Hello Kitty Jet Welcomed At LAX

A Hello Kitty jet received a warm welcome at Los Angeles International Airport. The themed plane will now be available for flights in and out of the US. The unique plane is owned by Taiwan-based EVA Air.

The cartoon themed plane left Taipei, Taiwan on Wednesday. Upon arrival at LAX, a red carpet was rolled out for Hello Kitty and her friends. The characters showed their appreciation by performing for the fans.

The celebration included nail artists, face painting, dancers, celebrity guests, and guided tours of the plane.

The airline hopes the festive plane will cross “cultural barriers” and encourage “new friendships from around the world.”

As reported by NBC News, the outside of the plane is decorated with 19 Sanrio characters including Hello Kitty. The design is called “Hello Kitty Hand-in-Hand.”

EVA currently has six Hello Kitty jets. Five are Airbus 330s, which service Asia and Guam. Each jet has a different theme including Apple, Global, Hello Kitty Magic, and Speed Puff.

The newest jet is a 777. The plane will be used for three flights per week between Taipei and Los Angeles.

EVA chairman, K.W. Chang, created the themed flights as a way “to make flying fun.” However, the addition of the LAX flight was meant to promote flights between Taiwan and the US.

Unlike the Airbus jets, the 777 was completely hand painted. It took 35 engineers nearly two weeks to finish the artwork.

The plane’s exterior is only part of the fun. Passengers booked on the themed plane will receive Hello Kitty boarding passes and luggage tags.

Once on the plane, passengers will notice all crew members wearing pink Hello Kitty-themed aprons. As reported by ABC News, all flight accessories — from pillows to meals — are designed around the special theme.

The Hello Kitty jet is sure to be hit with fans worldwide.