Boeing and Taiwanese carrier EVA Air today finalised an order for five additional 787-9 Dreamliners, a repeat order for Boeing’s widebody jet.
EVA Air’s follow-on investment in the 787 will enable the airline to further reduce carbon emissions and sustainably grow its fleet.
The deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2027. And, starting in mid-2024, EVA Air will update and reconfigure its current 787-9s to add its popular premium economy class to the Royal Laurel business class and standard economy options now available on the aircraft.
“Our 787 fleet has become the foundation of our carbon-neutral growth strategy and we will continue to leverage this airplane’s unrivalled efficiency and performance for many years to come,” said Clay Sun, president of Star Alliance member EVA Air.
Built with lightweight composite materials and powered by advanced GEnx engines, the 787-9 will provide the premium airline with increased capacity, greater range and 25 per cent better fuel efficiency compared to earlier-generation jets. EVA Air’s 787 fleet has provided the airline with added flexibility on long-haul routes to North America, Europe and within Asia.
“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,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “With additional Dreamliners, EVA Air is well positioned for growth, especially as passenger traffic returns to pre-pandemic levels in Asia.”
The Taipei-based airline currently operates a fleet of 10 787s, including four 787-9s and six 787-10s.
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 aircraft, including passenger and freighter models, with one additional 777 freighter on order.
