The "Wenzhou" branded aircraft receives a grand arch-shaped water salute at the Wenzhou Longwan International Airport on July 12. [Photo by Zhao Yong/66wz.com]
The "Wenzhou" painted aircraft, carrying 116 passengers and arriving from Beijing Daxing International Airport, touched down at Wenzhou Longwan International Airport at 12:07 pm on July 12.
The landing marked the inaugural flight of the "Wenzhou" branded aircraft, celebrating 33 years of Wenzhou Airport's operation. The airport extended the highest honor in civil aviation, a grand arch-shaped water salute, to welcome the maiden flight of the painted aircraft.
The "Wenzhou" branded aircraft was designed by China United Airlines. The name "Wenzhou" was painted on the fuselage in white lettering with a red checkered background. Additionally, the aircraft featured a cloud pattern, adorned with images of the famous Yandang Mountain, iconic landmarks like Wu Hua Tian Bao and Wenzhou Grand Theatre, and camellia, the city flower, representing various aspects of Wenzhou.
On the tarmac of the Wenzhou Airport, many passengers who had just arrived snapped close-up shots of the aircraft or posed for photos in front of it.
A man surnamed Li, who works outside the city, returned to Wenzhou this time to visit family and brought his friends with him. He was thrilled to witness the inaugural flight, stating, "As a Wenzhou native, I feel proud to board this plane. Its deployment will allow more people to learn about Wenzhou."
The "Wenzhou" branded aircraft is the 10th painted aircraft launched by China United Airlines. Subject to operational capacity, the aircraft will be assigned to fly related routes to and from Wenzhou.
The airline has so far stationed 12 overnight aircrafts in Wenzhou, with more than 50 flights departing and arriving daily, covering cities such as Beijing, Hailar, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
The Wenzhou Airport opened to the public on July 12, 1990. Over the past 33 years, the airport has developed into a major regional hub with an annual passenger throughput reaching tens of millions. According to statistics, the airport currently serves 176 cities, including 139 domestic and 37 international destinations. Additionally, 51 airlines currently operate in Wenzhou.
