ANA Unveils New Pokémon-Themed Jets to Celebrate Pokémon's 30th Anniversary

All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline, has officially revealed a new fleet of Pokémon-themed jets in honor of the Pokémon franchise’s 30th anniversary.

This landmark announcement continues ANA’s tradition of delighting fans with creative collaborations that bridge pop culture and aviation—previously celebrated with earlier Pokémon plane releases.

Inspired by the original Pokémon titles, the new jets highlight the enduring global appeal of this iconic Nintendo franchise, developed by Game Freak and published by The Pokémon Company. Three distinct aircraft models are part of this commemorative initiative.

The Boeing 787-8 will become the 'Pokémon Jet Red,' the Boeing 787-9 will transform into the 'Pokémon Jet Green,' and a Boeing 737-800 will take on the livery of the 'Pokémon Jet Blue.' ANA has outlined that both the Red and Blue jets will operate mainly on domestic Japanese routes.

In contrast, the Green jet is set to embark on international flights, expanding the reach of Pokémon-themed experiences for fans across borders. It is noteworthy that this selection of colors pays homage to the earliest days of the franchise.

While fans outside Japan know the original titles as Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue, Japanese audiences were introduced to Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, with Blue arriving later.

ANA's configuration, therefore, not only celebrates Pokémon’s historic global and domestic milestones but also educates new generations about the franchise’s unique origins and its enduring popularity. Speaking on the partnership, ANA leadership emphasized their commitment to providing memorable travel experiences tied to beloved Japanese culture.

They reinforced the airline’s excitement to "continue connecting people and regions through the spirit of adventure and discovery that Pokémon has embodied for three decades." The official schedule indicates these new jets will begin operations starting in 2026, a strategic alignment with the 30th anniversary celebrations of Pokémon.

Details on specific routes, cabin features, and themed in-flight experiences are expected to be revealed as the launch date approaches.

This collaboration builds upon several successful cross-promotions between ANA and major entertainment brands, solidifying ANA’s reputation for innovative travel initiatives. The announcement was accompanied by a teaser trailer showcasing the new jet designs, igniting anticipation among both aviation enthusiasts and dedicated Pokémon fans.

The global Pokémon community—strengthened by a robust legacy of over 440 million games sold on platforms including the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS—can look forward to a unique way to travel while celebrating the legendary pocket monsters. With its massive audience and enduring cultural significance, Pokémon continues to inspire creative partnerships and commemorations like this, illustrating the multi-generational power of Nintendo’s most cherished franchise.