At Economy Class and Beyond, we do like Pokemon a fair bit*. So imagine our delight when China Airlines unveiled its new Pokemon Jet.
The new jet is called the “Pikachu Jet CI”. It is the first Pokémon-liveried aircraft in Taiwan. The aircraft that was painted was an Airbus A321neo.
It was a new challenge for China Airlines, requiring 21 days to apply the livery.
The China Airlines “Pikachu Jet CI” painting process utilized 36 different types of paint. The fuselage will be painted with progressive hues of pastel orange, pink and violet. These will complement both the China Airlines corporate colours and the plum blossom logo on the tailfin, giving the impression of a starry night sky with dawn approaching. Eleven Pokémon characters will be featured, including Pikachu flying through the sky with Shaymin, Swablu, Togekiss, Munna, Jigglypuff, Snorlax, Slowpoke, and Teddiursa. A hidden egg with Pikachu and Shaymin appears above the cockpit window, greeting the world as if they were pilots.
Painting the livery was a transnational effort involving the best engineers at China Airlines Maintenance Division and Japanese painting experts who travelled to Taiwan.
Passenger Experience Tweaks
So what experiences will change? When you are flying aboard the “Pikachu Jet CI”, you will be joined by Pokémons upon check-in through exclusive board passes and name tags.
The passenger cabins and meals will feature Pikachu Jet CI–themed pillows, tray mats, paper cups, and mixed snacks.
Flight attendants will wear aprons featuring Pikachu in flight. The entertainment system will include 10 hand-picked Pokémon animations so that travellers can immerse themselves in Pokémon fun at all times.
Boarding the Merchandise Train
It wouldn’t be a collaboration in the air if there was not a merchandise offering.
Four items include will be offered a China Airlines “Pikachu Jet CI” model aircraft, a mixed snack gift box, a tote bag and a flight attendant apron will be progressively released before the first quarter of next year.
Travellers on Asia, Palau and Guam flights will be able to order Pokémon merchandise exclusive to China Airlines online before departure.
Entry into service
A one-day charity micro-trip was organized on September 30 by China Airlines for the Taoyuan-Taipei (Songshan) route.
The aircraft will then make its first flight on the Taipei (Songshan) – Tokyo (Haneda) route carrying its Pokémon fans. Exclusive Pokémon-themed supplies will also be featured aboard the aircraft.
Pika!
Obviously, you want the eye candy, the merch and all the details. China Airlines have introduced a site for your needs at https://pikachujet.china-airlines.com.
What’s with the *?
Economy Class and Beyond enjoys the Gameboy and Switch games, Pokemon Go and of course – the plushies.
We do not engage with the trading card game – that’s a little too hardcore…
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