Totally Furreal: Hello Kitty Airlines
Story by:
Brittany High
Hello Kitty Airlines (aka The Cutest Airline in Existence) is the result of a collaboration between EVA Air of Taiwan and Sanrio, the company behind Hello Kitty. Sure, you could always take a smelly ol’ regular plane whose flight attendants offer little more than a bag of stale, broken pretzels and a heaping side of attitude.
OR you could enjoy the Hello Kitty Airline experience, complete with Hello Kitty-branded EVERYTHING from the in-flight noms and check-in counters to flight attendants donning themed aprons. And Hello Kitty herself piloting the plane!
JJk jk about the last part. Everyone knows Hello Kitty is just five apples tall. She wouldn’t be able to reach the pedals!
This wasn’t EVA Air’s first trip down the pink-and-white runway, either. The airline introduced its first Hello Kitty-themed jet in 2005 and followed it with another in 2006. After those original aircraft were retired, EVA Air teamed up with Sanrio again in 2011 for a new generation of flying cuteness.
And they weren’t messing around with the decorations. We’re talking Hello Kitty boarding passes, baggage stickers, headrest covers, paper cups, utensils, snacks, meals, and even ice cream. Flight attendants wore themed aprons, too. Apparently, there’s no such thing as too much Hello Kitty!
The 2011 relaunch began with the Magic Star aircraft flying between Taipei and Sapporo, followed by Loves Apples and Around the World designs serving additional destinations in Japan and Asia. EVA Air eventually expanded the collection to five themed Airbus A330 jets, each with its own Hello Kitty design. That’s a whole lot of feline flying.
And this wasn’t just an elaborate publicity stunt that disappeared after a few flights. EVA Air continued its partnership with Sanrio, introducing additional themed aircraft in subsequent years. Even in 2026, the airline maintains special Hello Kitty and Sanrio-themed jets on selected routes, although aircraft assignments and services can change.
But seriously, if you’re still not convinced that Hello Kitty Airlines is the way to fly, then I just don’t know what to tell you. They had me at “in-flight noms.”
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