The Airline Continues To Pioneer Change, Setting A New Benchmark For The Industry With Industry-Leading Seat Pitch

EVA Air unveiled its fourth-generation Premium Economy Class seats with an industry-leading seat pitch of 42 inches. It was presented today during the “Focus on Evolution: Taking Off with Heart” launch event at Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corporation’s No. 4 Hangar. Presided over by EVA Air President Clay Sun, the event showcased the airline’s latest seat design. This is the first time the airline has introduced the new Premium Economy Class on the Boeing 787-9, elevating the design concept from an “upgraded economy” standard to a “business-class-like” experience. The airline aims to offer a refined and comfortable cabin experience, strengthening its comprehensive three-class service offerings.

“As the world’s first airline to launch Premium Economy Class, EVA Air has consistently focused on innovation driven by passenger needs and setting industry trends. The fourth-generation seats retain the core philosophy of previous generations while enhancing comfort, fashion, and functionality, showcasing our commitment to service innovation and attention to detail.” Said by EVA Air President Clay Sun. “The Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring the new Premium Economy Class will initially serve the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)-Jakarta (CGK) route, with future deployment on flights from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Munich (MUC), Milan (MXP), direct flights to Vienna (VIE), and on the Day flight to San Francisco (SFO) in the future” he added.

The new Premium Economy Class features 28 seats arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration. The cradle motion recline mechanism allows the seat cushion to slide forward and upward simultaneously, creating a comfortable recline equivalent to 8 inches while preserving space for the passenger behind. Each seat is equipped with the industry-leading 15.6-inch high-resolution widescreen monitors in Premium Economy Class and a multi-function entertainment system controller. The tray table includes a holder for personal devices, and the seats are fitted with 110V AC and USB combo power outlets to meet modern passengers’ diverse needs.

The new design emphasizes enhanced privacy with side privacy panels on the headrests and built-in reading lights. The headrests, armrests, and footrests are upholstered in premium leather, delivering a luxurious and comfortable experience. Ample storage spaces in the armrests, seatback compartments, and dedicated bottle holders make it convenient for passengers to store and access personal items. A wheelchair-accessible armrest on aisle seats ensures that flight attendants can assist passengers with special needs.

EVA Air was the first airline to introduce Premium Economy Class, then known as Evergreen Deluxe Class, in 1992. This innovative addition revolutionized cabin services by offering a new class between Economy and Business and reshaping the industry landscape. The seats featured a 38-inch pitch, significantly larger than standard Economy Class, and were the first to come equipped with personal TV systems. EVA Air’s continued enhancements to Premium Economy Class have earned numerous accolades from Skytrax, including awards for “World’s Best Premium Economy Class Airlines,” “World’s Best Premium Economy Class Airline Catering, ” and “Best Premium Economy Class Airline Seats.”

EVA Air is enhancing its service with a new collaboration with the renowned British brand HUNTER. Passengers in Premium Economy Class on long-haul routes to the U.S., Canada, and Europe departing from Taipei will receive an olive-green amenity kit, while return flights offer an oatmeal brown version. The stylish, outdoor-functional design includes a detachable strap for versatile wear and comes with HUNTER-brand lotion and lip balm for a refreshing long-haul skincare experience.

EVA Air continues prioritizing high-quality and environmentally friendly service items, including pillows and double-sided blankets for superior comfort, exclusive high-quality headphones, and customized tableware created in collaboration with Italy’s century-old brand, Guzzini. Bamboo fiber eco-friendly napkins further demonstrate EVA Air’s commitment to sustainability. The premium service lineup also features Royal Laurel Class toiletries, deep gray velvet slippers, and gourmet mixed nuts and dried fruits to elevate the passenger experience.

The newly delivered Boeing 787-9 aircraft (Registration No. B-17887) features Royal Laurel Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class. All future Boeing 787-9 will follow this three-class configuration. During its ferry flight to Taiwan, the new aircraft operated with a 30% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), reducing approximately 63,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions, showcasing EVA Air’s dedication to environmental sustainability.

