ANA's Star Wars-themed C-3PO jet arrives in Taiwan for repainting

Taoyuan, Jan. 14 (CNA) A Star Wars-themed aircraft operated by All Nippon Airways (ANA) arrived at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport on Wednesday to have its special livery removed, drawing large crowds of aviation and Star Wars fans eager to catch a final glimpse of the iconic jet.

The aircraft, known as the C-3PO ANA JET, was created through a collaboration between ANA and the Star Wars franchise.

Featuring a bright yellow paint scheme inspired by the popular Star Wars character C-3PO, the jet has been affectionately nicknamed "Takuan," or pickled radish, by fans.

The aircraft landed in Taiwan on Wednesday after its arrival was delayed by maintenance issues, following its final commercial flight on Jan. 9.

ANA said earlier that the specially painted aircraft, originally scheduled to fly to Taiwan on Monday before being retired, had its arrival postponed due to maintenance work.

The jet's arrival in Taoyuan marked the end of its run as a Star Wars-themed aircraft and was also its first-ever visit to Taiwan.

News of the delayed arrival reignited excitement among fans, many of whom gathered early Wednesday at the Terminal 2 north observation deck at Taoyuan airport.

Some brought binoculars and long-lens cameras, waiting hours to photograph the aircraft's final appearance in its distinctive yellow colors.

To accommodate the interest, Taoyuan International Airport Corp. arranged for the aircraft to park at a designated gate and provided live-streamed footage, allowing fans unable to attend in person to follow the event online.

"The yellow looks even better in the sunlight," said a university student and aviation enthusiast surnamed Chen (陳), who said he arrived at the airport around 9 a.m. and waited more than two hours. He added that after missing the aircraft several times in Japan, he could not pass up the chance to see it in Taiwan.

Another aviation fan, who declined to be named, said he took time off work twice after an earlier planned arrival was canceled at the last minute. Seeing the aircraft at last, he said, confirmed the decision was worth it.