All Nippon Airlines (ANA) has unveiled a new ‘Star Wars’ livery on its latest Boeing 787-9 that marks the start of a five-year tie-up with The Walt Disney Company (Japan).

Painted with the iconic R2-D2 character, the plane’s design was unveiled to fans of the popular science fiction franchise in the United States on 16 April.

ANA Star Wars Livery B787-9 (1)

All Nippon Airways

ANA says the ‘Star Wars’ painted aircraft will take to the skies in the third quarter of 2015, but the routes it will operate on have not yet been determined.

“We’re proud of the innovative R2-D2 design, and we look forward to witnessing the first-ever flight of a passenger aircraft featuring a 'Star Wars' character. We’re confident that 'Star Wars' fans around the world will absolutely love this design," says Kayleen Walters, vice president of marketing at Lucasfilm Ltd.

ANA Star Wars Livery B787-9 (2)

All Nippon Airways

The launch of the 'Star Wars' livery also follows ANA’s earlier announcement that it will launch a Tokyo Narita-Houston service from 12 June, making it the carrier’s tenth North American destination.

Source: Cirium Dashboard