Star Wars R2-D2 plane returning to Vancouver International Airport this afternoon

Local Star Wars fans in Metro Vancouver will have another opportunity to catch a glimpse of the R2-D2-themed aircraft at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) today.

Flight NH116, an All Nippon Airlines’ (ANA) Boeing 787-900 plane, from Tokyo is scheduled to touch down at the airport at 2:58 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. According to a spokesperson with the Vancouver Airport Authority, the aircraft will most likely be landing on the South Runway, but this could change depending on weather conditions.

At the time of publication, the flight is still scheduled to arrive on time.

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It will then be berthed at the international terminal’s D66 gate for just under two and a half hours before it takes off again at 4:20 p.m. for its return trip to Japan.

The Boeing Dreamliner aircraft exterior is decorated with R2-D2 livery, mirroring the design of the famous droid robot from the epic galactic franchise. Even elements of the interior of the plane carries the theme, with headrest covers, paper napkins, and cups branded with the Star Wars look. Additionally, passengers on board the flight are able to watch the first six films in the Star Wars cinematic series on the in-flight entertainment system.

The R2-D2 aircraft is just one of three ANA planes branded with the Star Wars theme. A Boeing 777-300ER flies the designs of the BB-8 droid robot featured in the recently released seventh film while a Boeing 767-300 carries the franchise’s brand.

In October, ahead of the release of Episode VII: The Force Awakens, the R2-D2 aircraft made its inaugural flight to Vancouver and was welcomed by hundreds of plane spotters.

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