JAL and ANA team up to show off special Expo 2025 planes

A unique opportunity awaits aviation enthusiasts in the ten cities surrounding Osaka International Airport.

All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Airlines (JAL), and Kansai Airports are teaming up to host a special event on Saturday 29th March which is designed to ignite excitement for the Osaka Kansai Expo 2025.

The “Get Up Close and Personal with the Osaka-Kansai Expo Special Painted Aircraft!” event offers a rare chance to explore the artistry and engineering behind two special Expo-themed aircraft.

A promotional graphic for the Get Up Close and Personal with the Osaka-Kansai Expo Special Painted Aircraft! event — The event will take place on 29th March 2025

Exclusive access will be granted to a normally restricted area, the aircraft parking lot, where visitors can marvel at two extraordinary planes.

These aircraft are flying ambassadors for the Expo and each sport a unique and vibrant livery designed specifically for the global event.

ANA’s contribution to this aerial celebration is the “EXPO2025 ANA JET” a Boeing 737-800 that has been in operation since December 2024.

The EXPO2025 ANA JET plane parked up on an airfield — The EXPO2025 ANA JET has been in operation since December 2024

Its fuselage is adorned with eye-catching designs that capture the spirit and themes of the Expo.

The Boeing 737-800 is a workhorse of modern aviation, known for its reliability and efficiency, making it a fitting canvas for showcasing the Expo’s message to the world.

JAL is also joining the festivities with its “JAL Myaku-Myaku JET”, an Embraer 190 that has been soaring the skies since November 2023.

The JAL Myaku-Myaku JET plane parked up on in a hanger — The JAL Myaku-Myaku JET has been in operation since November 2023

This aircraft features a livery inspired by Myaku-Myaku, the official mascot of the Osaka Kansai Expo.

Myaku-Myaku’s distinctive and futuristic design, embodying the Expo’s theme of “Designing a Future Society for Our Lives,” will be prominently displayed on the Embraer 190, making it a flying symbol of the Expo’s vision.

The event is aimed at local school children living in the 10 cities surrounding Osaka International Airport.

Kansai Airports operate both Kansai International Airport, which is an artificial island in Osaka Bay and Osaka International Airport, located within in the city, which is commonly refered to as Itami Airport.

A plane landing at Osaka International Airport — Despite being called Osaka International Airport, the airport currently only handles domestic flights

While the event is free, you do need to book in advance and Kansai Airports have advised that if the event is oversubscribed then attendees will be selected from those who have applied via a lottery system.

By providing students with an up-close look at these specially painted aircraft, ANA, JAL, and Kansai Airports hope to spark curiosity about aviation, engineering, and global events like the World Expo.

JAL have also recently announced another Expo themed jet inspired by the Expo’s GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE Pavilion which will feature a life sized Gundam statue.

An illustration of the JAL Gundam JET — An illustration showing the livery of the JAL Gundam Jet

There are currently no viewing events planned for this plane which has been named the “JAL Gundam Jet” and it will begin operating on domestic Japanese flights to the Kansai area from 3rd March 2025.

The JAL Gundam JET flying near to Mount Fuji — Passengers will be able to fly on the JAL Gundam Jet from March 2025

Source: Official Website