Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) has annouced the launch of their “Star Wars Project” by previewing a new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner painted with an R2-D2 livery. It symbolises the beginning of a five-year partnership between ANA and Walt Disney Japan and is the first time a Star Wars character has appeared on the exterior of a commercial aircraft.
The R2-D2 motif works well with ANA’s blue logo design on the aircraft’s fuselage, and many people associate R2-D2 with competent and reliable service – also hallmarks of ANA’s 5-star service.
In a statement, ANA said the partnership came as the airline sought to connect travellers around the world.
The “Star Wars Project” includes a special ANA website that plays the iconic theme song and features videos and photos of the plane.
“We’re excited to be involved in this collaboration with ANA, one of the world’s leading 5-star airlines,” said Kayleen Walters, Vice President, Marketing for Lucasfilm Ltd. “We’re proud of the innovative R2-D2 design, and we look forward to witnessing the first-ever flight of a passenger aircraft featuring a Star Wars character. We’re confident that Star Wars fans around the world will absolutely love this design.”
The “Star Wars” themed plane is due to start flying international routes this fall.
