Hello Houston
Beloved Hello Kitty plans frequent Houston visits with launch of new air service to Taiwan
Hello Kitty, one of the most ubiquitous cartoon characters in the world, had quite the year in 2014, specifically with the surprising clarification that she is, in fact, a girl — not a cat — by the Sanrio brand back in August.
The beloved character is coming to Houston in a completely new way, this time as part of Taiwan-based EVA Air' service between Houston and Taipei. The airline announced Monday that flights between Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport are scheduled to begin June 19, 2015.
The airline first introduced a Hello Kitty-themed plane in October for Hello Kitty's 40th anniversary, with inaugural flights between Taipei and Paris. EVA Air's brand new Boeing 777-300ER, to be introduced in May 2015, will be fully decked out with Hello Kitty's image, from the jet's exterior and seat backs to the flight attendant's uniforms and even the in-flight food.
Sanrio, a brand featuring nearly 50,000 items sold in 130 countries, signed a licensing agreement with EVA Air to allow for the Hello Kitty partnership.
The upcoming Houston to Taipei service will begin with flights three days a week, jumping to four days beginning in July. The new jet will feature 333 seats, with 39 business class, 56 premium economy and 238 economy.