Two Pokémon Jets of All Nippon Airways, March 2006

Pokémon Jet (ポケモンジェット, Pokemon jetto) refers to a number of aircraft operated by Japanese airline All Nippon Airways in a promotional Pokémon livery. The exteriors of the aircraft were painted with pictures of various Pokémon and the interiors were decorated with a Pokémon theme. Though the use of these liveries by ANA ended in 2016, the scheme has since been revived, this time with Solaseed Air in 2020, and Air Do and Skymark Airlines in 2021. In 2022, Scoot became the first non-Japanese airline to introduce a Pokémon Jet, followed by China Airlines and T'way Air later that year. In 2023, ANA resumed producing Pokémon Jet liveries for their aircraft after a 7 year absence.

History

After the appearance of Pokémon in 1996, and the resultant Pokémon-related craze, All Nippon Airways unveiled the first Pokémon Jets on 1 July 1998, timed with the release of Pokémon: The First Movie.[1][2] The first two to be unveiled were a Boeing 747-400D (JA8965) and a Boeing 767-300 (JA8569), and each displayed a number of the then 151 Pokémon characters, including Pikachu. Due to the popularity of the aircraft, a second 767 was unveiled a matter of weeks later.[1] The three aircraft were introduced on numerous domestic flights in Japan.[3][4][5] A fourth aircraft, a Boeing 747-400, was painted in a Pokémon livery in February 1999, and was called the US version by the airline, as it was put into service on the airline's North American network. The aircraft was identical to the previous three aircraft, except the letters ANA were kept on the vertical stabiliser,[1] and operated its first flight to New York City's JFK International Airport on 24 February 1999.[6][7]

All Nippon Airways announced in March 1999 that a fifth aircraft would be painted in a Pokémon scheme, and a contest was held which saw children between the ages of six and twelve submitting entries. The announcement was timed to coincide with the release of Pokémon: The Movie 2000 in Japan in the summer of 1999. The winning design was rolled out at Osaka on 20 June 1999 on a Boeing 747-400D (JA8964), with the same design appearing shortly thereafter on two Boeing 767-300s (JA8288 and JA8357).[1]

In 2011, a Boeing 777-300 (JA754A) was painted in a Pokémon livery featuring characters from the Pokémon Black and White video games. All Nippon Airways had originally intended to allow children to vote on the livery design for this Pokémon Jet, but the voting event was cancelled as a result of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.[8] The aircraft has been dubbed the Peace Jet, as the selected livery design is intended to express the wish for a world filled with peace.[8] This Pokémon Jet was placed into service on the airline's domestic network on 18 July 2011, just two days after Victini and the Black Hero: Zekrom and Victini and the White Hero: Reshiram were released at movie theaters in Japan.

On 8 October 2013, JA8956 and JA8957 simultaneously retired as part of the airline's plan to retire all Boeing 747s, leaving JA754A the only Pokémon Jet in service.

On 14 April 2016, the Pokémon theming of JA754A was removed and repainted into a standard ANA livery, leaving no Pokémon jets in operation.[9]

On 19 December 2020, Solaseed Air inaugurated a Boeing 737-800 (JA812X) with an Exeggutor livery,[10] making it the first Boeing plane to feature a single species of Pokémon, rather than an ensemble. Solaseed Air is headquartered at the Miyazaki Airport in the city of Miyazaki, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan; which made Exeggutor its official "Support Pokémon" in October 2020.[11]

On 21 June 2021, Skymark Airlines inaugurated a Boeing 737-800 (JA73AB) with a Pikachu livery,[12] titled “Pokémon Air Adventures.” Skymark Airlines wants to use Pikachu to help promote tourism in the Okinawa Prefecture.[13] When passengers come aboard this aircraft, aside from having Pokémon-themed seats and cabin crew, they are greeted by the Pokémon Center theme from Pokémon Sword and Shield. There are also Pokémon-themed cups (and amenities) and special limited edition KitKats as part of the in-flight refreshment service, and even the self check-in kiosks for the Pikachu route are decked out in Pikachu colours.[14] For a limited time, Japanese Pokémon Go players could find a special Pikachu wearing a Kariyushi shirt at airports on the route the aircraft serves.[15]

On 19 November 2021, Air Do inaugurated a Boeing 767-300 (JA607A) with a Vulpix livery[16] called "Rokon Jet." The airline is planning to use the special livery for 5 years and began services with it in December 2021.[17] The design consists of both forms of Vulpix on both sides: on the port side is the Alolan Vulpix, while the starboard side features the Kantonian Vulpix.

