JAL Launches ‘JAL Gundam JET’ as Part of Expo 2025 Commemorative Fleet

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Japan Airlines (JAL) began operations of its third special livery aircraft, the “JAL Gundam JET” (Boeing 737-800, registration: JA342J), on March 3, in line with the Osaka/Kansai Expo. Together with the two special livery aircraft already in service, it aims to promote the Expo domestically and internationally.

The third aircraft, symbolizing the “JAL × GUNDAM FLY TO THE FUTURE PROJECT” collaboration between JAL and Bandai Namco Holdings, matches the Osaka/Kansai Expo theme. The rear of the aircraft features an image of the “RX-78F00/E Gundam (EX-001 Grass Feathers equipped),” appearing in footage at Bandai Namco’s “GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION” at the Expo. The Expo’s official character “Myakumyaku” is adorned at the front. Special headrest covers will be available in the cabin from early April, with domestic flights operating until around November.

The inaugural flight was JAL Flight 461, departing from Tokyo/Haneda to Tokushima on March 3 at 3:35 PM, during which Myakumyaku made an appearance at Haneda Airport. Myakumyaku participated in photo sessions with airport users and stood at the gate to see off passengers before departure.

▲Embraer 190 JAL Myakumyaku JET

As the first commemorative special livery for the Expo, JAL has been operating the “JAL Myakumyaku JET” using the Embraer 190 aircraft (registration: JA252J) on domestic routes since November 28, 2023. The second Boeing 787-8 “JAL Myakumyaku JET” (registration: JA823J) has been in operation on international routes since June 6, 2024.

▲Boeing 787-8 JAL Myakumyaku JET Second Aircraft

The newly launched JAL × GUNDAM FLY TO THE FUTURE PROJECT will include the operation of the Gundam JET, sell tour products featuring limited edition JAL Gundam model kits commemorating the Expo, and operate a restaurant bus painted with the same design as the Gundam JET, along with various campaigns to drum up excitement for the Expo.