ANA Star Wars 787 to touch down in Sydney on Saturday

Star Wars fans and aviation enthusiasts are in for a treat on the weekend, when ANA’s inaugural Tokyo (Haneda) – Sydney service touches down in the NSW capital.

The Japanese flag carrier will fly its Star Wars-themed 787-9 Dreamliner for the first flight. NH879, which is due to touch down at 0935 local time Saturday morning.

And should sleepyheads miss the landing or fail to set the alarm, there may be a chance to catch a glimpse of the aircraft during the day given the reciprocal NH880 is not due to take off until 2130.

The Star Wars-themed 787-9, registration JA873A, has been dubbed the R2-D2 Dreamliner and is the first of three aircraft to be decorated with characters from the Star Wars movie franchise. The aircraft is configured with 48 business, 21 premium economy and 146 economy seats.

The interiors have also drawn inspiration from the movie series, with Star Wars themed headrest covers, paper napkins and cups, while six currently released Star Wars films are available on the inflight entertainment system for the 215 passengers to enjoy.

ANA is returning to Australia for the first time since the late 1990s.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the latest chapter in the movie franchise opens in cinemas in Australia on December 17.

The R2-D2 themed ANA 787-9 features Star Wars headrests. (ANA/Boeing)

ANA staff with Star Wars characters and the 787-9 R2-D2 themed Dreamliner in the background. (ANA/Boeing)

ANA Boeing 787-9 with a special R2-D2 livery. (ANA/Boeing)

ANA’s Star Wars fleet comprises a Boeing 787-9, 777-300ER and 767-300. (ANA)