On 30 May 2022, Skymark Airlines introduced a second Pokémon Jet (JA73NG) called "Pikachu Jet BC2." It will operate on routes between Okinawa, Naha, and Simojishima, and will stay in service with this special livery for five years.[18]

On 17 July 2022, Scoot introduced a Boeing 787-9 (9V-OJJ) painted in a Pokémon livery, becoming the first non-Japanese airline to introduce a Pokémon Jet. [19][20]

On 30 September 2022, China Airlines introduced an Airbus A321neo (B-18101) with a painted Pokémon livery called "Pikachu Jet CI", becoming the second non-Japanese airline to introduce a Pokémon Jet. It will operate flights to various Japanese cities from its base at Taiwan.[21]

On 28 December 2022, T'way Air introduced a Boeing 737-800 (HL8306) with a Pokémon livery called "Pikachu Jet TW", thus becoming the third non-Japanese airline to introduce a Pokemon Jet. The aircraft will operate flights to Japan and Taiwan from its base at South Korea.[22]

On 26 March 2023, All Nippon Airways introduced a Boeing 787-9 (JA894A) with a painted Pokémon livery called "Pikachu Jet NH." It is their first Pokémon livery since 2016. It will operate on various international routes from its base at Tokyo Haneda Airport. and will stay in service with this special livery for five years.[23]

On 18 January 2023, Solaseed Air inaugurated a Boeing 737-800 (JA803X) with a painted Pokémon livery called "Nassy Jet Miyazaki", featuring Exeggutor and a tropical nature design.[24]

On 30 May 2023, Garuda Indonesia announced that they will introduce two Boeing 737-800 with a unique Pokémon character on each aircraft. Both aircraft are expected to roll out by the end of 2023.[25]

On 25 June 2023, All Nippon Airways introduced a Boeing 777-300ER (JA784A) with a painted Pokémon livery called "Eevee Jet NH." It will operate on USA and London long haul flight routes from its base at Tokyo Haneda Airport.[26]

Passenger experience and response

Passengers on the Pokémon Jets receive a complete Pokémon experience. The aircraft and flight crews are decked out in Pokémon themes, including headrests, flight attendant uniforms, food containers, inflight entertainment, and souvenir bags.[27] All Nippon Airways reported that an increase in the number of passengers carried as a result of operating the Pokémon Jets.[28][29]

List of Pokémon Jets

Photo Airline Aircraft Registration Year
unveiled		 Year livery removed Year jet retired Port
from nose
to tail		 Starboard
from nose
to tail
All Nippon AirwaysBoeing 747-400DJA89651998[30]2001 June 2013Clefairy, Pikachu, Togepi, Mew, Mewtwo, Snorlax[31]Jigglypuff, Pikachu, Psyduck, Squirtle, Bulbasaur[31]
All Nippon AirwaysBoeing 767-300JA856919982001 December 2018Clefairy, Pikachu, Togepi, Mew, Mewtwo, Snorlax[31]Jigglypuff, Pikachu, Psyduck, Squirtle, Bulbasaur[31]
All Nippon AirwaysBoeing 767-300JA857819982001 August 2017Clefairy, Pikachu, Togepi, Mew, Mewtwo, Snorlax[31]Jigglypuff, Pikachu, Psyduck, Squirtle, Bulbasaur[31]
All Nippon AirwaysBoeing 747-400JA896219992006 2010Clefairy, Pikachu, Togepi, Mew, Mewtwo, Snorlax[31]Jigglypuff, Pikachu, Psyduck, Squirtle, Bulbasaur[31]
All Nippon AirwaysBoeing 747-400DJA896419992006 2011Pikachu, Marill, Dratini, Lapras, Slowpoke, Horsea[31]Togepi, Pikachu, Jigglypuff, Ledyba, Elekid, Meowth[31]
All Nippon AirwaysBoeing 767-300JA828819992006 September 2014Pikachu, Marill, Dratini, Lapras, Slowpoke, Horsea[31]Togepi, Pikachu, Jigglypuff, Ledyba, Elekid, Meowth[31]

(Photo taken after livery removed)

