EVA Air confirms Taiwan's largest ever aircraft order

The deal is for up to 24 B787-10 Dreamliners and two B777-300ER aircraft, and is valued at more than US$8 billion at current list prices. The new aircraft will be a major part of the Taipei-based airline’s strategy to modernise and expand its long-haul fleet, with the overall aim of operating more than 100 aircraft by 2020, up from 64 at present. The new Boeing 787 Dreamliners will be deployed on medium-range and long-haul flights and deployed alongside the 777-300ERs to act as the backbone of EVA’s fleet. “EVA participated in development of the Boeing 777-300ER and became a launch customer in 2005. From that first delivery through today, we operate 22 of these high-performance long-haul aircraft,” said Austin Cheng, the airline’s president.

EVA Air's B777-300ER He continued, “We believe the future of the airline industry will be built on fuel efficiency and cabin comfort. The new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner’s high-fuel efficiency and long-range flying capabilities meets these requirements and our operational needs. These planes will support our growth well into the future.” EVA will become one of the first airlines in the world to operate the B787-10 – the third and longest member of the 787 family. While the configuration of these new aircraft is yet to be decided, the B787-10 is designed to accommodate approximately 330 passengers. EVA currently has 22 777-300ER aircraft in its fleet, an aircraft it configures with either 312 or 333 seats in a three-class layout.

Signing ceremony in Taipei “For many years, EVA Air has been pushing the boundaries of aviation. Ten years ago, EVA was a launch customer for the 777-300ER. With today’s order, Boeing is proud to continue playing an integral role in revolutionising Taiwan’s aviation history as EVA becomes one of the first customers around the world to operate the 787-10,” said Ray Conner, president & CEO of Boeing’s commercial aircraft unit. The 26 new aircraft are scheduled to be delivered between 2017 and 2022. As the new aircraft are delivered, older models will gradually be replaced and more flight frequencies and destinations will be added to the airline’s schedule.