Gaming has undoubtedly taken over the world, with partnerships across all kinds of things in daily life, and now, SEGA and Atlus are looking to dominate the skies in a new partnership with AirAsia, a leading travel and lifestyle brand in the region.
Two iconic gaming franchises, Sonic the Hedgehog and Persona 5, can be seen soaring through the air with the partnered aircraft liveries and immersive in-flight experiences, ushering in a new era of air travel.
As part of the AirAsia X fleet, the company’s Airbus 330 will see liveries featuring the likes of Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Shadow, and Amy Rose against the recognisable backdrop of the Green Hill Zone. As for those into Persona 5, the Phantom Thieves will be taking up residence on the AirAsia Malaysia Airbus A320 aircraft, with the signature red colour complementing the airline’s brand colours as well. Of course, that also means that passengers will be accompanied by both Morgana and Joker when they take to the air.
“This partnership marks another milestone for the AirAsia brand as we delve deeper into the exciting world of gaming and pop culture. This partnership is a natural fit for AirAsia, as it aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing experiences for our guests and communities. As a brand that carries the pride of Asean, we are thrilled to showcase the region’s vibrant spirit and creativity through this partnership,” said Rudy Khaw, CEO of AirAsia.
“We are honoured to be able to undertake such a wonderful initiative with AirAsia. The Sonic and Persona series are expanding not only in Japan but throughout Asia. We believe that the synergy created by the collaboration of travel and gaming, two forms of entertainment, will bring us new discoveries,” added Shuji Utsumi, president and COO, representative director of SEGA.
The fun doesn’t just stop at the exterior, as there are bespoke decorations within the aircraft as well, with limited goodies and even themed menus to complete the whole experience, including Sonic’s Golden Ring Cake, a donut with a unique golden glaze and Sonic-themed toppings. Merchandise sales will begin in the first quarter of 2025, and can be purchased on all AirAsia Malaysia and AirAsia X flights, as well as the AirAsia MOVE Duty Free store.
While schedules are not out yet, fans looking to travel across the region and to cities like Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Shanghai, and Sydney will have a chance to take these special flights and create a lasting memory.
