China Airlines unveils a Pokemon-style livery
China Airlines has decided to completely disrupt the aesthetic impact of the Airbus A321neo. Indeed, it has unveiled to the world what is [...]
China Airlines has decided to completely upend the aesthetic impact of the Airbus A321neo. Indeed, it has unveiled to the world what has already been referred to as the most colorful livery in the carrier's history, both chromatically and thematically. Pokemon lovers will be overjoyed at the idea of being able to take flight on a plane featuring the creatures of the famous global phenomenon.
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China Airlines: Pokemon livery
On September 28, China Airlines, Taiwan's national airline, finally unveiled the first aircraft with a Pokemon livery in the country's history. This was definitely a fitting choice, considering how for more than two decades the phenomenon has been a worldwide success, both on the video game and anime fronts.
The name could only be an homage to the most appreciated creature in this fantasy universe created by Satoshi Tajiri. The Airbus A321 neo has been renamed "Pikachu Jet CI". The initiative grew out of the participation of China Airlines to The Flying Pikachu Project, which aims to spread the passion for flying and, at the same time, make it as fun and colorful as possible thanks to the celebrated franchise.
It was The Pokemon Company itself that was responsible for the work done on this very special livery. An exclusive one that required the efforts of insiders for about a month. Over the course of three weeks, the fuselage completely changed its appearance, becoming an instant cult for the carrier and, in general, the airline world.
Before tomorrow, when the China Airlines Pokemon Jet will take the passengers on the first flight, I want to share with you two special secrets hidden in the Pokemon livery of this airplane. ? 1/? #AvGeeks #Planespotting #Pokemon #ChinaAirlines pic.twitter.com/5P6i6317jt
- Tomasz Śniedziewski (@TSniedziewski) September 29, 2022
Pokemon plane: what we know
Some details have been released regarding the livery of China Airlines. In order to be able to bring Pokemon into the air, thanks to Taiwan's national airline, well 36 different types of paint. Very impressive workmanship, with the fuselage progressively changing from different pastel shades, such as orange, pink, and purple.
Bright colors that complemented those of the carrier and especially its logo, namely the plum blossom featured on the tail. Here are the first official statements from China Airlines President Su-Chien Hsieh: "The Airbus A321 is the latest next-generation passenger aircraft introduced by our company. Being able to paint the livery in this way required a world-class effort. Top engineers from China Airlines' Maintenance Division were involved, as well as Japanese painting experts who traveled all the way to Taiwan."
Now, let's have a peek inside the Pokémon Jet! pic.twitter.com/6JsdM5hxvj
- Tomasz Śniedziewski (@TSniedziewski) September 28, 2022
There is not only Pikachu on the livery, although the plane is named after him, as many as 11 Pokemon have been painted on the fuselage:
- Togekiss
- Munna
- Jigglypuff
- Snorlax
- Swablue
- Slowpoke
- Teddiursa
- Shaymin
Not only the outward appearance was thematized in this way. The first flight is scheduled to take place on October 2. with a Taipei-Tokyo route, bringing video game and anime fans of all ages on board. Characters will be featured just about everywhere, starting with boarding passes. Meals on board will be themed, as will all the accessories, from pillows and snacks to glasses and more.
As for entertainment, there are 10 Pokemon animation products to choose from. The crew will also wear special outfits for the occasion. Impossible then not to leave room for merchandising, with unique bargains for purchase. For example, it will be possible to buy the Pikachu Jet Cl version model of the plane.
