5 Airlines With Themed Aircraft You’ll Want To Travel Far To Fly On

January 13, 2025 Add Comment
5 Airlines With Themed Aircraft You'll Want To Travel Far To Fly On
5 Airlines With Themed Aircraft You'll Want To Travel Far To Fly On

An airline’s livery is an important aspect of its overall brand identification, and having a memorable and easily identifiable livery may be an effective marketing tool. Some of the most recognizable airline liveries in the world today are:

  • American Airlines
  • Emirates
  • Qantas
  • Singapore Airline.

However, every now and then, an airline will release a one-of-a-kind livery to commemorate a unique occasion or to promote a collaboration with another organization or business. Aviation enthusiasts (also known as avgeeks) frequently travel long distances to fly in one of these limited-edition liveries.Malaysia Airlines Airbus A350 Landing In London

For example, Malaysia Airlines debuted its Negaraku livery on a Boeing 737-800 in 2017 to commemorate Malaysia’s 60th year of independence. The livery was so popular that it was applied to other aircraft in the carrier’s fleet, including two Airbus A350-900s. At the time of its inception, Malaysia Airlines’ Chairman, Nor Yusof, stated,

“The Negaraku livery embodies the spirit of nationalism, conveying the essence of Malaysia’s unique ideals around the world. It is also a vital symbol of the turnaround plan’s good progress, as the national carrier rebuilds itself while flying the flag across the skies in its efforts to become the pride of the nation again.”

Let’s take a look at some other distinctive liveries from the world of commercial aviation that are worth going the extra mile for.

1. Hawaiian Airlines

Moana 2Hawaiian Airlines Moana

In late 2024, Hawaiian Airlines revealed three unique liveries commemorating the release of the successful Disney film Moana 2. The liveries adorned one of the airline’s three aircraft types: the Airbus A330-200, A321neo, and Boeing 717. Passengers on the inaugural flights received special commemorative presents, as well as a chance to win 500,000 HawaiianMiles through the airline’s reward program.

Hawaiian Airlines’ three Moana 2-inspired liveries each have a different name with a specific significance, all related to the subject of travel.

  • Hōkūleʻa (Airbus A330-200) refers to the traditional Hawaiian canoe. Koa (Airbus A321neo) is the wood used to create traditional Hawaiian canoes.
  • Elepaio (Boeing 717) is a native Hawaiian bird said to be the guardian of canoe builders.

This is not the first time that Hawaiian Airlines has promoted the Moana series of films. Back in 2016, the carrier unveiled its first Moana-inspired aircraft, an Airbus A330-200, to mark the launch of the first film.

2. EVA Air.

Hello, Kitty.An EVA Air Boeing 777 with Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters painted in bright colors flying in the sky.

EVA Air has had a connection with Sanrio, the designer of Hello Kitty, for nearly 20 years. The Taiwanese airline presently operates four Hello Kitty-inspired aircraft, including two widebody Boeing 777-300ERs, the first of which was registered as B-16740 and dubbed “Lolly Jet.”

In August 2024, EVA Air unveiled its latest Hello Kitty-themed Boeing 777-300ER, dubbed “Besties Jet.” Once onboard, guests may continue their Hello Kitty experience with the theme integrated into the headrests, safety cards, place settings, children’s meals, and even slippers for first and business class customers.

Currently, the carrier’s Hello Kitty-inspired Boeing 777-300ERs fly on two essential long-haul routes from its hub at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). They are:

Aircraft name Aircraft registration Flight number(s) Destination Frequency
Lolly Jet B-16740 BR87 / BR 88 Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) 3 x week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday departures from Taipei)
Besties Jet B-16722 BR55 / BR56 Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) 3 x week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday departures from Taipei)

3. All Nippon Airways

Star WarsANA star wars plane

All Nippon Airways currently operates two aircraft with Star Wars-themed liveries: a Boeing 787-9 in R2-D2 livery (registration JA873A) and a Boeing 777-200 in C-3PO livery (registration JA743A).

The Star Alliance airline has used the Boeing 787-9 on a variety of foreign routes from its hubs at Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) and Tokyo Haneda Airport. These destinations include Los Angeles (LAX), Munich (MUC), Paris (CDG), Hanoi (HAN), Guangzhou (CAN), and Washington, DC (IAD).

When it comes to the Boeing 777-200, it is a little more difficult to plan when and where the aircraft will go, according to All Nippon Airways.

“The C-3PO ANA JET will primarily operate domestic flights to and from Haneda. Routes are subject to change based on daily activities. Please be advised that we are unable to notify you in advance.”

All Nippon Airways has previously operated a third Star Wars-themed aircraft, a Boeing 777-300 designated JA789A. However, this aircraft was retired in March 2022, therefore the livery can no longer be seen in the sky today.

4. All Nippon Airways

Flying HonuAn All Nippon Airways (ANA) Airbus A380 Flying Honu flying in the sky.

Sticking with All Nippon Airways, the Japanese carrier maintains a fleet of three Airbus A380s, each with its own Flying Honu livery. The liveries depict distinct turtle species found in the oceans of Hawaii, with ‘Honu’ meaning sea turtle in Hawaiian.

All Nippon Airways unveiled the Flying Honu Airbus A380s in 2019, which proved to be quite popular with passengers. The three hues have different meanings:

  • gorgeous represents Hawaii’s gorgeous skies.
  • Green signifies the clear seas of the Pacific Ocean.
  • Orange signifies the stunning sunsets observed in Hawaii.

The Flying Honu Airbus A380s are now flying between All Nippon Airways’ hub at Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) and Honolulu Daniel K.

Inouye International Airport (HNL). The carrier competes with Japan Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines on Hawaii’s busiest international route—874,000 passengers flew from Honolulu to one of Tokyo’s two main airports in 2023.

5. Emirates

United for WildlifeA6-EOM Emirates (United for Wildlife Livery) Airbus A380-861

Animal enthusiasts will surely want to fly on Emirates’ eye-catching Airbus A380s, which have a unique livery highlighting the airline’s relationship with United for Wildlife.

Emirates is the world’s largest operator of the Airbus A380, regularly flying to locations such as London Heathrow (LHR), Los Angeles (LAX), Mauritius (MRU), and Sydney (SYD).

United for conservation is a global initiative that brings together the world’s largest conservation NGOs in the fight against illegal wildlife trading. When the livery was launched in 2015, the President of Emirates, Tim Clark, described its significance, saying,

“The world is experiencing a global poaching catastrophe, and everyone must do their part to stop it before it is too late. Emirates believes that the global transportation industry, particularly airlines, can play an important role in disrupting the supply chain of illegal wildlife trading.”

Emirates has recently expanded its partnership with United for Wildlife by introducing a line of onboard economy class and premium economy amenity kits featuring eight of the world’s most endangered animals. These animals include the African elephant, blue macaw, gorilla, hammerhead shark, black rhino, and green sea turtle.

United for Wildlife’s amenity packs are reusable and environmentally sourced, according to the organization’s Co-Chair, David Fein.

“The illegal wildlife trade is a global organized crime that is driving many iconic species to extinction at an alarming rate.” Airlines and other transport firms play a critical role in disrupting traffickers’ supply chains. Emirates has continuously displayed leadership and commitment to addressing this global challenge. We are thrilled to see Emirates’ new amenity kits onboard, and we hope that passengers find them informative and inspiring.

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