A Japan Airlines (JAL) Boeing 737-800 celebrating the upcoming EXPO 2025 at Osaka, Japan, has been unveiled featuring a giant robot from the science fiction world of Gundam.
The imposing livery introduces passengers to ‘RX-78F00/E GUNDAM’ which will appear in a new video at Japanese toymaker Bandai Namco’s ‘GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION’ at EXPO 2025.
According to Japanese media, Gundam is a hugely popular franchise that began in the 1970s featuring giant robots that has since spawned a multi-billion industry in toys and merchandise.
“By having the “JAL GUNDAM JET” fly through the skies of Japan through this collaboration, the aim is to share the vision of the ‘GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION’, which seeks to connect people worldwide through GUNDAM and encourages everyone to think about the “Future” together. This message is especially aimed at children, who will shape the future,” said a spokesperson for JAL.
The new Japan Airlines Boeing 737-800 livery also includes the official character of EXPO 2025 ‘MYAKU-MYAKU’, a mysterious red and blue creature representing cells and water.
On March 3, 2025, the new Boeing livery was unveiled to the media at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) before its first flight to Tokushima Airport (TKS).
The collaboration was officially launched by Japan Airlines President and CEO, Mitsuko Tottori, and Bandai Namco President, Masaru Kawaguchi.
The Boeing 737-800, registered JA342J, will operate on domestic routes until November 2025, a month after EXPO 2025 closes in October 2025.
本日3月3日(月)、#大阪・関西万博 仕様 #JALガンダムJET が国内線に就航✈️#JAL 仕様の #ガンプラ の販売や「JAL×ガンダム レストランバス」の運行、特別ツアーなど、さまざまな企画もご用意🌈
— JAL's now【公式】 (@JALs_now) March 3, 2025
皆さまのご搭乗をお待ちしています✨
→https://t.co/vi3mCSztrg
✈️［お知らせ］#JALInformation pic.twitter.com/rdd5j7PGFj
JAL will also launch limited-edition goods and commemorative tours throughout Japan in collaboration with Gundam under the slogan “Discover the sights and sounds of your favorite anime, throughout Japan”.
EXPO 2025 will run for 186 days from April 13, 2025, and will be the third time Osaka has staged the global event.