Cartoon Livery Debuts This Week On Service To Japan

The Hello Kitty cartoon character has become an icon in Taiwan, with stuffed toys and other marketing expressions now popular for more than 35 years. The character was originally developed for little girls, many of whom are now adults and still love the character based on nostalgia.

The latest product to feature a Hello Kitty theme is just a bit bigger than a lunchbox or backpack. It's an Airbus A330, which has been delivered to Taiwan's EVA Air. The aircraft was unveiled last week (pictured) in Taipei as part of a year-long celebration marking EVA Air’s 20th anniversary. Airbus reports the event was attended by 450 guests, including journalists, frequent flyers and Hello Kitty fans.

Called the “Magic Jet,” it is the first of three A330-300s to be delivered to EVA Air, each of which are to fly with unique Hello Kitty liveries. Onboard, passengers will be treated to elaborately decorated Hello Kitty cabins and character-themed service items.

The first A330 unveiled last week will enter service with EVA Air this week on flights between Taipei and Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan. It joins a fleet that includes 11 long-range A330-200s flying on the carrier’s regional and international route network.

FMI: www.evaair.com ; www.airbus.com ; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hello_Kitty