'Purrfect' travel option? Hello Kitty flights launching in Singapore

You’ve queued up for the figurines at McDonald's, bought all the stationary, even visited the theme parks in Japan - so what’s left to buy when you already have tonnes of Hello Kitty merchandise?

How about a ride onboard a Hello Kitty plane with EVA Air? The Taiwanese airline is launching nine Hello Kitty chartered flights from Singapore to Taipei this December for the first time; and you can finally get yourself a seat on one them.

The airline introduced its Hello Kitty flights back in 2005 and has flown these planes from Taiwan to Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, China, Guam and the United States. Each Hello Kitty flight is a full-on session to indulge your inner Hello Kitty freak — from a Hello Kitty boarding pass and baggage stickers when you first check in, to limited edition Hello Kitty duty-free products available on board.



Besides Hello Kitty-shaped food and pillows, the experience even extends to your private business: “Visits to the restroom will guarantee a unique Hello Kitty experience with hand-washing liquid, hand lotion, tissues and even toilet rolls,” ran the official statement.

The nine departure dates for the Hello Kitty flights are Dec 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20. Tickets are sold exclusively at the following agents: Chan Brothers Travel, CS Travel, CTC Travel, Dynasty Travel, Green Holidays and New Shan Travel.

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Taiwan's EVA Air joins world's biggest air alliance

Taiwan's EVA Airways on Tuesday joined Star Alliance, the world's biggest airline grouping, in a move that could give it an edge over regional rivals like China Airlines.

"EVA Air has successfully completed all joining requirements and I can confirm that our chief executive board has now unanimously accepted EVA Air into our alliance," Star Alliance CEO Mark Schwab announced at a ceremony in the north of the island.

The move could see an increase in the carrier's occupancy rate by up to three percentage points, according to chairman Chang Kuo-wei, as passengers benefit from greater integration with leading airlines.

It took EVA Air a year and half to meet the alliance requirements, foremost the adjustment of its computer systems that will enable passengers to use air miles earned through other alliance members.

In March last year, an EVA executive said joining the grouping would give the carrier an advantage over China Airlines which belongs to the smaller Sky Team.

EVA, Taiwan's second largest airline, becomes the 28th member of the Star Alliance, which also includes carriers such as Lufthansa, Thai Airways International, United Airlines and Air Canada.

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Important strategy to widen its coverage and fight against the stronger China Airlines.