After over a decade of offering an unforgettable Star Wars experience to fans across the globe, two iconic themed jets are officially retiring.
ANA, Japan’s largest airline, has confirmed that its two Star Wars-themed jets, the R2-D2 jet and the C-3PO jet, will cease operations in the coming months. The R2-D2 jet will make its final journey in August 2025, while the C-3PO plane will retire in January 2026.
The R2-D2 jet will take its last round-trip flight between Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and Washington D.C.’s Dulles International Airport on August 6, 2025. The C-3PO jet will follow suit with its final flight in January 2026, though ANA has yet to announce the specific details of this last itinerary. More information is expected to be released sometime in the fall.
“Thank you for your support over the years,” ANA wrote in a statement announcing the retirement of the jets. “We are grateful for the joy our ANA STAR WARS™ JETS has brought many across the galaxy.”
The ANA and Star Wars collaboration began in 2015, when the airline introduced the R2-D2 and BB-8 jets. The C-3PO jet welcomed its first passengers in early 2017, and the BB-8 jet retired in 2022.
The Star Wars jets aren’t just decorated on the outside. Passengers are treated to special boarding announcements, themed cups, napkins, and headrest covers. Cabin attendants even wear aprons inspired by each plane’s Star Wars character design.
The Walt Disney Company regularly collaborates with various international airlines for projects like the Hawaiian Airlines Lilo & Stitch (2025) jet and Alaska Airlines’ Tiana’s Bayou Adventure plane, which debuted earlier this year. In 2021, Southwest Airlines celebrated Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th Anniversary with its own themed activation.
ANA has not announced plans to introduce new Star Wars-themed planes.
Which Disney, Pixar, Lucasfilm, or Marvel Studios characters should get their own airplanes next? Share your ideas with Disney Dining in the comments!
