Pikachu at 10,000 metres? For ANA, that is hardly an unusual sight anymore. To celebrate Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, the Japanese airline is sending three new Pokémon Jets into the skies. Red is now followed by Green – bringing pop culture, gaming and travel together in a particularly charming way.
An aircraft is usually one thing above all: a means of transport. Occasionally, however, a Boeing becomes a giant flying canvas. At All Nippon Airways, that has almost become a tradition. ANA launched the world’s first Pokémon Jet back in 1998. Nearly three decades later, the idea is returning – bigger and more colourful than ever.
And 2026 provides the perfect occasion. Thirty years ago, the first Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green games were released in Japan. At the same time, ANA is celebrating 40 years of international flights. The double anniversary is being marked by three special aircraft: the Red Pokémon Jet, Green Pokémon Jet and Blue Pokémon Jet.
Green Means Adventure
Following the Red Pokémon Jet, which began operating on domestic Japanese routes at the end of July, the green edition takes off on 18 September 2026. The Green Pokémon Jet is a Boeing 787-9 registered JA923A and will be used across ANA’s international network. Grass-type Pokémon dominate the fuselage, while Pikachu and its companions become a larger-than-life travelling party.
Its first scheduled journey appropriately heads far out into the Pacific, from Tokyo Haneda to Honolulu. The aircraft is subsequently expected to serve routes including Seattle, Vancouver, Sydney, Manila, Singapore, Delhi, Bangkok, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur. From Tokyo Narita, flights to Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta, Perth and Mumbai are also planned. The actual aircraft assignment, however, will only be confirmed on the day of departure.
The choice of green is no coincidence. While the Red Pokémon Jet showcases Fire-type Pokémon, the Green Jet belongs to Grass types. The already announced Blue Pokémon Jet, meanwhile, will focus on Water-type Pokémon. The three designs therefore echo the logic of the Pokémon games themselves.
From Aircraft to Game
ANA is not stopping at a spectacular exterior. The travel experience itself becomes part of the Pokémon universe. Specially designed cups, cocktail napkins and headrest covers have been created for the three jets. Passengers are also set to receive limited-edition stickers, while dedicated merchandise has been announced.
At the same time, the experience moves from the real airport directly into the smartphone. Together with Pokémon GO, ANA is introducing special PokéStops and Gyms at selected airports across Japan. A new event phase begins with the launch of the Green Pokémon Jet on 18 September, featuring Raid Battles and Timed Research. Bulbasaur, for example, can appear with an exclusive Green Pokémon Jet Location Background. The collaboration is scheduled to continue until the end of August 2027.
The connection between the two worlds works remarkably well: in the game you search for Pokémon; in real life, you suddenly find yourself searching for the right aircraft.
Pop Culture at Cruising Altitude
The relationship between ANA and Pokémon is more than a one-off marketing exercise. The airline is part of Pokémon Air Adventures, an initiative centred on travel, discovery and bringing people together. Pikachu and Eevee have already appeared on previous special aircraft, while since late 2024 ANA has also been showing Pokémon-themed safety and disembarkation videos, created with The Pokémon Company, across almost its entire fleet.
Perhaps that is precisely what makes this unusual collaboration work. It turns something as functional as a long-haul flight back into a small adventure.
And anyone arriving at the gate to find a Boeing 787 covered in Pikachu and Grass-type Pokémon is unlikely to feel one thing: travel routine.
