On April 2, Taiwan’s China Airlines launched operations of its special livery Airbus A350-900 aircraft “Pikachu Jet CI2” (aircraft registration: B-18916). The inaugural flight was CI100 from Taipei/Taoyuan to Tokyo/Narita, arriving at Narita Airport at 12:55 p.m. A commemorative ceremony was held at the airport, where Pikachu also made an appearance to enliven the event.
The aircraft features 13 Pokémon set against a base of soft pastel colors. On the nose side, Flying Pikachu is placed at the center, surrounded by Hoppip and Jumpluff. On the tail side, Dragonite and the Dratini riding on its back are depicted. Inspired by Taiwan being known as the “Kingdom of Butterflies,” butterfly-themed Pokémon such as Beautifly and Vivillon also appear. In addition, Swablu, Altaria, Dragonair, Skiploom, Cresselia, and Clefairy are illustrated. The clouds in the background are adorned with patterns inspired by Taiwan’s traditional decorative “Majolica tiles,” expressing wishes for happiness and longevity.
The cabin amenities and equipment also incorporate Pokémon and Majolica tile motifs. Special designs are applied throughout the cabin, including tray mats, mixed nuts packaging, paper cups, headrest covers, and pillow covers. Commemorative gifts such as Pikachu ballpoint pens and sticky notes are also prepared for passengers.
For the time being, the aircraft will be deployed on CI100/101 between Taipei/Taoyuan and Tokyo/Narita on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as well as on CI21 from Taipei/Taoyuan to Seattle on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and CI22 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. After that, deployment is also planned on routes from Taipei/Taoyuan to Osaka/Kansai, Phoenix, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, and Bangkok/Suvarnabhumi.
This is the second “Pikachu Jet” collaboration between China Airlines and Pokémon. The first was “Pikachu Jet CI” (aircraft registration: B-18101), operated with an Airbus A321neo, which has been in service since October 2022.
▲ “Pikachu Jet CI” launched in October 2022
At the ceremony held at Narita Airport, Yi-Chou Lee, General Manager of the China Airlines Japan Branch, commented, “The special livery of the A321 received an excellent response, and this time we are using the larger A350. We hope that, in addition to special-livery aircraft fans, even more people will enjoy it, including Pokémon fans and families.”
▲ Yi-Chou Lee, General Manager, China Airlines Japan Branch
Shin Fukunaga, Executive Officer at The Pokémon Company, explained, “The first aircraft had the theme of ‘Dawn,’ representing a bright recovery from COVID-19, while the theme of the second aircraft is ‘Take Off into the World.’ There is also a playful twist: the Pokémon that were sleeping on the first ‘Dawn’ aircraft have woken up on the second.” He added, “The second aircraft is the large A350, which will also fly to Europe and the United States. We hope it will delight Pokémon fans all around the world.”
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