Changi Airport kicks off Star Wars themed year-end celebrations

SINGAPORE - The Force was strong at Changi Airport as it kicked off its Star Wars themed year-end celebrations at Terminal 3. In the spirit of the upcoming movie, fans gathered around a life-sized model of an X-wing starfighter set up at the Departure Hall to celebrate.

Fans were first treated to a march-in by cosplayers from the 501st Legion, a Star Wars costume group. Dressed as Rebel pilots, the cosplayers acted out a scene of routine maintenance on their starfighter.

It wasn't long before trouble showed up in the form of villainous stormtroopers. After a short mock battle however, both the Rebels and stormtroopers decided to lay down their weapons and mingle with fans for photos.

The highlight of the show was five-year-old Wesley Poh, who was dressed as Darth Vader. After the initial photoshoot with the rebels, Wesley led the stormtroopers on a parade from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2.

So many fans followed them that the bridge linking the two terminals, built over Changi Airport MRT station, swayed as they walked across it. Darth Vader led his forces to a 6m-tall model of a TIE fighter in Terminal 2's Departure Hall, where more photos were taken with the event organisers and executives from Disney and Changi Airport.

Visitors can also take photos at both starfighters, and those at the X-wing can dress up in various costumes - wookiee, stormtrooper, Jedi, and Rebel pilot are among the many choices.

Tickets will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis at the X-wing fighter, and photo sessions will be restricted to four time slots: 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm, 4pm-6pm, and 7pm-9pm. The 4pm-6pm slot is not available on Saturdays.

The starfighters will be on display until January 2, 2016.

Going places far, far away

AsiaOne had a sneak preview of the interior of the All Nippon Airways (ANA) R2-D2 jet. In Singapore for a short visit from Nov 12-14, the jet is painted in special livery depicting R2-D2, and features R2-D2 themed head rests and cutlery.

The R2-D2 decorations match the standard blue finishings of the Dreamliner. In Business class, the lie-flat seats and 18-inch touchscreens may well lull passengers into thinking they are travelling on a starship instead of a plane.

Adding to the mood is the crew announcement before any flights, stating that for passenger safety, hyperdrive will not be engaged during the flight.

The R2-D2 jet will be playing host to 40 winners of ANA's Star Wars contest on November 14. Guests can enjoy a three-hour tour of the aircraft, including catching a movie from the Original Trilogy (episodes 4-6) and have a meal on board in the comfort of a Business class seat.

ANA's R2-D2 jet is a Boeing 787 Dreamliner and one of three Star Wars-themed jets from the airline. The other two are a Boeing 777-300ER featuring new character BB-8, and a 767-300 featuring both R2-D2 and BB-8.

The R2-D2 jet will be taking off on a night flight back to Narita Airport on November 14. Afterwards, it will operate flights to Europe and North America.

andrewg@sph.com.sg