TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — EVA Air unveiled its fourth-generation premium economy class cabin on Monday, featuring an industry-leading 42-inch seat pitch.
EVA Air President Sun Jia-ming (孫嘉明) presided over the launch event at EVA’s No. 4 Hangar. The new Premium Economy Class will debut on the Boeing 787-9, which will serve Jakarta, Munich, Milan, and Vienna, per an EVA Air press release.
The upgraded cabin features 28 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration. The seat cushions slide forward and upward simultaneously, creating a cradle-style recline for enhanced comfort. Each seat is equipped with a 15.6-inch high-definition screen—the largest in its class—along with a multi-function entertainment system controller, 110V AC power outlets, and USB combo sockets.
Sun said travel demand remains strong following the COVID-19 pandemic, citing data from the Civil Aeronautics Administration, which projects 10% passenger growth in recent years. He noted that premium economy class has become a key revenue driver for EVA Air, which offers three service classes: Royal Laurel Class, Premium Economy, and Economy.
EVA Air was the first airline to introduce premium economy in 1992. Sun said the unveiling of the fourth-generation cabin configuration reflects the airline’s commitment to high-end travelers, adding that airfare prices are expected to remain stable.
The airline is also expanding and upgrading its fleet. Sun said EVA Air will receive five or six new aircraft this year, with eight Boeing 787-9s (offering three classes of service) and Boeing 787-10s (offering two classes) arriving before 2029. Additionally, 16 Boeing 777-300ERs will undergo modifications starting next year.
Looking ahead, EVA Air plans to introduce 18 Airbus A350-1000 wide-body aircraft starting in 2027 and 15 A321 Neo narrow-body aircraft from 2029.
EVA Air also emphasized its commitment to sustainability and its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions. The Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring the new premium economy class was fueled with a 30% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), reducing carbon emissions by approximately 63,000 kilograms on its journey to Taiwan.
