The 6 airlines that use Pokémon-themed jets and where they fly

Summary

• ANA’s Eevee Jet NH symbolizes evolution and offers themed products and services.
• ANA’s Pikachu 787-9 features unique designs, boarding experiences and themed journeys.
• Airlines around the world are honoring Pokémon characters with innovative Pikachu-themed aircraft.

If you grew up between 1996 and today, or have or care for children, you are very familiar with Pokémons. The most famous of these adorable cartoon characters is, of course, Pikachu.

With Pokémon being part of global pop culture, it’s no surprise that airlines want to honor the beloved children’s cartoon. Let’s take a look at six unique Pokémon planes.

1 The 777-300ER “EVEE JET”

The latest and greatest Pokemon ANA 777-300ER

This is possibly the flagship of the Pokémon aircraft, a relatively new Boeing 777-300ER operated by ANA (All Nippon Airways), Japan’s second largest airline. 25 June 2023, All Nippon Airways (ANA) and the Pokémon Company announced the expansion of their collaboration with the introduction of a second uniquely painted aircraft, the “Eevee Jet NH.”

This new program launched on August 31 and offers a range of specialty products and services, including merchandise and in-flight entertainment. So yes, everything inside and out is themed around popular cartoon characters. Prior to this collaboration, ANA Group and The Pokémon Company had already worked together on the first Pikachu Jet NH, which made its maiden flight on June 4.

According to the carrier, the concept behind the design of the Eevee Jet NH symbolizes the potential for evolution, as Eevee and its evolutions such as Vaporeon, Jolteon and Flareon are depicted confidently striding towards the future alongside Pikachu.

2 Pikachu 787-9 by ANA

Everyone’s favorite yellow Pokémon was not left out

Pikachu was also included in the special livery. On April 28, All Nippon Airways (ANA) announced its collaboration with The Pokemon Company and applied a distinctive livery featuring Pikachu to one of its Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

This partnership was emblematic of ANA’s efforts to celebrate the cultural influence of Pokémon. On the inaugural flight, flight attendants’ aprons were decorated with limited-edition designs and featured on paper cups, napkins, headrest covers and unique passenger gifts. In addition, ANA enhanced the boarding experience with specially curated music that reflected the essence of the Pokémon universe, immersing passengers in a unique thematic journey.

The two ANA jets used in this collaboration are wide-body aircraft configured for international routes, so while you may see them on regional destinations in Asia, they mostly fly to more distant destinations like the US and Europe.

3 Pokemon Jet GA 1 and GA2

The Indonesian Pikachus

Garuda Indonesia the national airline of Indonesia, has launched the first of two aircraft with Pokémon-inspired liveries. The first version, Pokémon Jet GA1, has been flying since February 23, 2024. The second aircraft, Pokémon Jet GA2, will be introduced later.

The maiden flight of this unique aircraft took place between the capital Jakarta and the trendy tourist island of Bali. Pikachu and his friends usually fly with the PK-GMU to numerous destinations throughout the Indonesian archipelago, but the aircraft has also been spotted in the neighboring region on flights to KLIA and Singapore.

4 Scoot’s own Pika Jet

Another Pokemon-themed 787

This is one of the first Pikachu jets of the decade, launching in 2022. According to Pikachu fan website Flying Pikachu, The Pokémon Company has entered into a partnership with Scoot, Singapore Airlines ‘ LCC branch to introduce a special aircraft themed around Pokémon characters.

The livery is known as the “Pikachu Jet TR” and appropriately made its maiden flight to Tokyo, Japan on September 9 of the same year.

5 Korean 737-800

T’Way’s Pikachu Jet

In December 2022, T’way Air launched the Pikachu Jet TW as part of its Pokémon Air Adventures, becoming the first airline to partner with The Pokémon Company. The Pokémon Company launched Pokémon Air Adventures in collaboration with airlines around the world to give travelers even more special memories on their trips.

T’way Air was ready and waiting for passengers in Korea. Inside the Pikachu Jet TW, passengers found cute Pokémon decorations, in-flight items, and special special edition items.

This aircraft is used on regional routes throughout Asia.

6 Taiwan’s Pokemon Jet

Pikachujet CI

This is the only Airbus aircraft on our list and it was painted shortly after delivery in 2022. The first flight took place on September 30, 2022 from Taipei (Songshan) on the Tokyo route. The aircraft still carries exclusive Pokémon items today.

The painting process of China Airlines’ “Pikachu Jet CI” used 36 different types of paint. The fuselage is painted in progressive pastel shades of orange, pink and purple. These complement China Airlines’ corporate colors and the plum blossom logo on the tail fin, giving the impression of a starry night sky with dawn approaching. Eleven Pokémon are included in the color scheme, including Flying Pikachu with Shaymin, Swablu, Togekiss, Munna, Jigglypuff, Snorlax, Slowpoke and Teddiursa. Pikachu and Shaymin are the pilots above the cockpit window, greeting the world with a smile.

Overall, the Pikachu jets are a great way for airlines to build a bond with their younger (and older) customers by showing them that they care about pop culture references.