Text/Compiled and reported by Chen Guanxin, Mook Travel Life Network
EVA Air’s first 777-300ER Hello Kitty livery aircraft — the “Hand in Hand” jet — made its inaugural flight on the Taipei-Los Angeles route. The Los Angeles Times and CNN both covered the flight in their online news and print editions recently, marking the first time a Hello Kitty livery aircraft has flown across the Pacific and made its debut in the U.S.
The “Hand in Hand” is EVA Air’s first Hello Kitty livery aircraft to cross the Pacific. (Photo provided/EVA Air)
The design theme of the “Hand in Hand” was conceived by Sanrio’s design team. To convey a sense of embracing the world and transcending cultural barriers, the designers broke from past licensing norms by boldly featuring multiple characters from the Sanrio family. In addition to the familiar Hello Kitty, the other eighteen members each have their own appeal and large fan bases. The inclusion of more characters aims to bring more warmth and fun to passengers during their flights. Meanwhile, the designer specially arranged for each character to hold hands, hence the name “Hand in Hand,” aiming to convey the concept of love and symbolize friendship crossing borders. With the Hello Kitty Jet building bridges of friendship, passengers seeing this livery aircraft anywhere can feel an abundance of love and care.
In addition to being the world’s first 777 Hello Kitty livery aircraft, EVA Air also upgraded the business class cabin during the livery process, transforming it into fully flat-bed “Royal Laurel Class.” This was the final aircraft in EVA Air’s 777 business class upgrade program, which began in 2012. Now, all EVA Air 777 aircraft are equipped with Royal Laurel Class cabins.
For this 777 Hello Kitty livery aircraft, EVA Air also designed new headrest covers and pillows themed around the “Hand in Hand” jet, featuring the adorable Sanrio family characters. In addition, the onboard duty-free shop has launched a range of commemorative products to celebrate, including the “Hand in Hand Lip Balm Set,” “Hand in Hand Doll Set,” and “Hand in Hand Bluetooth Keyboard Set,” available for pre-order and collection by passengers.
Starting now, the “Hand in Hand” will operate regularly on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays on flight BR16 from Taipei to Los Angeles, and on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays on flight BR15 from Los Angeles to Taipei, accompanying more passengers on wonderful journeys.
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Hello Kitty and the eighteen members of the Sanrio family hold hands and fly to the U.S. (Image source/Taken from EVA Air’s official website)