Japanese airline All Nippon Airways (ANA) has announced the launch of its first Pokémon-themed jet in seven years to inspire people to explore the world as travel restrictions ease. The colourful aircraft will operate on international routes from Haneda Airport (HND), Japan, starting in Summer 2023.
Blasting Off At The Speed Of Light In Summer 2023
As part of the “Pokémon Air Adventures” initiative, All Nippon Airways has teamed up with the Pokémon Company with the aim of bringing people closer together and encouraging them to explore the world with the Pikachu Jet following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The latest collaboration includes the launch of a Boeing 787-9 aircraft dubbed “Pikachu Jet NH”. The plane can seat up to 246 passengers and will feature a specially-themed interior. Passengers will be able to enjoy in-flight entertainment such as Pokémon Kids TV and POKÉTOON, and exclusive merchandise will also be available to purchase.
In addition to fan-favourite Pikachu, ANA’s latest Pokémon-themed livery features flying-type Pokémon from across the generations, including first-generation trailblazer Charizard, legendary Pokémon Rayquaza, Latios and Latias and newer additions such as Rowlet, Emolga, Togekiss, Vivillon and Corviknight. The aircraft’s engines will also feature other famous faces, so eagle-eyed passengers are advised to keep a lookout for more sneaky pocket monsters when boarding.
Pikachu Jet NH is scheduled to start operating out of Haneda Airport, Japan, in just two months’ time to destinations around the world on the following routes between 4th June and 28th October 2023*:
| Eligible Flights | Flight Numbers |
|---|---|
| Haneda ⇔ Bangkok, Thailand | NH847/NH850/NH849/NH848 |
| Haneda ⇔ Singapore | NH841/NH844/NH843/NH842 |
| Haneda ⇔ Jakarta, Indonesia | NH855/NH856 |
| Haneda ⇔ Manila, the Philippines | NH869/NH870 |
| Haneda ⇔ Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam | NH891/NH892 |
| Haneda ⇔ Delhi, India | NH837/NH838 |
| Haneda ⇔ Sydney, Australia | NH879/NH880/NH889/NH890 |
| Haneda ⇔ Vancouver, Canada | NH116/NH115 |
| Haneda ⇔ Honolulu, Hawaiʻi | NH186/NH185 |
*The above routes/eligible flights are subject to change and will only be confirmed on the day of the flight.
All Nippon Airways’ History Of Pokémon-Themed Liveries
ANA’s partnership with the Pokémon Company is not the first time Pikachu and friends have taken to the skies.
Between 1998 and 2016, ANA launched numerous special Pokémon liveries as a part of its Pokémon Jet series. Operating on both domestic and international routes, the airline’s jets incorporated 10 different designs spanning multiple generations of Pokémon.
The airline’s first Pokémon livery, featured on a B747-400D aircraft, was unveiled in 1998 to coincide with the release of “Pokémon: The First Movie,” with all themed liveries and the aircraft upon which they featured eventually being retired from operations in 2016.
Flying Billboards Making For Creative Advertising
ANA’s latest themed livery is not the first time an airline has creatively utilised the planes in its fleet.
Numerous airlines have used their liveries over the years to effectively serve as “flying billboards.” Such liveries can be used not only to display an airline’s insignia and branding but also to promote TV shows, film franchises and more.
What are your thoughts on ANA’s latest Pokémon-themed livery? Are you planning to join Pikachu and friends on any of the featured routes? Let us know in the comments!
