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All Nippon Airways (ANA) unveiled its specially painted Boeing 787-8, the “Pokémon Jet Red” (Boeing 787-8, registration JA819A), created in collaboration with Pokémon, at Tokyo Haneda Airport on July 28. The aircraft is the first initiative in a special project commemorating Pokémon’s 30th anniversary and the 40th anniversary of ANA’s international services. It will begin operating on domestic routes from July 29.
In addition to Pikachu, the aircraft features 10 Fire-type Pokémon that serve as the first adventure partners in titles across the Pokémon series. The left side depicts Charmander, Fuecoco, Fennekin, Torchic, and Pomuken, while the right side features Cyndaquil, Litten, Scorbunny, Chimchar, and Tepig.
On board, ANA will offer original-design headrest covers, paper cups in three colors—red, green, and blue—and cocktail napkins. Passengers will also receive original stickers as boarding souvenirs.
The inaugural flight is scheduled to be NH243, departing Tokyo/Haneda at 8:15 a.m. on July 29 for Fukuoka. The aircraft will subsequently operate NH248 from Fukuoka to Tokyo/Haneda, NH255 from Tokyo/Haneda to Fukuoka, and NH260 from Fukuoka to Tokyo/Haneda. According to ANA, this will be the first time in around 10 years that it has operated a Pokémon-painted aircraft on domestic routes.
A total of 72 people, including parents and children selected by lottery, attended the unveiling event held in a hangar at Haneda Airport. Pikachu and the other Pokémon featured on the aircraft appeared at the event, performed the “Poke Dance,” and interacted with attendees.
Takahito Utsunomiya, Representative Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of The Pokémon Company, explained that the design, featuring Pikachu and Fire-type Pokémon, symbolizes setting off on a journey under the concept of “An exciting departure with Pokémon.” He noted that Pomuken, a Pokémon set to make its debut in the latest game, “Pokémon Wind & Wave,” scheduled for release in 2027, is also depicted, adding that the aircraft embodies “great anticipation for future adventures.”
As part of the Pokémon collaboration, ANA plans to introduce two more aircraft in stages: “Pokémon Jet Green,” a Boeing 787-9 featuring Grass-type Pokémon (registration JA923A), as the second initiative; and “Pokémon Jet Blue,” a Boeing 737-800 featuring Water-type Pokémon (registration JA56AN), as the third.
Keiji Omae, ANA Director and Executive Vice President, said, “Bringing three Pokémon Jets into service at the same time is an unprecedented new initiative. We will be able to offer even more customers the opportunity to enjoy air travel aboard Pokémon Jets.”