Hello Kitty Jet Arrives in the U.S.

The beloved Japanese cartoon character Hello Kitty (and her friends) has landed in Los Angeles.

The EVA Air “Hello Kitty Hand-in-Hand” jet made its inaugural flight from Taipei, Taiwan, to Los Angeles International Airport last week. It will be used in three of the carrier’s 17 weekly flights on that route.

The Boeing 777-300ER is covered from nose to tail with paintings of Hello Kitty and 19 of her pals, including Miss Melody and Keroppi. But the plane’s unique décor doesn’t stop there.

Passengers are greeted at the airport with Hello Kitty boarding passes and baggage stickers. On board the plane, the theme extends nearly as far as your imagination will take it. The flight attendants sport pink aprons adorned with the characters, and there are more 100 in-flight items that include the theme, such as headrests, paper cups and snacks.

EVA Air "initiated Hello Kitty jets to make flying fun and passengers love them," said chairman KW Chang, according to USA Today.

It also operates shorter regional fights in Asia and the U.S. territory of Guam on five smaller planes featuring the Sanrio characters.

For the Hello Kitty fans who want a souvenir to remember their experience, EVA and Sanrio are offering a new selection of limited-edition, duty-free products that you can buy on the plane.