ANA's "Pokémon Jet Green" Takes Flight on International Routes for Pokémon's 30th Anniversary

All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan's largest airline, is elevating its long-standing "Pokémon" partnership by deploying its newly designed "Pokémon Jet Green" special-livery aircraft onto scheduled international routes. This significant move is a cornerstone of the "Pokémon's" 30th-anniversary celebration, aiming to extend the global reach of this beloved franchise. The specially adorned aircraft, a modern Boeing 787-9 with the registration number JA923A, commenced its international service on September 18, 2024. It is slated to operate on these overseas routes through March 27, 2027, marking a substantial commitment to the anniversary project.

The decision to place the "Pokémon Jet Green" on international flights signifies a deliberate expansion beyond domestic service, allowing the "Pokémon" collaboration's world travels to literally take flight. For aviation enthusiasts and "Pokémon" fans alike, the operational details add an element of intrigue: the specific routes the aircraft will traverse are dynamic and subject to daily changes based on operational needs. ANA has opted not to publish a fixed destination list, encouraging spontaneity for those hoping to spot or fly on the unique jet. Furthermore, the airline has noted that the assigned aircraft can be changed at short notice for operational reasons. In line with aviation security protocols, flight crews will not be able to offer autographs or write messages in logbooks for passengers.

This international deployment is deeply rooted in ANA's rich history with "Pokémon"-themed aircraft. The airline's pioneering "Pokémon Jet" program first took to the skies in the late 1990s, quickly becoming one of the most recognizable and enduring brand tie-ups in the commercial aviation industry. By positioning the latest iteration of the "Pokémon Jet" on international services, ANA is not only celebrating a significant milestone for the franchise but also leveraging its own legacy to amplify the anniversary festivities well beyond Japan's borders.

Complementing the airborne tribute, ANA is simultaneously launching a second "Pokémon GO" collaboration on the same September 18 date. This in-game partnership will introduce ANA-designed PokéStops and Gyms within the popular augmented reality mobile game at 14 airports. These virtual locations will serve as hubs for players to engage with the "Pokémon" world while interacting with ANA's physical airport infrastructure, further integrating the airline's brand with the "Pokémon" franchise and offering a multi-faceted celebration for fans.