ANA launches Red Pokemon Jet on Boeing 787-8 to celebrate 30 years of partnership

All Nippon Airways (ANA) is set to reveal a newly painted Boeing 787-8, dubbed the Red Pokemon Jet, as part of the 30th anniversary celebration of its longstanding partnership with The Pokemon Company. The aircraft, registered as JA819A, will be officially unveiled on July 28, 2026, during a special event held at ANA's Airframe Maintenance Building at Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Following the unveiling ceremony, the plane is scheduled to begin regular service on domestic routes starting July 29, 2026.

The distinctive livery of the Red Pokemon Jet prominently features Fire-type Pokemon characters drawn from various installments of the franchise. This themed aircraft forms phase one of ANA's ANA x Pokémon 30th Anniversary Special Project, which plans a total of three Pokemon-themed jets. Subsequent phases include the introduction of a Green Pokemon Jet and a Blue Pokemon Jet, although specific release dates for these have yet to be disclosed by the airline.

For its initial deployment, the Red Pokemon Jet will operate on the popular Haneda Airport to Fukuoka Airport route. The inaugural flight NH243 is set to depart Haneda at 08:15 local time and arrive in Fukuoka by 10:00 local time. Over the course of the day, the aircraft will conduct multiple roundtrips on this route, showcasing the special livery to domestic passengers. ANA has noted that the particular aircraft used on these flights might change depending on operational requirements.

This collaboration between ANA and The Pokemon Company is one of the longest-running airline-branding partnerships in Japan, having first launched in 1996. Over the past three decades, ANA has periodically operated Pokemon-themed aircraft, embedding the beloved gaming franchise into the aviation experience and delighting fans of all ages. The Red Pokemon Jet continues this tradition with a fresh, eye-catching paint scheme focused on the fiery subset of Pokemon characters.

The unveiling event on July 28 is exclusive and limited, with only 80 spots available for ANA Mileage Club members who apply via a lottery. Applications for the unveiling ceremony opened on July 1 and will close at 23:59 Japan Standard Time on July 12. This opportunity underscores ANA's intention to engage its loyal membership base closely with this anniversary milestone.

The Boeing 787-8 chosen for the Red Pokemon Jet is a mid-size, long-range widebody, well-suited for domestic routes like Haneda-Fukuoka while offering significant brand visibility given its frequent operation on key corridors. The aircraft's advanced technology and fuel efficiency align with ANA's reputation for modern, efficient operations. This initiative couples ANA's technical strengths with the cultural reach of the Pokemon brand.

By launching the Red Pokemon Jet as the first of three themed aircraft, ANA is taking a phased approach to celebrate this historic partnership, likely sustaining fan and passenger engagement through multiple releases. Though timelines for the Green and Blue Pokemon Jets remain undisclosed, anticipation will build as enthusiasts watch for the next reveal. ANA's deployment strategy combines commemorative branding with strategic route planning to maximize visual impact and consumer appeal.

The collaboration not only strengthens ANA's brand identity domestically but also reflects the enduring popularity of Pokemon as a cross-generational icon in Japan and worldwide. Celebrating 30 years of partnership, this effort cements the ties between aviation and entertainment sectors, showcasing how airlines can leverage popular culture for memorable marketing and enhanced customer experience.