Hello Kitty Jet Comes to Los Angeles

Sept. 18, 2013— -- The cutest planes in the clouds have finally descended to the United States.

EVA Air's Hello Kitty Hand-in-Hand jet landed at Los Angeles International Airport today, bringing its signature brand of pastel in-flight amenities with it. The Taiwan-based airline will now offer three flights per week on the aircraft, which, in addition to its feline mascot, is swathed inside and out in an array of familiar Sanrio characters, such as My Melody and Keroppi.

The inaugural flight from Taoyuan International Airport was met with festive fanfare at the Imperial Terminal, featuring dancers, Sanrio nail artists, life-size Sanrio characters, Hello Kitty superfans and a handful of celebrities, who were given tours of the plane.

EVA has operated five colorful shorter-range aircraft within Asia on Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Mainland China and Guam flights. But the Boeing 777-300 ER christened "Hand-in-Hand" is the first available in the United States and features a new exterior design.

Inside, more than 100 passenger-service items, including Hello Kitty toilet tissue, flower-shaped, kitty-stamped cocktail coasters and Sanrio-branded snacks, meals and more are available for a completely immersive Hello Kitty travel experience.

EVA and Sanrio have even developed a selection of new, limited-edition Hello Kitty duty-free products that fans can buy in flight.