ANA’s Green Pokémon jet takes off on first international flight

All Nippon Airways’ latest Pokémon-themed Dreamliner has entered passenger service, starting an international flying programme that will take it across North America, Asia and Australia.

The airline’s new Boeing 787-9 JA923A Green Pokémon jet took off on its inaugural flight on 18 September on ANA service NH186 from Tokyo Haneda to Honolulu.

The aircraft set off at 9.55pm and arrived in Honolulu just before 2pm local time.

The flight marks the official start of passenger operations for ANA’s newest Pokémon special-livery aircraft.

The flight followed the aircraft’s unveiling at Haneda, Tokyo earlier that day – giving fans their first close-up look at a Dreamliner that is set to become a familiar sight in Japan, and beyond.

Where will ANA’s Green Pokémon jet fly?

Unlike ANA’s Red Pokémon Jet – a Boeing 787-8 which was introduced into service in July, the green aircraft has been assigned to the airline’s international network.

ANA says the 787-9 could operate from Tokyo Haneda to Honolulu, Seattle, Vancouver, Sydney, Manila, Singapore, Delhi, Bangkok, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur.

Its potential routes from Tokyo Narita could include Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta, Perth and Mumbai, with the current programme running until 27 March 2027.

But it’s bad news for Pokémon fans in the UK, Spain, France and other European countries – it’s understood no flights are planned for Europe.

The Pokémon theme continues inside the aircraft

The special-livery is centred on Grass-type Pokémon, with Pikachu joined by characters including Bulbasaur, Chikorita, Treecko, Turtwig, Snivy, Chespin, Rowlet, Grookey and Sprigatito.

ANA has carried the theme into the cabin as well.

Premium Economy and Economy seats feature Pokémon headrest covers, while specially designed cups and cocktail napkins are being used onboard. 

Passengers during the aircraft’s early weeks in service will also be given commemorative stickers.

Pokémon-themed background music forms part of the onboard experience, turning what is otherwise a regular long-haul 787 operation into one of ANA’s most distinctive passenger flights.

Why airlines still love special liveries

Special liveries have long given airlines a relatively simple way of turning individual aircraft into marketing assets, but few partnerships have lasted as long as ANA and Pokémon.

ANA introduced its first Pokémon Jet in 1998. The latest programme coincides with the 30th anniversary of Pokémon Red and Green and ANA’s 40th anniversary of international operations’’.

Three aircraft make up the latest generation of Pokémon jets.

Boeing 787-8 JA819A became the Red Pokémon Jet in July and operates within Japan. 

JA923A has now taken the concept onto ANA’s international network, while Boeing 737-800 JA56AN is set to become the Blue Pokémon Jet, featuring Water-type Pokémon, for domestic services.

With JA923A now in service and potentially appearing at destinations stretching from Vancouver to Perth, ANA’s newest Dreamliner should give fans more chances to catch a Pokémon Jet outside Japan.