 All Nippon AirwaysBoeing 767-300JA835719992006 February 2016Pikachu, Marill, Dratini, Lapras, Slowpoke, Horsea[31]Togepi, Pikachu, Jigglypuff, Ledyba, Elekid, Meowth[31]
All Nippon AirwaysBoeing 747-400DJA8957May 2004October 2013 November 2013Celebi, Plusle, Minun, Deoxys, Torchic, Munchlax, Jirachi, Latios, LatiasMew, Pichu brothers, Treecko, Mudkip, Meowth, Lugia, Entei
All Nippon AirwaysBoeing 747-400DJA8956November 2004October 2013 November 2013Pikachu, Pichu brothers, Mew, Wynaut, Azurill, Castform, BellossomPikachu, Minun, Plusle, Skiploom, Oddish, Igglybuff, Trapinch, Skiploom, Munchlax, Roselia
All Nippon AirwaysBoeing 777-300JA754A2011May 2016 N/AOshawott, Pikachu, Victini, Zekrom, Darumaka, Pansage, ScraggyTepig, Pikachu, Snivy, Reshiram, Meowth, Axew, Munna
Solaseed AirBoeing 737-86NJA812XDecember 2020September 2022N/AAlolan Exeggutor (×4)Exeggutor (×3)
Skymark AirlinesBoeing 737-86NJA73ABJune 2021N/A (expected 2026)N/APikachu (×5)Pikachu (×5)
Air DoBoeing 767-300JA607ADecember 2021N/A (expected Summer 2026)N/AAlolan Vulpix (×4)Vulpix (×4)
Skymark AirlinesBoeing 737-86NJA73NGMay 2022N/A (expected Summer 2027)N/ASky Form Shaymin, Wailord, Pikachu, MagikarpPikachu, Wailord, Sky Form Shaymin, Corsola
ScootBoeing 787-99V-OJJJuly 2022N/A (expected 2027)N/APichu, Pikachu, Sky Form Shaymin, Psyduck, Celebi, LaprasPikachu, Celebi, Pichu, Psyduck, Meganium, Lapras
China AirlinesAirbus A321neoB-18101September 2022N/A (expected 2027)N/APikachu, Jigglypuff, Snorlax, Munna, Slowpoke, SwabluPikachu, Togekiss, Snorlax, Teddiursa, Sky Form Shaymin
T'way AirBoeing 737-800HL8306December 2022N/A (expected 2027)N/APikachu, Sky Form Shaymin, Squirtle, Eevee, Aria Forme Meloetta, BulbasaurPikachu, Charmander, Arcanine, Pirouette Forme Meloetta, Jigglypuff
Solaseed AirBoeing 737-86NJA803XMarch 2023N/A (expected 2026)N/AAlolan Exeggutor, Wingull, Exeggutor, Alolan Raichu, ExeggcuteAlolan Raichu, Alolan Exeggutor, Exeggutor, Bellossom, Mantine
All Nippon AirwaysBoeing 787-9JA894AJune 2023N/A (expected 2028)N/AVivillon, Rayquaza, Celebi, Emolga, Rowlet, CharizardVivillon, Togekiss, Pikachu, Rayquaza, Latios, Latias, Corviknight
All Nippon AirwaysBoeing 777-300ERJA784ASeptember 2023N/A (expected 2028)N/AEevee, Jolteon, Flareon, Vaporeon, Espeon, UmbreonPikachu, Eevee, Sylveon, Leafeon, Glaceon
Garuda IndonesiaBoeing 737-800PK-GMXDecember 2023N/A (expected 2029)N/AFinneon, Squirtle, Horsea, Mantine, Butterfree, PikachuAipom, Vileplume, Oddish, Eevee, Pikachu, Bounsweet