EVA Air will continue to optimize its fleet and enhance service quality by introducing eight more Boeing 787-9s (three-class configuration) and five Boeing 787-10s (two-class configuration) by 2029. Additionally, the airline plans to introduce 18 A350-1000 wide-body aircraft starting in 2027 and 15 A321neo narrow-body aircraft starting in 2029.

About EVA Air:
A Star Alliance member, EVA Air was founded in 1989 as Taiwan’s first privately owned international airline. It is a sister company to global container-shipping leader Evergreen Line. It flies a fleet of more than 80 Boeing and Airbus aircraft to around 60 international destinations throughout Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America, with gateways in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver. Travelers can learn more about EVA and schedules, book, and buy tickets at www.evaair.com.

EVA Air ranks seventh among AirlineRatings.com’s “Top 25 Safest Full-Service Airlines for 2025”. This marks the airline’s twelfth consecutive year of earning a place among the website’s global ratings for the safest airlines worldwide. The website’s comprehensive safety-rating factors include audits from aviation’s governing and industry bodies, government reviews, the airline’s crash and serious incident record, profitability, industry-leading safety initiatives, and fleet age.
Since its founding in 1989, EVA Air has maintained an impeccable safety record with no major accidents. From the beginning, the airline has consistently prioritized flight safety and exceptional service, earning awards and accolades from organizations around the globe year after year.

“EVA Air has been renowned in the industry for its excellent flight safety record,” said EVA President Clay Sun. “This award provides great encouragement and is an honor for every employee. We will continue to uphold the highest flight safety standards, ensuring strict adherence to regulations and procedures across all aspects of flight operations, cabin service, maintenance, and ground handling. This commitment guarantees our passengers enjoy a comfortable and secure flying experience when choosing EVA Air.”

The results of the safety evaluation not only affirm EVA Air’s efforts in flight safety but also encourage all employees of EVA Air to continue to uphold the highest standards, forge ahead, and continue to move towards the goal of being the safest airline in the world. The airline continues to upgrade and improve its services; these efforts and investments are part of EVA’s commitment to making passengers’ flying experiences more comfortable and enjoyable. Travelers can learn more about EVA’s award-winning services, its global route system and book flights at www.evaair.com.

About EVA Air:
A Star Alliance member, EVA Air was founded in 1989 as Taiwan’s first privately owned international airline. It is a sister company to global container-shipping leader Evergreen Line. It flies a fleet of more than 80 Boeing and Airbus aircraft to around 60 international destinations throughout Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America, with gateways in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver. Travelers can learn more about EVA and schedules, book, and buy tickets at www.evaair.com.

EVA Air and Airbus have embarked on a collaborative effort aimed at increasing SAF development and adoption in the airline’s operations.

The announcement was made during a ceremony in Taipei to celebrate EVA Air’s order of 18 long-range A350-1000 and 15 single-aisle A321neo aircraft, in the presence of EVA Air President Clay Sun, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft Christian Scherer, Taiwan Civil Aviation Administration Director-General Ho Shu-Ping, European trade office representatives, and guests from the Taiwanese travel and cargo industries.

Recognising SAF as a critical pathway to the decarbonisation of the aviation industry, and a key contributor to reaching the Net Zero 2050 target, the joint agreement lays the foundation for the two companies to explore over the next 24 months avenues for decarbonisation within EVA Air’s operations, prepare the ecosystem for sustainable aviation fuel adoption and ensure infrastructure readiness.

“Fuel efficiency, carbon reduction and cabin comfort have become major considerations for airline fleet modernisation, and EVA Air’s announcement late last year to introduce the 33 latest-generation Airbus aircraft underlines our plans to meet future demand. Both companies are working closely in a strategic partnership to promote the use of sustainable aviation fuel and explore more innovative technologies and operational optimisation solutions. These efforts will ensure that we can steadily move towards a Net Zero future,” said Clay Sun, President, EVA Air.

