit.
Chen, a Lunghwa University of Science and Technology (龍華科技大學) student, arrived at 9 a.m. after waking at 7 a.m. He waited over two hours to photograph the C-3PO character-designed aircraft at the airport. Another fan expressed relief at taking time off work despite Monday's initial flight cancellation.
Taoyuan International Airport Company confirmed on Facebook the aircraft marks its first Taiwan visit. The C-3PO ANA JET has remained a favorite among aviation enthusiasts since its launch. Fans seized the final opportunity to photograph the beloved Star Wars-themed aircraft before permanent retirement. ◼
