
All flights connect with the city that’s home to Super Nintendo World.
On Thursday, Nintendo finally gave us our first glimpse at the Switch 2, but that’s not the only follow-up/sequel they’re involved in these days. Last month saw the opening of the first expansion for the Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan, and now Super Mario and Donkey Kong will be taking to the skies with a special airplane featuring the Nintendo stars.
As part of an ongoing partnership between Universal Studios Japan and JAL, the Japanese air carrier has unveiled an airliner decked out with exterior artwork of some of the amusement park’s most popular characters, with two spots on the fuselage reserved for Super Mario and Donkey Kong. This is the second Universal Studios plane for JAL to put into service, and the JAL x Universal Studios Japan Jet 2 was unveiled in a special ceremony attended by giant-sized blow-ups of the famous plumber and ape.
▼ Mario is so huge that he looks kind of like New Super Mario Bros.’ Mega Mario.
There’s more theming to be found inside the plane, with seatback covers also prominently presenting the Nintendo characters…
…who show up on the in-flight beverage service cups too.
Passengers on the JAL x Universal Studios Japan Jet 2 also receive a set of stickers with blank spaces on their backsides, in case you want to write down the date and time of your flight.
With Universal Studios Japan being located in Osaka, naturally the JAL x Universal Studios Japan Jet 2’s routes all connect to the city, and it’ll be flying to/from Itami Airport, also known as Osaka International Airport. All of its routes will be domestic ones, however, with its for-February schedule consisting of the flights connecting Itami and Aomori (February 5), Kagoshima (February 14), Miyazaki (February 14), Sendai (February 26), Hakodate (February 26), Fukuoka (February 27), and Nagasaki (February 28) Airports. That’s just the beginning for Mario and Donkey Kong’s air travels, though, as the JAL Universal Studios Japan Jet 2 is set to be flying though June of 2026.
Source: PR Times, JAL
Top image: PR Times
Insert images: JAL, PR Times
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!







Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan announces first expansion with new Donkey Kong area
Universal Studios reveals Nintendo Donkey Kong Country expansion details, opening season【Video】
New Donkey Kong area at Universal Studios Japan gets opening date, and it’s VERY soon【Video】
Super Nintendo World expansion gets delayed for several months at Universal Studios Japan
Put it on and look like Donkey Kong! Nintendo releases DK jackets, more for new merch line【Pics】
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
McDonald’s Japan hack: Make a Chicken Tatsuta in five minutes anywhere in the world
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
This train station bento boxed lunch shop has been in business for nearly 100 years
Police cracking down on outdoor seating in Tokyo’s liveliest street market neighborhood[Video]
Japanese criminals are now using crabs to hunt for burglary targets
Does one of Japan’s favorite chocolate brands work with the Pringles chocolate hack?
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Woman in Japan breaks into home of complete stranger just to slap him in the face
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Sega opening 65th anniversary store in downtotn Tokyo with deep-cut game merch
Beard Papa goes beyond just matcha with its new premium green tea cream puffs
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
New Nintendo toys coming to McDonald’s Japan’s Happy Meals
New voice of Super Mario for CG movie is Chris Pratt, Donkey Kong also will appear
McDonald’s Japan’s Nintendo Happy Meal toys are here, and we’ve got the whole set!【Photos】
Gundam Jet takes flight in Japan, comes with opportunities for Japan Airline-exclusive Gunpla
First look at Universal Studios’ Mario Kart ride, Super Nintendo World’s opening date revealed【Vid】
Rumors of real-life Mario Kart attraction to open at Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World USA announces opening date at Universal Studios Hollywood【Video】
Mario can’t beat state of emergency, Super Nintendo World theme park opening delayed again
Super Universal Studios Japan employee gives Super Mario fan’s photo an awesomeness power-up
Want to turn Ikea shelves into an awesome Nintendo interior? Japanese game fan shows how【Photos】
Universal Studios Japan just built a real-life Super Mario level【Photos】
All aboard Japan’s new Super Mario Nintendo World train!【Photos】
Universal Studios Japan starts Super Mario Sunshine-style “soaking wet” Power Up Summer event
Super Nintendo World: The food and swag 【Photos】
New opening date announced for Japan’s Super Nintendo World, and it’s just around the corner