ANA Launches Three New Pokémon Themed Jets for 2026 Anniversary

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has officially unveiled the next phase of its highly successful collaboration with The Pokémon Company. To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise and the 40th anniversary of ANA’s international flights in 2026, the Japanese carrier is introducing three new specially themed Commercial-Aircraft to its fleet. According to official portal updates from ANA, these new additions, dubbed Pokémon Jet Red, Pokémon Jet Green, and Pokémon Jet Blue, will feature unique liveries inspired by the original generation of Pokémon video games.

The announcement, which culminated in a detailed livery reveal on May 28, 2026, marks a significant expansion of the Airlines‘s participation in the global “Pokémon Air Adventures” project. This initiative was originally designed to revitalize travel and tourism in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. By integrating these new aircraft, ANA continues a storied tradition of pop-culture aviation that dates back to the late 1990s.

We have closely followed the evolution of ANA’s themed fleets, and these latest designs represent a nostalgic nod to the franchise’s roots. The new trio will join the airline’s existing “Pikachu Jet NH” and “Eevee Jet NH,” offering passengers an immersive, character-driven experience from the boarding gate to the final destination.

The 2026 30th Anniversary Fleet

Pokémon Jet Red and Green

According to ANA’s official releases and supplementary reporting from aviation outlets like Upgraded Points and Simulation Daily, the airline has finalized the operational details for the first two aircraft in the new series. Pokémon Jet Red will be a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bearing the registration JA819A. Scheduled to enter service at the end of July 2026, this aircraft will operate on domestic routes within Japan. Its exterior design prominently features Pikachu alongside Fire-type starter Pokémon spanning all ten generations of the video game series.

Conversely, Pokémon Jet Green is slated for international routes. Utilizing a Boeing 787-9 aircraft with the registration JA923A, this jet’s livery will showcase Pikachu accompanied by Grass-type starter Pokémon from across the franchise’s history. ANA has stated in its press materials that the official Launch date for the Green jet will be announced at a later time.

Pokémon Jet Blue

Rounding out the anniversary trio is Pokémon Jet Blue. While ANA has confirmed that this aircraft will be a Boeing 737-800 dedicated to domestic Japanese flights, the official livery details and launch date remain pending. Industry reports from gaming and pop culture publications, including Dexerto and Siliconera, anticipate that the design will naturally focus on Water-type starter Pokémon to complete the homage to the original 1996 game releases.

The Immersive In-Flight Experience

Cabin Amenities and Entertainment

ANA’s collaboration with The Pokémon Company extends far beyond exterior paint schemes. The airline aims to create a comprehensive, themed environment for its passengers. According to the company’s promotional materials, travelers on these specific jets will encounter themed headrest covers available in both Economy and Premium Economy classes. Additionally, in-flight service will feature custom napkins and limited-edition commemorative cups bearing the official 30th-anniversary logo.

The entertainment offerings have also been tailored to fit the theme. ANA previously introduced a world-first Pokémon-themed in-flight safety video, alongside a specialized disembarkation video. Industry research highlights the success of this initiative:

“Originally limited to specific jets, these videos were so popular that ANA extended them to all domestic and international flights,”

notes the aggregated research report on the airline’s recent operational updates. Furthermore, passengers flying on the designated Pokémon Jet routes will receive exclusive commemorative boarding stickers, which are strictly limited to one per passenger per flight.

Historical Context and Industry Impact

A Legacy of Pop Culture Aviation

ANA holds the distinction of being the first airline globally to introduce Pokémon-themed aircraft. The original Pokémon Jet took to the skies in 1998, capitalizing on the massive, worldwide success of the Pokémon Red and Green video games. Between 1998 and 2016, the airline operated multiple generations of these jets, cementing a unique brand identity. After a brief hiatus, ANA re-entered the space by launching the “Pikachu Jet NH” (a Boeing 787-9) in June 2023, followed by the “Eevee Jet NH” (a Boeing 777-300ER) in August 2023.

AirPro News analysis

The continued expansion of the Pokémon Jet program highlights a highly successful synergy between commercial aviation and global pop culture. By tapping into the deep nostalgia of millennial travelers who grew up with the original games, while simultaneously engaging a new generation of younger fans, ANA has crafted a unique selling proposition. This strategy effectively differentiates the carrier in a highly competitive Asian aviation market.

Furthermore, the broader “Pokémon Air Adventures” initiative has proven to be a robust driver for regional tourism. The success of ANA’s program has not gone unnoticed by competitors; other regional carriers, such as Skymark, Solaseed Air, and China Airlines, have also adopted Pokémon-themed liveries. This trend transforms the standard flight experience into a highly shareable social media event, effectively turning the journey itself into a destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What aircraft are being used for the new 2026 Pokémon Jets?

ANA is utilizing a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner for Pokémon Jet Red, a Boeing 787-9 for Pokémon Jet Green, and a Boeing 737-800 for Pokémon Jet Blue.

When will the new jets begin passenger service?

Pokémon Jet Red is scheduled to enter service on domestic Japanese routes at the end of July 2026. The launch dates for the Green and Blue jets have yet to be officially announced by the airline.

Do passengers receive any special souvenirs?

Yes. According to ANA, passengers flying on these specific themed routes will receive exclusive commemorative boarding stickers, which are limited to one per person per flight.

Sources

• All Nippon Airways (ANA)