China Airlines Expands Pokémon Fleet with Second Themed Aircraft: Here’s What to Expect

If you've ever needed a reason to book that long-haul trip to Asia, here's one that's hard to ignore. China Airlines, Taiwan's flagship carrier, has just unveiled its second Pokémon-themed aircraft — the Pikachu Jet CI2 — which entered service on 2 April 2026. Whether you're a lifelong Pokémon fan or simply someone who appreciates travel done with a bit of personality, this is the kind of thing that makes flying feel genuinely exciting again.

Operated on a wide-body Airbus A350-900, the Pikachu Jet CI2 has been transformed into a breathtaking spring canvas under the theme "Flying Out to the World." Thirteen Pokémon characters are spread across the fuselage, drawing inspiration from Taiwan's traditional decorative flower-tile culture. Hoppip leads the charge as a symbol of springtime, joined by a flying Pikachu, Jumpluff, Dratini riding on Dragonite's back, and the fluttering Beautifly and Vivillon — a nod to Taiwan's nickname, the "Butterfly Kingdom." Several Pokémon are even hidden within the aircraft's intricate tile patterns, giving eagle-eyed passengers something to hunt for at the boarding gate. Passengers on dedicated CI2 flights also receive an exclusive gift, a Pikachu ballpoint pen or sticky notes, a small but genuinely lovely touch.

The Pikachu Jet CI2 launched on routes from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to Tokyo Narita and Seattle, with plans to expand across further destinations through October 2026 — including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, Bangkok, Osaka, and Phoenix. For UK travellers, Tokyo and the broader Asia-Pacific region are both well within reach via a connecting flight through Taipei, and the CI2 makes for a memorable arrival.

China Airlines first turned heads with the original Pikachu Jet CI back in September 2022 — an Airbus A321neo carrying 11 Pokémon characters on a pastel-hued fuselage. The CI2 builds on that success in every sense: a larger widebody aircraft, more characters, a richer design story, and a far broader route network. This partnership between China Airlines and The Pokémon Company is here to stay.

If the Pikachu Jet CI2 has sparked your travel bug, our expert advisors are on hand to find you the best fares and put together the perfect trip to Asia and beyond. Get in touch today, and let's get you in the skies.

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