ANA All Nippon Airways’ Star Wars custom liveries are spotter favorites. But one of them has now taken off for the last time.
BB-8 is one of the most charming characters in the new Star Wars universe. So charming that he quickly became a new favorite with fans. In Japan, the rolling droid was even given the honor that ANA All Nippon Airways dedicated a special painting to it. The Boeing 777-300 ER with the registration number JA789A flew through the world as a double of BB-8. But that’s over now.
As ANA announces on Twitter, the plane will be retired. The airline has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and has had to rethink its fleet strategy. The pilot, who was still relatively young at the age of twelve, apparently fell victim to this.
farewell flights
After all, the airline gave fans the opportunity to see BB-8 take off once more – or even fly with them themselves. The Boeing 777 carried out four farewell flights on March 31st. Those lucky enough to be on board received a special boarding pass and other memorabilia.
I flew BB-8 much later than planned ~ ????????????
Please come back safely ~ ????#BB8 #ANA #Star Wars#JA789A #Haneda airport #New Chitose #Thank you pic.twitter.com/blhmnpkkN2— Noriko_tenko ???? Takeno_Marimo ???? (@noriko__tenko) March 31, 2022
In addition to BB-8, there are two other Star Wars aircraft in ANA’s fleet. The even more famous and equally cute R2-D2, adorning a six-year-old Dreamliner, and the chatty C-3PO, also flying around on a Boeing 777. However, it is currently parked.
Check out the Star Wars fleet in the gallery above.