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Spicer, Stuart (2001). Dream Schemes II. Zenith Imprint. p. 21. ISBN 0-7603-1196-X. Retrieved 2009-11-13.
  2. ↑ "ANAポケモンジェットが日本の空に就航！" [ANA Pokémon jet launch to over japan!] (in Japanese). All Nippon Airways. 2 July 1998. Archived from the original on 19 June 2008. Retrieved 2009-11-15.
  3. ↑ "ANAポケモンジェット運航スケジュール6月" (in Japanese). All Nippon Airways. Retrieved 2009-11-15.
  4. ↑ "ANAポケモンジェット運航スケジュール7月" (in Japanese). All Nippon Airways. Retrieved 2009-11-15.
  5. ↑ "ANAポケモンジェット運航スケジュール8月" (in Japanese). All Nippon Airways. Retrieved 2009-11-15.
  6. ↑ McDowell, Edwin (3 March 1999). "A rising number of airlines are making the case that a picture can be worth a thousand words". The New York Times. pp. C6. Retrieved 2009-11-15.
  7. ↑ "Pokemon to visit US". M2 Presswire. 23 February 1999. Retrieved 2009-11-15.
  8. 1 2 "新ANAポケモンジェット2011「ピース★ジェット」就航！" (Press release) (in Japanese). All Nippon Airways. Retrieved 2011-07-20.
  9. ↑ Ashcraft, Brian (1 May 2016). "This Could Be the Last Pokémon Jet". Kotaku.
  10. ↑ "Pokemon Gets Its Own Jet Again in Japan, and It's Exeggutor's Turn to Shine". 20 December 2020.
  11. ↑ "Miyazaki×Exeggutor・Alolan Exeggutor｜Pokémon Local Acts".
  12. ↑ @SkymarkJ (June 21, 2021). "☆ピカチュウジェット運航情報☆本日の初便(SKY519便)は事前の告知をせずサプライズで運航しました✈明日以降の運航情報は、スカイマークホームページでご確認ください🎈※当日の運航状況により使用機材やフライトスケジュールが変更と…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  13. ↑ "Skymark Airlines Pikachu Jet Boeing 737 Enters Service". 21 June 2021.
  14. ↑ "Pikachu learns how to fly as Japan's new Pokémon airliner takes fight". SoraNews24 -Japan News-. 2021-06-24. Retrieved 2022-01-19.
  15. ↑ "Skymark Airlines Pikachu Jet Boeing 737 Enters Service". Simple Flying. 2021-06-21. Retrieved 2022-01-19.
  16. ↑ "Pokemon Vulpix Airplane Will Fly in Hokkaido in December 2021". 8 November 2021.
  17. ↑ "Vulpix, I Choose You: Japan's Latest Pokemon Jet is a Boeing 767". 9 November 2021.
  18. ↑ "Skymark Airlines to launch second Pokémon-themed jet". 30 May 2022.
  19. ↑ "Scoot Airline reveals Pokémon themed airplane". 17 July 2022.
  20. ↑ "Singapore's Scoot Says "Pikachu! I Choose You!" With New 787 Livery". 30 August 2022.
  21. ↑ "China Airlines Unveils Stunning Pikachu Airbus A321neo And First Routes". 30 September 2022.
  22. ↑ "T'way Air launches a Pokémon-themed Jet, Pikachu Jet TW". 29 December 2022.
  23. ↑ "ANA and Pokémon to take Pikachu Jet to the skies on "Pokémon Air Adventures" Collaboration". All Nippon Airways. 26 March 2023. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
  24. ↑ "ソラシドエアのポケモン全面塗装機「ナッシージェット宮崎」のデザインをぐるりと見てみた！ 機体底面にも仕掛けアリ" (in Japanese). Impress Corporation. 19 January 2023. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
  25. ↑ "GARUDA INDONESIA JALIN KEMITRAAN DENGAN THE POKEMON COMPANY DAN KEMENTERIAN PARIWISATA HADIRKAN "POKEMON AIR ADVENTURE" PADA PESAWAT GARUDA INDONESIA". 30 May 2023.
  26. ↑ "ANA and The Pokémon Company Unveil the "Eevee Jet NH"". All Nippon Airways. 25 June 2023. Retrieved 2023-06-27.
  27. ↑ Tobin, Joseph Jay (2004). "Cuteness as Japan's Millennial Product". Pikachu's global adventure: the rise and fall of Pokémon. Allison, Anne. Duke University Press. p. 47. ISBN 0-8223-3287-6. Retrieved 2009-11-15.
  28. ↑ Avella, Natalie (2004). Graphic Japan: from woodblock and zen to manga and kawaii. Rotovision. pp. 206–207, 211. ISBN 2-88046-771-3. Retrieved 2009-11-15.
  29. ↑ Helfland, Jessica; Maeda, John (2001). Screen: Essays on Graphic Design, New Media, and Visual Culture. Princeton Architectural Press. p. 63. ISBN 1-56898-320-4. Retrieved 2009-11-15.
  30. ↑ Ohbuchi, Yutaka (June 11, 1998). "Pokemon in the Air". GameSpot. Archived from the original on September 30, 2000. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  31. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 "Design". All Nippon Airways. Retrieved 2009-11-15.
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