All Nippon Airways and The Pokémon Company have officially unveiled the designs for two special-edition aircraft, the Pokémon Jet Red and the Pokémon Jet Green, marking the beginning of a three-plane collaboration to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise. The announcement, which connects the airline’s branding to one of the most beloved entertainment properties in the world, signals a significant expansion of themed aviation experiences in Japan and on international routes. With a third aircraft already confirmed for future release, this partnership deepens a relationship that traces back to the very first Pokémon games released in the mid-1990s.
Pokémon Jet Red and Pokémon Jet Green: When Will They Take Flight?
The Pokémon Jet Red is scheduled to begin commercial service in late July 2026, operating on domestic routes within Japan. This makes it the first of the two newly revealed aircraft to welcome passengers aboard. The Pokémon Jet Green, in contrast, has been designated for international operations, though an exact launch date has not yet been announced. While the green-themed jet will likely serve popular overseas destinations from Japan, ANA has not disclosed specific cities or routes at this time. Travelers hoping to experience either aircraft should monitor ANA’s scheduling updates closely, as availability will depend on operational planning and route assignments.
Design Details: Fire-Type and Grass-Type Pokémon Take Center Stage
Each aircraft’s livery has been designed to evoke the spirit of the original Pokémon video game journeys, focusing on the traditional starter companions. The Pokémon Jet Red features Pikachu alongside fire-type starter Pokémon, representing the classic choice players make when beginning their adventure in the games. The Pokémon Jet Green follows the same thematic approach, with Pikachu accompanied by grass-type starter Pokémon, reflecting another core lineage of the franchise’s initial offerings. Both designs showcase vibrant, full-aircraft artwork that transforms the fuselage into a flying tribute to the series’ enduring legacy.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the two jets differ in their underlying airframes. The Pokémon Jet Red is a Boeing 787-8, while the Pokémon Jet Green is a Boeing 787-9, both of which are modern, fuel-efficient wide-body aircraft from ANA’s fleet. The choice of the 787 family ensures that the themed interiors and amenities can be integrated into a comfortable long-haul and domestic cabin environment, aligning with the airline’s premium service standards.
Exclusive Amenities and Cabin Decor for Passengers
The Pokémon experience will extend well beyond the exterior paint. ANA has confirmed that cabins will be decorated with original illustrations, creating an immersive environment from the moment passengers step onboard. A range of exclusive amenity items has been designed specifically for these flights, including commemorative boarding stickers — limited to one per passenger per flight — and headrest covers featuring the Pokémon displayed on each aircraft’s exterior. Passengers on international flights will also receive limited-edition cups emblazoned with the anniversary logo and personalized napkins, adding a collectible element to the journey.
It is important to note that the availability of these items will vary depending on the specific route, ticket class, and operational conditions of each flight. Not every passenger on every flight may receive all items, and ANA has advised travelers to check their specific booking details for amenity information. The airline has positioned these offerings as commemorative keepsakes rather than standard in-flight supplies, underscoring their limited and special nature.
A Third Aircraft Confirmed: Pokémon Jet Blue on the Horizon
The current unveiling covers only the first two aircraft in a planned series of three. ANA and The Pokémon Company have already confirmed that a third design, the Pokémon Jet Blue, will be revealed at a later date. No timeline has been provided for its announcement or entry into service, leaving room for speculation about which Pokémon will feature and whether it will serve domestic or international routes. The blue theme suggests a possible water-type or sky-themed direction, but official details remain under wraps. This three-aircraft strategy allows ANA to maintain long-term engagement with fans and travelers, extending the anniversary celebration across multiple years and geographies.
The Historical Connection: Why ANA and Pokémon Are a Natural Fit
The collaboration between ANA and Pokémon is not a spontaneous marketing move — it is rooted in a shared history that dates back to the franchise’s debut. The original Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green games launched in Japan in 1996, and the naming of the new jets directly echoes those titles. By launching the Pokémon Jet Red and Pokémon Jet Green thirty years later, the partnership symbolically closes a loop, linking the very beginning of the Pokémon phenomenon with a contemporary celebration of its longevity. This historical resonance gives the aircraft more than aesthetic appeal; they represent a narrative continuity that fans can appreciate on a deeper level.
For ANA, the collaboration reinforces its brand as a culturally attuned airline that understands the interests of its domestic and international passengers. Themed aircraft have long been a staple of Japanese aviation marketing, with ANA previously operating Pokémon jets during earlier generations of the franchise. The 30th anniversary edition, however, marks the most ambitious and coordinated effort to date, involving multiple aircraft types, dedicated international service, and a suite of exclusive in-flight products.
As the July 2026 service date for Pokémon Jet Red approaches, anticipation will likely build among collectors, Pokémon enthusiasts, and aviation fans alike. The eventual reveal of Pokémon Jet Blue will add another layer to this aerial tribute, ensuring that the celebration continues well beyond the initial launch. For passengers fortunate enough to book a seat on these flights, the journey will be as memorable as the destination — a fitting tribute to three decades of Pokémon’s global cultural impact.
