Everything You Need To Know

Since 2005,

EVA Air

has captivated travelers and Hello Kitty fans alike with its unique partnership with Sanrio, the creator of the iconic Hello Kitty characters. What started as a special livery project has evolved into a full-fledged themed experience, both on the ground and in the air. Here’s everything you need to know about this colorful collaboration.

The origins: launching the first Hello Kitty jet

The Hello Kitty-themed experience took flight in October 2005 when EVA Air launched its first Hello Kitty Jet, featuring a vibrant livery on an

Airbus A330-200

. This initial project aimed to enhance the travel experience for passengers flying to Japan, especially those fond of the beloved character. According to EVA Air, the first aircraft showcased Hello Kitty and her friends on the exterior.

Related

Have You Ever Seen Or Flown On One Of EVA Air’s Hello Kitty-Liveried Aircraft?

EVA Air has been in the news recently following the launch of its latest Hello Kitty-themed livery. The special paint job has been applied to one of the Taiwanese carrier’s Boeing 777 widebody twinjets, with the aircraft having largely operated the airline’s route between Taipei and Chicago since being repainted.

This new special livery marks the latest development in a longstanding working relationship between EVA Air and Hello Kitty, with the airline also deploying such aircraft with special paint jobs on other routes from Taipei. These serve Bali in Indonesia and Cebu and Clark in the Philippines using Airbus A330 widebodies, and EVA Air has also operated special Hello Kitty-themed flights in the past.

Personally speaking, I have never seen or flown on one of these colorful aircraft, but, as an unashamed fan of vibrant special liveries, I would certainly welcome to opportunity to do so! Perhaps you have? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

The success of this initiative led to the introduction of a second Hello Kitty Jet just a year later, featuring similar motifs both inside and out. These jets initially served routes between Taiwan and Japan, with a brief stint on the Taipei-Hong Kong route starting in 2007​​.

Expanding the fleet: a growing collection of themed aircraft

Although the original Hello Kitty liveries were retired in 2009, the concept was too popular to remain grounded. In 2011, EVA Air reintroduced the Hello Kitty jet to celebrate the airline’s 20th anniversary (and to rejuvenate interest in its Japanese routes). This time, the airline commissioned brand-new Airbus A330-300s, each featuring unique Hello Kitty themes:

• Hello Kitty with Magic Stars
• Hello Kitty Loves Apples
• Hello Kitty Around the World​

The following year, EVA Air expanded its Hello Kitty fleet further by adding two more A330-300s, Hello Kitty Speed Puff and Hello Kitty Happy Music, bringing the total to five Hello Kitty-themed aircraft. In 2013, the airline introduced its first Hello Kitty-themed Boeing 777-300ER, Hand in Hand, which was notable for featuring an ensemble cast of Sanrio characters, not just Hello Kitty.

Over the years, the themes continued to evolve. In 2017, three of the original Hello Kitty jets were re-themed to feature other Sanrio characters, including Bad Badtz-Maru and Gudetama. These transformations kept the fleet fresh and exciting, maintaining its appeal to passengers of all ages​.

A themed experience beyond the exterior

The Hello Kitty experience begins the moment passengers arrive at the airport. EVA Air offers Hello Kitty-themed check-in counters at select airports, where travelers receive Hello Kitty-branded boarding passes and baggage tags. According to EVA Air, the fun continues onboard with headrest covers, pillows, and meal containers, all featuring Hello Kitty designs.

Photo: EVA Air

The in-flight entertainment system is also tailored to the theme, offering Hello Kitty movies and shows to keep passengers entertained throughout their journey. According to One Mile at a Time, the attention to detail extends to the dining experience, where even the meals are served with Hello Kitty-themed cutlery and plates, making every aspect of the flight a joyful, on-theme experience.

Most popular routes and global appeal

While the Hello Kitty Jets initially served primarily Asian routes, their popularity soon led to the expansion of services to long-haul destinations, including North America and Europe. According to EVA Air’s Hello Kitty Jet page, these themed flights are available on a rotating basis, ensuring that passengers from around the world have the chance to experience the magic.

In 2023, EVA Air introduced a Hello Kitty-themed Boeing 777 on its Chicago O’Hare route, marking the first time that the airline brought this experience to the Midwest. This move not only delighted Hello Kitty fans in the US but also helped the airline stand out in a competitive market.

The impact: a marketing success story for EVA Air

EVA Air’s Hello Kitty Jets are more than just a novelty; they are a strategic marketing tool that has significantly boosted the airline’s brand recognition and passenger loyalty. According to Wikipedia, the Hello Kitty campaign has been instrumental in differentiating EVA Air from its competitors, particularly in markets where brand loyalty can be difficult to establish.

The themed jets have attracted a wide range of passengers, from families with young children to die-hard Hello Kitty fans who plan their travel specifically around the availability of these flights. The success of the Hello Kitty partnership has even inspired other airlines to explore similar themed collaborations, though few have achieved the same level of impact.

What’s next for EVA Air’s Hello Kitty planes

As EVA Air continues to innovate, there is always speculation about what new themes or partnerships might be on the horizon. For now, the Hello Kitty Jets remain a beloved feature of the airline’s fleet, and EVA Air shows no signs of retiring the concept any time soon. Whether you’re a fan of Hello Kitty or simply looking for a unique travel experience, flying on one of EVA Air’s themed jets is an adventure in itself.