Disneyland and Alaska Airlines unveil Star Wars-themed aircraft

Alaska Airlines and Disneyland Resort joined forces today, May the 4th, to unveil a new, one-of-its-kind Star Wars-themed aircraft painted space black, with the iconic Millennium Falcon on the tail.

In celebration of the new themed aircraft – now flying on routes across Alaska’s network – passengers wearing “Star Wars”-branded clothing will enjoy early boarding on their flights today.

“As part of our strong collaboration, Alaska is proud to combine forces with Disneyland Resort for another magical, special-edition aircraft,” said Natalie Bowman, managing director of marketing and advertising for Alaska Airlines. “The detailed artwork and intricately painted design is out of this world, and our guests – especially lifelong ‘Star Wars’ fans – will feel instantly transported and eager to land at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge the moment they see it.”

The design of the Star Wars-inspired plane is the result of a collaboration across the teams at Alaska, Disneyland Resort, and Lucasfilm, featuring familiar spacecraft with hand-painted, detailed imagery. Designers at Disneyland focused on the widely recognized Millennium Falcon for the spotlight, since the well-traveled spaceship is the focal point in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. For a lighthearted touch, porgs (the cute, bird-like creatures that lived on Luke Skywalker’s remote island) look back at passengers from both winglets, and a third porg greets guests at the boarding door.

The exterior of the “Star Wars”-themed aircraft required 228 gallons of paint applied during 540 work hours over 27 days. For the painting, 23 base colors were used with numerous custom colors mixed onsite for the detailed airbrushing of the Millennium Falcon and the TIE fighters.

The official name for this latest collaboration – Alaska’s seventh painted plane for the Disneyland Resort – is “Star Wars Transport to the Disneyland Resort,” with a tail number of N538AS.

“Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is one of the most popular destinations at Disneyland Resort,” said Lynn Clark, Disneyland Resort, vice president of sales and services. “Now, thanks to our great friends at Alaska Airlines, our guests can begin their Star Wars experience even before they arrive at Disneyland Park.”

“Star Wars Transport to the Disneyland Resort” is scheduled to fly throughout Alaska’s network for at least eight years. You can also spot the 2019 Disneyland Resort-themed aircraft “Friendship and Beyond at Disneyland Resort” at airports and in the skies, with a whimsical tribute to Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park.