New government plane delivered to Japan

Aug 18 (NHK) - The first of 2 new government planes has been delivered to Japan ahead of their debut next year.

The Boeing 777-300ER flew in to the Air Self-Defense Force's Chitose Base in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido on Friday after an interior fit-out in Switzerland.

The aircraft will replace the current Boeing 747s, which have been in use for more than 20 years.

The new aircraft has "Hinomaru" red disks that represent Japan's national flag on the main wings and the tail. The fuselage is decorated with red curved lines.

Plane spotters gathered near the base. One who came from Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, says he is so happy to be able to take photos of the plane before it starts operations.

He says he will post the images on social media.

The second aircraft is due to arrive in December.

The Air Self-Defense Force unit in charge of operating the planes will conduct flight training.

The new aircraft will be used for overseas trips by Imperial family members and the prime minister from April 2019.

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