Credit: Inside the MagicAfter over a decade of welcoming passengers, a unique Star Wars experience will cease operations in January 2026. Here’s what Lucasfilm fans need to know.
Japan’s largest airline, ANA, has announced that its two Star Wars jets will stop welcoming passengers in August 2025 and January 2026. The R2-D2 jet will be the first to retire, taking its final round trip from Haneda (Tokyo) to Dulles (Washington) and back on August 6, 2025.
The second jet, inspired by C-3PO, will embark on its final itinerary in January 2026. ANA has yet to confirm the final flight details, but more information is expected sometime this fall.
“Thank you for your support over the years,” ANA wrote in its statement announcing the jets’ retirement. “We are grateful for the joy our ANA STAR WARS™ JETS has brought many across the galaxy.”
The collaboration between ANA and The Walt Disney Company-owned Lucasfilm began in 2015, when the R2-D2 jet and another BB-8 jet debuted. The C-3PO jet debuted in 2016 and officially welcomed its first passengers in early 2017. The BB-8 jet took its final flight in March 2022.
Both the R2-D2 and C-3PO jets offer passengers exclusive Star Wars experiences, including special boarding announcements and themed cups, napkins, and headrest covers. Cabin attendants wear aprons inspired by the Lucasfilm characters.
ANA hasn’t announced plans to introduce more Star Wars airplanes at this time. The Walt Disney Company has collaborated with several airlines over the years, from a Lilo & Stitch (2025) Hawaiian Airlines jet to an activation with Southwest Airlines celebrating Walt Disney World Resort‘s 50th Anniversary in 2021. Earlier this year, Alaska Airlines debuted a Boeing jet inspired by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which debuted at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort in 2024.
Did you travel on either of the two ANA Star Wars jets? Share your favorite memories with Inside the Magic in the comments!