‘Star Wars’ fans, you can take off with R2-D2 and the new techno-droid BB-8 on this airline
If you've already contracted "Star Wars" fever thanks to the upcoming new movie, maybe a trip to Japan is in order. Starting in October, All Nippon Airways, or ANA, is launching aircraft decorated with characters from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
BB-8 airplane
A rendering of the BB-8 detailed plane. (ANA)
ANA's fleet will include a 787-9 Dreamliner featuring beloved robot R2-D2 and a Boeing 777-300ER that will feature the new techno-droid character BB-8. Also, a Boeing 767-300 will be decorated with both characters.
Service aboard the R2-D2 plane is to starts Oct. 18 with a flight from Tokyo to Vancouver, Canada.
Characters from Star Wars and mock-up planes with All Nippon Airways president Shinobe Osamu (third from right) and Walt Disney Japan president Paul Candland (second from right).
ANA President Shinobe Osamu, third from right, and Walt Disney Japan President Paul Candland, second from right, present mock-ups of the ANA "Star Wars" planes during an event last week. (ANA)
If you can't wait until then, there's a Fan Flight event on Oct. 17 at Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Those interested Fliers can post photos on social media of themselves decked out in "Star Wars" gear to try to win a seat, and must wear their own "Star Wars" costumes on board. Here are the rules to apply to Fly on the R2-D2 ANA Jet. Applications must be made by Sept. 18.
New "Star Wars" character BB-8, center, appears Aug. 14 at Disney's D23 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
The dual-character plane is scheduled to begin flying domestic Japanese routes in November, and in March the BB-8 plane is to be used on routes between Japan and North America.
In addition, ANA will be showing all six "Star Wars" films on international flights.
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is scheduled to make its debut Dec. 18.
Info: ANA "Star Wars" Project
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