First it was a Hello Kitty themed restaurant, and now there's a plane flaunting the feline's famous face on its exterior. EVA Airways—a Taiwanese international airline—recently added its seventh Hello Kitty themed aircraft to its fleet, only this one will be making weekly journeys from Taiwan to Houston where the others are reserved for regional flights. This international flight, aptly named the Hello Kitty Shining Star Jet, is scheduled to make trips three days per week—Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays—with service starting June 21st.
As expected, the new 333-passenger airplane made its maiden voyage and landed in Houston last Friday to much fanfare. Here are a few things you might have missed if you weren't there to witness the event:
Hello Kitty Made An Appearance...
Not only did she make an appearance, she emerged from the plane dancing to Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." Talk about making an entrance.
...And So Did an Entire Dance Team
The cartoon character was only one part of a choreographed routine for bystanders—mostly airline crewmembers and press—to take in.
The Plane Received a Water Cannon Welcome
As the airplane approached the airport, two water cannons welcomed its approach with a wet salute of sorts. This is a tradition reserved for special arrivals, most often for the first or last flight of an airline or aircraft to an airport.
Passengers Learned What 100 Hello Kitty Branded Items Looks Like
The plane's exterior may seem festive, but just wait until you take a peek inside. All in all, there are 100 Hello Kitty themed amenities, from toilet paper to branded baby bottles. It doesn't stop at Hello Kitty. Little Twin Stars, fellow Sanrio characters, are also included in the exterior design and on the product inside of the plane.
More good reads from T+L:
• Hong Kong's Imminent Hello Kitty-Themed Restaurant Will Have Hello Kitty Dim Sum
• The World's Best New Food Halls
• The 20 Best Travel Movies to Watch on Netflix This Summer
