ANA Elevates In-Flight Fun with Pokémon-Themed Safety Video

Japan’s largest airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA), has taken in-flight entertainment to a new level by launching a Pokémon-themed safety video.

In an exciting partnership with the Pokémon Company, ANA has debuted these unique safety videos on its specially designed ‘Pikachu Jet NH’ and ‘Eevee Jet NH’ aircraft as part of a thrilling Pokemon Air Adventures initiative.

According to the airline, millennials and Gen Z now make up over 50 percent of its air travelers, so ANA has decided to expand their focus on Pokémon-themed entertainment.

The Japanese carrier believes that its safety video, which features well-known and beloved Pokémon characters, delivers important safety information clearly and engagingly for passengers worldwide.

In the video, the iconic Pokémon character Pikachu gets lost on its journey and is reunited with its trainer with the help of several ANA airport staff.

The video, available in both Japanese and English, includes beloved Pokémon characters guiding viewers through key air safety procedures in a fun and engaging manner. These procedures include putting on your oxygen mask, fastening your seatbelt correctly, and bracing for a crash.

Photo: Courtesy of ANA

“The partnership with The Pokémon Company brings together two iconic brands to create a unique in-flight safety experience that seamlessly bridges generations, offering both fun and educational information,” said Motoaki Ueno, Executive Vice President of Customer Experience Management and Planning at ANA.

“At ANA, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our passengers, and this innovative approach allows us to elevate the flight experience by combining essential safety information with engaging entertainment. This unique collaboration ensures travelers of all ages enjoy a memorable and delightful journey with us.”

In light of the airline industry facing criticism since the pandemic, ANA’s Pokémon-themed offering provides some much-needed humor and entertainment.

For those unfamiliar with the Pokémon franchise, it began as a Japanese video game released on the Game Boy in 1996. A trading card game, anime series, and films soon followed. At the turn of the millennium, Pokémania was in full swing. Its popularity endured, and today, Pokémon is estimated to be the world’s highest-grossing media franchise.

Photo: Courtesy of ANA

“While Pokémon holds a special place in Japanese culture, its appeal resonates with fans worldwide, transcending cultures and age groups,” note an ANA spokesperson. “These educational videos are designed to captivate travelers from all over the globe, turning every flight into a magical journey.”

According to a separate spokesperson, ANA’s continued involvement with the Pokémon company is part of a licensing agreement.

The new safety video debuted on August 15 during an ANA event at Tokyo-Haneda (HND). The event featured big names from both ANA and the Pokémon world, including ANA Executive Vice President Motoaki Ueno, Pokémon Company CCO, Taketo Utsunomiya, and numerous Pokémon World Championship players.

Photo: Courtesy of ANA

The in-flight video was shown aboard the Pikachu Jet NH flying from Japan to Honolulu (HNL) for the 2024 Pokémon World Championships.

“ANA’s collaboration with The Pokémon Company for ‘Pokémon Air Adventures’ is about reigniting the joy of travel and connecting people with one another and communities,” a spokesperson said.

“After the challenges the aviation industry faced during the pandemic, we saw an opportunity to rekindle excitement and design an unforgettable experience,” the spokesperson continued.

“The use of Pokémon characters in the safety and disembarkation videos are not only enjoyable but also a strategic effort to make safety briefings more engaging and impactful, ultimately enhancing in-flight safety.”