Monday, August 26, 2024 Pokémon has become a cultural phenomenon since its debut, capturing the hearts of millions worldwide. If you were born after 1996 or have spent time caring for children, you’re likely familiar with its enchanting world. Among the many beloved characters, Pikachu stands out as the most iconic, symbolizing the franchise’s global influence on pop culture.
Recognizing Pokémon’s widespread appeal, several airlines have embraced the opportunity to celebrate this cultural phenomenon by introducing Pokémon-themed aircraft. Let’s take a closer look at six of the most distinctive Pokémon jets that have taken to the skies. One of the most notable of these is ANA’s (All Nippon Airways) Boeing 777-300ER, which has become the flagship of Pokémon-themed planes.
On June 25, 2023, ANA and The Pokémon Company expanded their collaboration by unveiling the “Eevee Jet NH,” a second uniquely painted aircraft. This new livery, which debuted on August 31, features a design that celebrates the theme of evolution, with Eevee and its evolutions, such as Vaporeon, Jolteon, and Flareon, depicted confidently moving forward alongside Pikachu. Inside the aircraft, passengers are treated to a fully immersive experience, with themed merchandise, in-flight entertainment, and more.
Pikachu’s popularity also led to another special collaboration with ANA. On April 28, ANA introduced a Pikachu-themed livery on one of its Boeing 787-9 aircraft. This partnership not only honored the cultural impact of Pokémon but also enhanced the overall passenger experience.
The inaugural flight featured limited-edition designs on cabin attendants’ aprons, as well as on paper cups, napkins, headrest covers, and exclusive passenger gifts. To further immerse travelers in the Pokémon universe, ANA curated special boarding music that echoed the spirit of the beloved series. These widebody aircraft primarily serve international routes, connecting travelers to destinations such as the US and Europe, although they occasionally appear on regional Asian routes.
Garuda Indonesia, Indonesia’s national carrier, joined the Pokémon craze by launching the first of two Pokémon-themed liveries. Pokémon Jet GA1 took its maiden flight on February 23, 2024, with a second aircraft, Pokémon Jet GA2, expected to follow. The inaugural journey of GA1 was between Jakarta and the popular tourist destination of Bali.
The aircraft, featuring Pikachu and his friends, primarily operates across Indonesia but has also been spotted in nearby regions like Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. One of the earliest Pikachu jets of the decade was introduced by Scoot, the low-cost arm of Singapore Airlines. According to the fan site Flying Pikachu, the “Pikachu Jet TR” made its debut flight to Tokyo on September 9, 2022.
This livery was part of The Pokémon Company’s initiative to collaborate with airlines worldwide, offering travelers unique and memorable experiences through Pokémon-themed flights. In December 2022, T’way Air became the first airline to partner with The Pokémon Company for its Pokémon Air Adventures. The Pikachu Jet TW, operated on regional routes across Asia, was adorned with charming Pokémon decorations, in-flight items, and exclusive edition goods, making it a hit among passengers.
This aircraft, an Airbus, was painted shortly after its delivery in 2022 and took its first flight on September 30, 2022, from Seoul to Taipei on the Tokyo route. China Airlines also joined the fun with its “Pikachu Jet CI.” This aircraft features a stunning livery that required 36 different types of paint, blending pastel orange, pink, and violet hues to create a design reminiscent of a starry night sky at dawn.
The fuselage is adorned with eleven Pokémon, including Flying Pikachu, Shaymin, Swablu, Togekiss, and others. Pikachu and Shaymin greet the world from above the cockpit window, adding a cheerful touch to the aircraft’s exterior. These Pokémon-themed jets offer airlines a creative way to connect with passengers of all ages, showcasing their appreciation for pop culture and creating unforgettable travel experiences.
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