Japanese airline introduces star wars plane

A Japanese airline has introduced a new Star Wars plane, with a livery inspired by R2-D2.

All Nippon Airways' 787-9 Dreamliner will mark the beginning of a five-year project with The Walt Disney Company and Lucasfilm and is the first time a Star Wars character will appear on the exterior of a commercial aircraft.

The R2-D2 design was unveiled to Star Wars fans yesterday during the Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, California. The event saw the premiere of a new trailer for the upcoming Episode 7, The Force Awakens, and was broadcast to cinemas around the world.

R2-D2 will take flight in autumn of this year, as part of ANA’s strategy to further enhance its international presence. Last spring, the carrier significantly expanded its international flight network from Haneda and Narita airports in Tokyo. With demand increasing around the world for flights to Japan and routes linking the United States with Asia, ANA is committed to raising the profile of the ANA brand in the global market through innovative partnerships and branding opportunities.

"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."