Trainers, the Pokémon GO partnership for the Red Pokémon Jet Celebration is about to take flight. The partnership with All Nippon Airways (ANA) is a massive collaboration celebrating Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
The event marks the launch of the special Red Pokémon Jet and brings exclusive in-game bonuses to select airports across Japan. Here is everything you need to know about Phase 1 of this exciting partnership.
Red Pokémon Jet Celebration Schedule
The celebration kicks off on July 28, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. and will run through August 31, 2027, at 8:00 p.m. Regular raid schedules will apply after the start date.
Please note that the times stated are local time in Japan.
Special Location Background Raids
During the event, Charmander will appear in raids at participating locations. Catching Charmander from these specific raids awards a special, event-themed Red Pokémon Jet Location Background.
Note: Trainers can participate in one Raid Battle per day at each Gym, and if you are lucky, you might even encounter a Shiny Charmander!
What are Location Backgrounds in Pokémon GO?
Location Backgrounds are special in-game visual effects displayed on a Pokémon’s summary screen. When you catch a Charmander from an eligible airport raid during this event, its summary page will feature a unique backdrop showing the Red Pokémon Jet.
This rare cosmetic feature makes the Pokémon a highly valued collectible for traders and completionists, as it permanently commemorates where and when the Pokémon was caught.
Tips for Maximizing the Event
To make the most of your time at the airport, keep these quick tips in mind.
- Check Your Bag Space: Ensure you have enough Pokémon storage and Raid Passes before arriving so you don’t miss out while dealing with airport Wi-Fi.
- Team Up Locally: Airports are high-traffic areas. Keep an eye on active lobbies, as you likely won’t need remote help to take down Charmander raids.
- Watch the Clock: Remember that the exclusive Timed Research expires. Complete the tasks before and ensure you claim the rewards.
Red Pokémon Jet Celebration Exclusive Timed Research
Visiting a participating airport grants you access to exclusive Timed Research that awards encounters with event-themed Pokémon. Important Details:
- You can only claim this Timed Research once across all participating airports during Phase 1
- The research expires three days after you receive it, so complete the tasks quickly.
Red Pokémon Jet Celebration: Phase 1 Participating Airports
You can pick up the Timed Research and participate in the event at the following locations:
- New Chitose Airport
- Hakodate Airport
- Akita Airport
- Sendai Airport
- Haneda Airport (Terminal 2 & Terminal 3)
- Narita Airport (Terminal 1)
What’s Next?
This is only the beginning. Niantic has confirmed that Phase 2 and Phase 3 are already in the works to coincide with the future launches of the Green Pokémon Jet and Blue Pokémon Jet. These upcoming phases will feature different eligible airports, allowing players to earn additional Timed Research rewards.
Stay tuned for more details as they are announced!
Frequently Asked Questions about Red Pokémon Jet Celebration
Do I need a flight ticket to access the airport event bonuses?
In most participating Japanese airports, Gyms and PokéStops are accessible from the public, non-ticketed areas (like terminal lobbies and shopping floors). However, GPS accuracy can vary indoors, so you may need to move nearer.
Can I get the Red Pokémon Jet background via Remote Raid Passes?
No. Location Backgrounds are traditionally restricted to players physically interacting with the local Gym. To guarantee the special backdrop, you must participate in person at the eligible airport locations.
Is the event Shiny Charmander guaranteed to have the background?
If you are lucky enough to encounter a Shiny Charmander from an eligible event raid, it will still feature the special Red Pokémon Jet Location Background.
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