“The aircraft orders we celebrate today elevate the partnership we have with EVA Air to a whole new level. The A350-1000 is the undisputed choice in the large capacity intercontinental segment, with unmatched passenger comfort and an environmental signature superior to any aircraft in its class, present or planned. This allows EVA Air to set new standards for its long-haul operations. In alignment with Airbus’ ambition to decarbonise aviation, we are also deepening our collaboration to explore ways for EVA Air to reduce carbon emissions across its operations and prepare for the future adoption of SAF,” said Christian Scherer, CEO, Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

Working closely with EVA Air, Airbus will analyse potential contributions of various measures based on current and future routes, as well as operational practices. The two parties will also study the required measures to prepare for the uptake of SAF on commercial flights, establish procurement processes, manage SAF certification, as well as promote awareness on regular SAF usage.

EVA Air has joined other Asian carriers in committing to the Net Zero 2050 target. This regional commitment aligns with global efforts to reduce aviation’s environmental impact. Taiwan’s aviation industry has also been working to reduce its carbon footprint, with initiatives such as the use of SAF and the adoption of new aircraft technologies.

EVA Air’s recent investment in the latest generation of Airbus aircraft as part of its fleet modernisation programme illustrates its commitment to operating the most efficient aircraft and offering the best passenger comfort. The new fleet will enable an immediate reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions of up to 25% as compared to previous generation aircraft.

EVA Air has already demonstrated its leadership with SAF adoption in August 2023 when the carrier performed its first passenger flight from Haneda Airport to Songshan Airport using 40% SAF blend.

The Taiwanese airline has launched several operations improvement programmes, including low-drag approach, continuous descent operations and flexible loading of portable water. The carrier has also implemented near-term initiatives including a carbon offset programme which allows passengers to offer their carbon emissions by contributing to various environmental projects.

As a major lever in the journey towards the decarbonisation of the aerospace industry, SAF brings an average 80% reduction in carbon emissions over the life cycle compared with fossil fuels, from production to end use. All Airbus aircraft are already able to operate with up to 50% SAF. Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with up to 100% SAF by 2030.

Caption 1: EVA Air and Airbus celebrated the upcoming introduction of 33 new generation aircraft at today’s “Towards Decarbonised Aviation” event. EVA Air President Clay Sun and Airbus CEO Christian Scherer co-hosted the event, and Civil Aeronautics Administration Director General Shu-Ping Ho was also in attendance.

Caption2: EVA Air President Clay Sun (left) presented a liuli art piece named “In Unity” to Airbus CEO Christian Scherer (right), symbolizing the boundless development of partnership. The figure-eight shape represents infinite possibilities and the spirit of working together, leading to a smooth and successful partnership in the future.

Caption 3: Airbus Executive Vice President Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry (right) presented an A321neo aircraft model to EVA Air Corporate Planning Division Executive Vice President Albert Liao (left), symbolizing the partnership between the two companies to provide passengers with a more comfortable flying experience. The 15 ordered aircraft are scheduled to be introduced starting in 2029, gradually replacing the existing A321-200 fleet.

Caption 4: Airbus CEO Christian Scherer (right) presented an A350-1000 model to EVA Air President Clay Sun (left), symbolizing the successful partnership and the joint commitment to sustainable aviation. This record-breaking order in Taiwan demonstrates EVA Air’s ongoing drive for excellence. The 18 aircraft are scheduled to be introduced starting in the first quarter of 2027, gradually replacing some older Boeing 777-300ERs to meet operational and expansion needs.

Caption 5: EVA Air President Clay Sun (third from left), Executive Vice President Albert Liao (second from left), Airbus CEO Christian Scherer (third from right), and Airbus Executive Vice President Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry (second from right) came together to celebrate the upcoming introduction of 33 new-generation aircraft. This significant investment will not only enhance operational efficiency but also provide passengers with a more comfortable flying experience.

Caption 6: EVA Air and Airbus have taken a significant step towards a more sustainable future with the signing of a “Towards Decarbonised Aviation” agreement by EVA Air President Clay Sun (left) and Airbus CEO Christian Scherer (right). The agreement will see the two companies working together to explore decarbonization options and prepare for the use of SAF, solidifying their strategic partnership.

Caption 7: EVA Air and Airbus shared their plans to achieve 2050 net-zero carbon emissions at the “Towards Decarbonised Aviation” event. Their strategies include introducing new-generation aircraft, using SAF, and optimizing operations.