Via USAtoday.com:
Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) is adding two more Star Wars-themed planes to their fleet. They already announced an R2-D2-themed plane, but said they’re also adding one jet with a BB-8 theme, and another that combines the two. VPC
The “force” is growing stronger at Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA).
The airline made a splash back in April when it said it would paint one of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners in the likeness of the Star Wars movie character R2-D2. Now two more Star Wars-themed planes are joining the fleet of Japan’s largest carrier.
One of the designs will feature BB-8, a new character to be introduced in the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. BB-8’s likeness will grace one of ANA’s Boeing 777-300ER widebody planes. The other new design – on a Boeing 767-300 – will feature both BB-8 and R2-D2.
The out-of-this-world aircraft liveries are part of a five-year promotional deal between ANA and The Walt Disney Company, which now holds the rights for the Star Wars franchise. The latest Star Wars movie is set for a December release.
In addition to the unique paint schemes, ANA’s “Star Wars Project” also calls for movie-inspired images to be added to headrest covers, paper napkins and cups onboard the Star Wars aircraft.
ANA also will include all six of the currently released Star Wars films in its in-flight entertainment options on international routes. ANA says that marks the first time that any of the Star Wars movies have been included as part of an in-flight entertainment system.
“We’re thrilled to unveil the designs of our new Star Wars themed planes, and I’m sure fans across the world will love the look,” ANA CEO Osamu Shinobe says in a statement. “At ANA we pride ourselves on offering the best possible flight experience, from the ANA Star Wars Project and our extensive in-flight entertainment options, to our peerless, award-winning in-flight service, dining options created by Michelin-starred chefs and wines chosen by our discerning sommeliers. We look forward to providing our passengers with an engaging in-flight experience as they travel our planet.”
The Star Wars jets will fly international and domestic routes. The R2-D2 aircraft is set to fly international routes, with its debut expected to come Oct. 18 as ANA Flight 116 between Tokyo and Vancouver. ANA says the jet will then fly between Japan and “other cities in ANA’s robust international network including the U.S. (Seattle and San Jose), Europe (Munich, Paris and Brussels), Australia (Sydney), China (Beijing), and Indonesia (Jakarta).”
Then, in November, the Star Wars-themed Boeing 767 will debut on intra-Japan routes. The BB-8 jet is expected to make its first flight in March 2016, “serving international routes principally between Japan and North America,” according to ANA.
ANA says customers will be able to see future route plans for the Star Wars planes on its website.