The Mandalorian and Grogu Are Now Flying at 30,000 Feet Transporting Travelers
Alaska Airlines has been creating Disney-themed aircraft for years, and the latest update to its Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Boeing 737-800 is the most timely one yet. With Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu opening in theaters on May 22 and a new Smugglers Run mission debuting at Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on the same day, the airline updated its existing Star Wars plane with Mandalorian and Grogu branding, and the photos Disney Parks just shared are worth looking at.
The Plane and the Update
The aircraft is a Boeing 737-800 with tail number N538AS, originally unveiled in 2022 as Star Wars Transport to the Disneyland Resort. The original space-black livery featured the Millennium Falcon, TIE fighters, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disneyland Resort logos, and porgs on the winglets. It has been one of the more visually striking commercial aircraft operating in American airspace since it debuted.
The update includes a new promotional decal near the entrance door featuring the Mandalorian holding Grogu in his satchel. Accompanied by the title treatment for Star Wars: The Mandalorian in green and white. Above the existing Galaxy’s Edge logos, the phrase “Welcome Aboard” is displayed in Aurebesh lettering. The fictional Star Wars alphabet that guests encounter throughout Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland.
What the Photos Show
Disney Parks shared four images and each one adds a different dimension to the story.
One photo shows Alaska Airlines crew members at the aircraft door wearing Grogu-inspired ear headbands. The commitment to the theme extends beyond the exterior paint job and into the people boarding guests onto the plane.
Another photo shows the cabin interior with Grogu ear headbands placed over every headrest. Along with black merchandise pouches on the seats, and Mandalorian-branded hats. The effect turns the boarding experience into a promotional activation rather than just a flight.
The next photo shows a young guest meeting the Mandalorian and Grogu next to the aircraft on the tarmac. The Mandalorian is wearing his full armor, with Grogu carried in his satchel. This moment captures the kind of memory that a child will cherish for a long time.
Then there’s a photo that offers a wider view of the updated aircraft on the tarmac. Along with a closer look at the new decal near the boarding door.
Alaska Airlines and Disney
This is the ninth Disneyland Resort-themed aircraft in Alaska Airlines history. The partnership dates back to 2019, when the airline debuted a Pixar-themed Boeing 737-800 to promote Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure. Last year, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Flyer debuted, featuring Princess Tiana, Louis, Mama Odie, and Prince Naveen across another Boeing 737-800.
The Mandalorian update arrives at the peak of the film’s promotional campaign. The new Smugglers Run mission will allow guests to choose from new destinations, including Bespin, the wreckage of the second Death Star near Endor, and Coruscant. Engineer positions will also allow interaction with Grogu during the mission, adding a character element to the experience that connects directly to the film.
May 22 is the date for everything. The film. The new mission. The galaxy at thirty thousand feet.
