Starlux A350-1000 inaugural

I just returned from a month long trip to Taipei, and was lucky that one day before my return flight was the first commercial flight of Starlux's gorgeous new A350-1000 registration B– 58551, flight JX802 from Taipei to Narita

First time witnessing a water gun salute! As the flight was pushed back for departure:

Lifting off Runway 25L:

The gaggle of AvGeeks on the North Observation Deck at Taoyuan Airport here to witness this momentous occasion - lots of pro equipment on display. Excitement was evident but also tension (would I get a good shot?) and interestingly, relief after the plane soared into the skies as people said "终于看到了" (finally, I saw it).

This occasion was also meaningful for me: because so many of us showed up, I felt like I'm part of something, a community - one united by our oddball hobby of planespotting!