It’s been reported for some time, but it seems signatures have been put onto parchment, with Boeing and EVA Air finalising an order for five additional 787-9 Dreamliners.
The five 787-9’s will be a follow-on order, with the airline using them to sustainably grow its fleet. The additional aircraft will provide the airline with increased capacity, greater range and 25% better fuel efficiency compared to earlier-generation jets.
EVA Air’s 787 fleet provides the airline with added flexibility on long-haul routes to North America, Europe and Asia. Like the rest of the EVA Air fleet, these will be configured with GEnx engines.
The Taipei-based airline currently operates a fleet of 10 787s, including four 787-9s and six 787-10s. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2027.
With this new order, EVA Air has unfilled orders for seven 787-10s and nine 787-9s. EVA Air also operates one of the world’s largest 777 fleets with more than 40 airplanes, including passenger and freighter models, with one 777 Freighter on order.
In Quotes
Clay Sun, President of EVA Air, said
“Our 787 fleet has become the foundation of our carbon-neutral growth strategy and we will continue to leverage this airplane’s unrivaled efficiency and performance for many years to come,”
“This new order supports our ongoing commitment to operate a more sustainable fleet that will enable us to reduce carbon emissions, while providing our passengers with world-class service.”
>tan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes added
“EVA Air operates one of the most efficient and sustainable widebody fleets in the world, with repeat orders for the 787 serving as a testament to the value this family of airplanes brings to its network,”
“With additional Dreamliners, EVA Air is well positioned for growth, especially as passenger traffic returns to pre-pandemic levels in Asia.”
Further passenger experience changes too
There is further fleet reconfiguration ahead for the airline – even as these aircraft enter the order books. Starting in mid-2024, EVA will update and reconfigure its existing Boeing 787-9s to add its Premium Economy Class to the Royal Laurel and Economy options now available on the aircraft.
The importance of Premium Economy is that middle point between Business class and economy which is popular with passengers who want extra comfort and space – but don’t need the flatbed seat, it will be a welcome thing to see aboard for the long flights these 787-9s will be doing.
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