Industry EVA Air takes delivery of first 787-9 Dreamliner

With the delivery, the carrier has become Taiwan´s first operator to fly the 787. The aircraft was acquired via lease from ALC and has been officially delivered over the course of a ceremony, held at Boeing´s South Carolina Delivery Center.

Over the coming years, EVA Air is planning to receive 24 787s in total. Back in 2015, the airline announced the order for 18 787-10 aircraft. In addition, the carrier stated that it will lease four 787-9s and two 787-10s from ALC. According to Boeing, the purchase agreement is still the largest commercial aircraft purchase in Taiwan´s aviation history.

The new 787-9 can accommodate 304 passengers in a two-class configuration. 28 passengers can be seated in business class and 276 in economy class. In business class, EVA Air has worked together with BWM. Designworks, a BMW Group company, designed the Royal Laurel business class seats. The Recaro economy class seats have been designed by Teague.

Steve Lin, Chairman of EVA Air said: "This milestone delivery marks the beginning of a new era for EVA Air as we continue to revolutionize Taiwan's dynamic commercial aviation industry [...] The 787 Dreamliner's extraordinary efficiency and passenger-pleasing cabin features will further elevate EVA Air's position as a five-star global airline. We are excited to introduce the 787 into our fleet and they will play an integral role in our success going forward."

Kevin McAllister, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes added: "We are extremely honoured that EVA will be introducing the new 787 Dreamliner to their world-class fleet [...] This milestone delivery signals yet another chapter in our enduring partnership with EVA. I am confident that the market-leading capabilities of the 787 will contribute immensely to the airline's long-term success."

According to the manufacturer, EVA Air will use Boeing Global Services tools like a maintenance performance toolbox, airplane health management and the electronic flight bag product.

EVA Air is a Taiwanese international airline, based at Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei. The carrier is a member of the Star Alliance and was initially founded in March 1989. Two years later, the carrier commenced operations. The current fleet consists of 22 Airbus A321s, 12 A330s, three Boeing 747-400s, 36 B777s and one B787-9.