Airline ANA's iconic R2-D2 Star Wars Boeing 787 has taken its final flight after 10 years
Published on Aug 12, 2025 at 9:37 AM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid
Last updated on Aug 12, 2025 at 5:45 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
The iconic All Nippon Airways (ANA) R2-D2 Star Wars Boeing 787 has taken its final flight, a decade after it was introduced to the airline.
The Japanese airline added the R2-D2 Star Wars Boeing 787 as a tie-in with the movie franchise.
But after 10 years in the air, the R2-D2 livery has been retired.
The plane took its final flight earlier this month.
DISCOVER SBX CARS – The global premium auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Say ‘goodbye’ to ANA’s R2-D2 Star Wars Boeing 787
While most planes look fairly standard and often just showcase an airline’s brand colors, there are some pretty eye-catching liveries out there, like the Embraer E190-E2 shark plane.
And a long time ago in a galaxy, far, far away… or, in fact, 10 years ago on planet Earth, ANA inked a deal with Disney to kit a handful of its fleet out with cool custom Star Wars livery.
Amongst them, this R2-D2 Star Wars Boeing 787.
The plane, registration JA873A, was fitted with the livery when it was delivered new, and it’s since flown routes all across the world.
However, after a decade, the Boeing 787 is now set to have the R2-D2 paintwork removed and will be repainted with typical ANA branding.
In the weeks running up to its retirement, the plane was sent all over, including stops at Paris, Los Angeles, Vienna, Frankfurt, and Munich.
Its final flight was from Washington Dulles International Airport to Tokyo Haneda Airport on August 6.
“It’s a bittersweet moment for us,” an ANA spokesperson said in a statement.
“The R2-D2 ANA Jet has served us well, but like all droids, it eventually needs to power down. R2’s mission to bring joy to passengers around the world is complete, and it’s earned a well-deserved rest.
“We truly appreciate how much love you’ve shown for our R2-D2 ANA jet. It’s been an incredible journey bringing smiles to fans around the world.”
ANA had a fleet of Star Wars-inspired Boeings
The partnership between ANA and Disney involved four specially-designed planes.
Alongside the R2-D2 Star Wars Boeing 787, ANA had a BB-8 inspired Boeing 777-300ER, and a combined R2-D2 and BB-8 767-300ER both of those planes have since been retired.
However, a C-3PO Boeing 777-200, registration JA743A, is still in operation.
It will be retired alongside its fellow Star Wars-themed planes in January next year.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Claire Reid is a journalist who hails from the UK but is now living in New Zealand. She began her career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Liverpool John Moore’s University and has more than a decade of experience, writing for both local newspapers and national news sites. Claire covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on cars, technology, planes, cryptocurrency, and luxury.
