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Iconic Pokémon Jets soar across Japan as ANA unveils Red, Green, and Blue planes—each packed with nostalgia and favorite starter Pokémon.
A Sky-High Pokémon Adventure Begins
How often do you get to board a plane decked out with your favorite childhood companions? Japan’s new Pokémon Jets promise an experience that feels straight out of a kid’s wildest daydreams—except it’s real, and it’s about to take off.
A Nostalgic Nod to Pokémon’s Red, Green, and Blue Era
Decades have passed since Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue first appeared on the GameBoy, but that initial thrill has never faded. Now, as the franchise celebrates its 30th anniversary, travelers in Japan can relive—and literally ride—the legacy: the Red, Green, and Blue Pokémon Jets.
There’s something poetic about seeing Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander—familiars from those pixelated screens—streaking across the sky. Admittedly, the Type system nerd in me can’t help but smile at the irony: in the games, a Bulbasaur simply doesn’t fly. But on these planes, anything goes.
Bulbasaurs, Squirtles, and Charmanders Take to the Skies
Let’s be honest, no one expected to encounter a Flying-type Bulbasaur outside of a fever dream. Yet, these jets make it happen. ANA (All Nippon Airways) has pulled out all the stops, launching three aircrafts themed after the original Pokémon games. Each one is a visual homage—not just to the games, but to the sense of adventure they inspired.
The jets are more than just a paint job. They’re a statement: after three decades, Pokémon’s magic still isn’t grounded.
Meet the Pokémon Jet Red: A Fiery Debut
The first to take off is the Pokémon Jet Red, and its timing couldn’t be better. This jet is an all-star lineup of Fire-type starter Pokémon, from Kanto’s Charmander to the latest addition, Pombon (set to debut in Pokémon Winds and Waves on the next-gen Switch).
Here’s the full roster riding the Red Jet:
- Charmander
- Cyndaquil
- Torchic
- Chimchar
- Tepig
- Fennekin
- Litten
- Scorbunny
- Fuecoco
- Pombon
And, of course, Pikachu—because when isn’t Pikachu along for the ride?
At first, I wondered if this was just a flashy exterior, but the interior design is just as immersive. Themed cups, napkins, and even seat headrest covers ensure that from takeoff to landing, the Pokémon spirit never leaves your side.
Pokémon on Board: Themed Interiors and Surprises
The magic doesn’t stop at the fuselage. ANA has packed these jets with clever interior details. I was skeptical at first—could an airline really go beyond surface-level décor? Yet, even the drink service gets a Pokémon twist, with collectible cups and napkins featuring familiar faces.
If you’re like me and find airline seats a bit drab, the illustrated headrest covers are a welcome change—each one a burst of color and nostalgia. It’s easy to imagine kids (and adults) vying for their favorite starter as they pick their seats.
Where Will the Pokémon Jet Red Fly?
Next question: where exactly can you catch this plane? The Pokémon Jet Red’s first flight is set for July 29, running the iconic route between Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and Fukuoka. But that’s just the start.
On different days, the Jet Red will connect a host of cities including:
- Haneda (Tokyo) ↔ New Chitose (Sapporo)
- Haneda ↔ Hakodate, Itami (Osaka), Takamatsu, Matsuyama, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Naha, Miyako, Ishigaki
- Itami ↔ New Chitose, Naha, Miyako, Ishigaki
I’ll admit, I was initially disappointed the routes are all domestic. But with so many cities, the odds aren’t bad for scoring a ticket—if you’re determined.
Pokémon Jet Green: The Power of Grass-Types
After the Red Jet’s debut, it’s the Grass-types’ turn. The Pokémon Jet Green is a lush, leafy tribute to the series’ most overlooked starters. The lineup includes:
- Bulbasaur
- Chikorita
- Treecko
- Turtwig
- Snivy
- Chespin
- Rowlet
- Grookey
- Sprigatito
- Browt
There’s a subtle charm to this group—maybe it’s the whimsical design, or maybe it’s the underdog appeal of Grass-types. Either way, my initial bias toward Fire-types softened once I saw these adorable faces stretched across a Boeing’s fuselage.
Pokémon Jet Blue: Water-Types Make a Splash
Completing the trio, the Pokémon Jet Blue will hit the skies in December. This one champions the Water-type starters:
- Squirtle
- Totodile
- Mudkip
- Piplup
- Oshawott
- Froakie
- Popplio
- Sobble
- Quaxly
- Gecqua
I confess, I expected the Blue Jet to feel a little predictable—after all, Squirtle is everywhere. But there’s something refreshing about seeing all these Water-types together, especially with new faces like Gecqua joining the party.
Inside the Cabin: Pokémon Music and Souvenirs
If you think the experience is all about visuals, think again. ANA promises that Pokémon background music will greet passengers as they board—not on loop (thank goodness for the sanity of everyone on board), but just enough to set the mood. I do wonder if it’ll be the classic themes or some jazzy remix, but that’s a surprise I wouldn’t mind waiting for.
Plus, every passenger gets a themed souvenir—a nice touch that feels more meaningful than a generic airline trinket. Details are still hush-hush, but if you end up with a Pikachu plush, don’t be surprised.
Future Flights and Unanswered Questions
The full routes for the Green and Blue Jets are still under wraps. All we know is they’ll be flying domestic routes, and since each aircraft is a different model, they might crisscross unique airports, making the hunt for each one a little adventure in itself.
It’s a small letdown not to have the international routes or full schedules announced yet, but there’s something fun about the mystery—like waiting for a new Pokémon reveal.
Conclusion
The Pokémon Jets are more than just a marketing gimmick—they’re a celebration of what’s possible when nostalgia, playfulness, and design collide. I came in skeptical, worried this would be all flash and no substance, but ANA has managed to craft a genuinely memorable experience for travelers and fans alike. Whether you’re a lifelong Pokémon Trainer or just chasing a bit of childhood wonder, these flights are worth every mile.
FAQ
- How do I book a ticket on a Pokémon Jet? Look for ANA domestic flights on the listed routes; specific Pokémon Jet schedules are available through ANA’s site and booking tools.
- Will the Pokémon Jets fly on international routes? Currently, all three jets are scheduled for domestic Japanese routes only.
- What kind of souvenirs are given to passengers? ANA hasn’t revealed exact details, but expect unique Pokémon-themed keepsakes exclusive to these flights.
- Can I request a specific seat with certain Pokémon on the headrest? Seat selection may be possible depending on the flight, but specific character placement cannot be guaranteed.
- Will all three jets be in service at the same time? The Red Jet debuts first, with Green and Blue joining later; eventually, all three will operate on their respective domestic routes.
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