A New Way to Reach for the Sky
If you’ve ever looked up while waiting at the gate and wished for a little more magic in your travel day, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air just delivered. To celebrate the upcoming theatrical release of Toy Story 5 on June 19, 2026, a brand-new themed aircraft has officially joined the fleet. This isn’t just any plane; it’s a flying tribute to friendship, technology, and forty-five years of regional aviation.
Named To 45 and Beyond, the newly designed Embraer 175 (registration N659QX) was unveiled at Portland International Airport. The name is a clever nod to Buzz Lightyear’s iconic catchphrase and Horizon Air’s 45th anniversary of service. For fans of the franchise, this aircraft offers a first look at the new world our favorite toys are entering in the fifth film.
Meet the New Toys in the Air
The livery doesn’t just feature the classics like Woody, Buzz, and Jessie. It also introduces travelers to the new characters who are set to challenge the gang in the upcoming movie. On the side of the fuselage, you’ll spot Lilypad, the tech-focused tablet character who serves as the primary antagonist in Toy Story 5. Other newcomers like Snappy, Atlas, and Smarty Pants also make their debut on the aircraft’s exterior.
Don’t forget to look at the winglets if you’re sitting in a window seat. Forky and Karen Beverly are tucked away on the wings, ensuring that every angle of the plane has a touch of Pixar charm. The entire design is tied together with the iconic floating clouds that fans will recognize from Andy’s original bedroom wallpaper.
What This Means for Your Next Trip
Because this is a Horizon Air aircraft, it will primarily serve regional routes across the West Coast and Pacific Northwest. For Disneyland fans, this is great news. Horizon Air frequently operates flights into smaller regional hubs and secondary airports that many families use to reach the Disneyland Resort. While you can’t specifically book this plane, you can track it using its tail number, N659QX, on various flight-tracking apps.
This aircraft joins a growing fleet of Disney-themed planes at Alaska Airlines, including the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Flyer and the recently updated Star Wars Transport. It’s clear that the partnership between the airline and Disney is stronger than ever, providing a bit of “pixie dust” before you even land at your destination.
Expert Tips for Plane Spotting
- Check the Tail: Look for N659QX on flight tracking websites to see if it’s scheduled for your next flight to Orange County (SNA) or Los Angeles (LAX).
- Gate Arrival: If you see the plane at your gate, the “Saddle Up, It’s Takeoff Time!” and “Ready for Takeoff, Partner” callouts on the fuselage make for the perfect pre-trip photo.
- Movie Tie-In: With Toy Story 5 hitting theaters in June 2026, expect this plane to be a hot topic for fans heading to Pixar Pier this summer.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.
