After more than a decade of delighting Star Wars fans around the world, an airline collaboration with Disney-owned Lucasfilm is coming to an end. ANA, Japan’s largest airline, has confirmed that its two Star Wars-themed jets, R2-D2 and C-3PO, will soon retire, with the first jet ceasing operations in August 2025 and the second following in January 2026.
The R2-D2 jet will be the first to make its final journey, taking its last round trip between Haneda (Tokyo) and Dulles (Washington) on August 6, 2025. The C-3PO jet will wrap up its flights in January 2026, though ANA has yet to confirm the exact details of its final itinerary. More information is expected to be released this fall.
“Thank you for your support over the years,” ANA wrote in a statement announcing the jets' retirement. “We are grateful for the joy our ANA STAR WARS™ JETS has brought many across the galaxy.”
ANA’s collaboration with Star Wars began in 2015 when the airline launched the R2-D2 and the BB-8 jets. The C-3PO jet debuted in 2016 and started flying passengers in early 2017. The BB-8 jet took its final flight in March 2022.
The Star Wars jets were not just themed on the outside—they offered passengers a flight like any other in this galaxy. Both the R2-D2 and C-3PO jets featured exclusive Star Wars-themed elements, including special boarding announcements, unique cups, napkins, and headrest covers. Cabin attendants wore aprons inspired by their plane's exterior character design.
ANA has not announced plans to replace the Star Wars jets with other themed planes. Over the years, The Walt Disney Company has partnered with various airlines, introducing creative collaborations such as Hawaiian Airlines’ Lilo & Stitch (2025) themed jet, and a special activation with Southwest Airlines to celebrate Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th Anniversary in 2021. Earlier this year, Alaska Airlines unveiled a Boeing jet inspired by Tiana's Bayou Adventure, a ride that debuted at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort in 2024.
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