The ROC Council of Indigenous Peoples and Taoyuan County-based China Airlines Ltd. celebrated the debut of a plane decorated in a new livery based on Taiwan aboriginal customs, which later made its inaugural flight to New Zealand March 11.
The flight by the Airbus A330-300 to Auckland via Sydney, Australia, was especially symbolic in view of the Agreement between New Zealand and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu on Economic Cooperation (ANZTEC) signed in July last year, the first such trade agreement the ROC has concluded containing provisions on aboriginal matters, the CIP said.
The jet’s fuselage features paintings by Paiwan artist Sakuliu Pavavalung. It is also the public debut of Pavavalung’s Wedding series portraying a traditional Paiwan tribal marriage ceremony.
The right side of the plane depicts the delivery of the betrothal gifts, while the left side shows the bride being carried and sitting on the bridal swing, along with the words “Masalu! Taiwan,” which means “Welcome to Taiwan” in Paiwan. Carrying 30 passengers in business class and 277 in economy, the jet is furnished with aboriginal-themed items such as pillow covers and artwork.
Initially serving the Taipei-Sydney-Auckland route, the plane will also see service on trips to Hong Kong, Japan and Southeast Asian destinations.
Passengers on the inaugural flight were additionally treated to notepads, passport holders, poker cards, gift bags and model aircraft featuring aboriginal motifs.
Taiwan has about 530,000 indigenous people, or around 2 percent of the population, in 14 officially recognized tribes, each with its distinctive culture, language and customs, the CIP said.
Studies suggest that Taiwan’s indigenous peoples and New Zealand’s Maoris both belong to the Austronesian language grouping, and share cultural, genetic and linguistic heritage, the CIP added. (SDH)
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