All Nippon Airways’ newest B787-9 Dreamliner, which features a R2-D2 themed livery has rolled out from the Boeing Everett Factory.
The “ANA Jet” is the first of three aircraft that will be decorated with Star Wars characters, courtesy of a partnership between ANA and The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd.
ANA Jet
The new B787-9 will enter service on October 8, and serve international routes. Initially, the R2-D2 aircraft will operate flight NH116 that flies between Tokyo and Vancouver, before being deployed on other cities including the US (Seattle and San Jose), Europe (Munich, paris and Brussels), and Asia-Pacific (Beijing, Jakarta and Sydney).
The R2-D2 motif extends beyond the livery of the Dreamliner. ANA has taken a leaf out of fellow Star Alliance member EVA Air and its Hello Kitty-themed B777-300ER. The interior of the 215-seater ANA Jet will feature themed in-flight decorations, such as headrest covers, paper napkins and cups.
Seats on ANA Jet
Passengers travelling on the aircraft will also be able to enjoy all six of the currently released Star Wars films on ANA’s inflight entertainment system. With the highly anticipated release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens this December, the film will likely be added to the airline’s IFE options following international release.
Two additional planes, one featuring R2-D2 and the other to be decorated with BB-8, a brand new character from Star Wars: The Force Awakens will take to the skies in the future.
BB-8, which will be featured on a B767-300, will begin flying domestic Japanese routes this November.
R2-D2 and C3PO poses with ANA flight attendants
Meanwhile, R2-D2 will also be featured on a B777-300ER, which will begin operations in March 2016 with flights principally between Japan and North America. The exact routes have yet-to-be confirmed.
Pictures: Boeing IPB to license for external use
For more information, visit ana.co.jp
Clement Huang
