Ever since ANA announced the Star Wars Project, I have been looking forward to capturing this much-anticipated aircraft. Yesterday, I finally achieved my goal.

On Saturday, the R2-D2 aircraft conducted its maiden flight with passengers at Haneda Airport. This aircraft features a livery modeled after the famous robot R2-D2 from Star Wars, and it is said that the painting work at the Boeing factory took twice as long as usual. The purpose of this flight was to provide an aerial tour for lottery-selected tourists. The route was a departure from Tokyo Haneda Airport, passing over Mount Fuji, Lake Biwa, Kyoto, and other areas, then returning via Nagoya and Izu to Haneda. Since the route was similar to the A350 flight last year, I bet again on a departure from Runway 05 and a landing on 34L, setting the photography location at Ukishima Park.

According to online news, the flight number used for the day was NH2015, departing at 13:45 and arriving at 15:45, so I arrived at Ukishima Park around 12:30 PM. Speaking of which, it has been nearly a year since I last came here, yet the environment hasn’t changed at all. As always, the weather was cloudy with poor shooting conditions.

Looking from the coast at the airport’s ANA maintenance center, the R2-D2 livery aircraft could be seen parked outside the hangar. Another ANA 777 was just landing on 34L, so I captured it immediately.

A moment later, coincidentally, the world’s second 787 to enter commercial operation, JA802A, taxied over. So, here is a rare group photo of the two most famous 787 special liveries.

At 13:26, pushback began in front of the hangar, with the red light of the strobe lights visible on the top and bottom of the fuselage.

At 13:33, it started taxiing.

At 13:42, on Taxiway Y.

A group photo with an ANA A320 landing on 34R.

At 13:43, turning onto Taxiway S.

At 13:47, a queue began to form on Taxiway S due to a rejected takeoff by a JAL aircraft.

At 13:51, it was finally able to move forward. The R2-D2 pattern on the front half of the fuselage was clearly visible from this angle.

At 13:52, between Entrance S1 and D1, this angle offered a perfect view of the large “STAR WARS” lettering on the rear.

At 13:54, seabirds also flew in to see what this famous aircraft looked like.

At 13:56, it was finally able to enter the runway.

At 13:57, takeoff.

Afterwards, I watched on FlightRadar24 as it slowly toured at a low altitude of 17,000 feet. I really envy those lucky passengers.

At 15:36, R2-D2 flew back!

The sky was gloomy and visibility was low, but none of this could hide its charm.

The slender fuselage of the 787-9 leisurely flew towards the threshold of Runway 34L. Looking closely, you can see the “ANA Inspiration of Japan” and “Dream Liner” lettering on the tail.

Strobe lights and raked wingtips.

Of course, a shot with Terminal 1 and the Tower in the background is essential.

At 15:37, touchdown.

I hope to catch a sunny day next time! But I truly admire ANA’s marketing capabilities.