50 Facts About Eva Air

The Beginnings of Eva Air

Eva Air, also known as Evergreen Airways, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1989. This Taiwanese airline has grown into a global leader in air travel, known for its exceptional service and modern fleet.

1. Founding Year: Eva Air was founded in 1989 by Group Chairman YF Chang, aiming to build a world-class airline.
2. Initial Operations: The airline was registered on April 7, 1989, and immediately began preparing for flight operations.
3. First Flight Route: Eva Air launched its first direct flight route between Kaohsiung and Hong Kong, fully deploying the Hong Kong and Macau markets.

Achievements and Recognitions

Eva Air has received numerous awards and recognitions over the years, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier airline.

4. 5-Star Airline Rating: Eva Air is rated as a 5-Star Airline by SKYTRAX, placing it among the world's best airlines.
5. Global Network: The airline serves a global network connecting Asia and Mainland China to Europe, North America, and Oceania, linking more than 60 major business and tourist destinations.
6. Star Alliance Membership: Eva Air is a member of Star Alliance, providing passengers access to over 1300 destinations in more than 190 countries.

Fleet and Innovations

Eva Air continually modernizes its fleet to ensure efficiency and passenger comfort.

7. Fleet Modernization: Eva Air operates a fleet of more than 80 Boeing and Airbus aircraft, with many being among the youngest in the industry.
8. Dreamliner Fleet: The airline is adding 24 Boeing 787 Dreamliners to its fleet, aiming for a complete Dreamliner fleet by 2022.
9. Fuel Efficiency: The 787 Dreamliners are equipped with GE’s advanced GEnx engines, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 20%.

Unique Offerings

Eva Air stands out with its unique offerings, including themed flights and special partnerships.

10. Hello Kitty Flights: Eva Air offers ‘Hello Kitty’ flights with special-themed liveries and amenities, creating a unique travel experience.
11. Partnership with Sanrio: The partnership between Eva Air and Sanrio began in 2005, offering a complete Hello Kitty experience on its flights.
12. Unique Liveries: Eva Air operates Hello Kitty flights on Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 aircraft featuring various Sanrio characters.

Routes and Services

Eva Air continually expands its routes and enhances its services to meet passenger needs.

13. Hello Kitty Routes: Historically, Eva Air offered Hello Kitty flights on several routes from Taipei to destinations like Seoul, Los Angeles, Singapore, and Houston. Currently, it operates three Hello Kitty routes from Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei, including Sapporo, Bali, and Chicago.
14. Themed Amenities: The airline enhances the Hello Kitty experience with themed amenities, including custom check-in areas, Hello Kitty boarding passes, and special aprons for cabin crew.
15. Awards and Recognition: Eva Air has earned SKYTRAX 5-Star Airline certification every year since 2016 and has been recognized by Travel + Leisure and TripAdvisor.

Safety and Sustainability

Safety and sustainability are core values for Eva Air, reflected in its operations and initiatives.

16. AirlineRatings Recognition: Eva Air is consistently ranked among the 20 Top Airlines in the World and recognized for its safety.
17. Travel + Leisure Recognition: Eva Air was listed 10th of 2023 “World's Best International Airlines” on Travel+Leisure Magazine.
18. Condé Nast Traveler’s Recognition: Eva Air was rated 8th among “The best airlines for food” and “Best International Airlines in North America” by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers.

Recent Developments

Eva Air continues to innovate and expand, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the aviation industry.

19. World Travel Awards: Eva Air was recognized as “Asia’s Leading Airline – Premium Economy Class 2023” by World Travel Awards.
20. Sports Activist Awards: Eva Air received the “Sports Activist Awards” – Sponsorship Award Gold Class, the only airline receiving this award domestically.
21. ESG Environmental Innovative Design Competition: Eva Air launched the world’s first “EVA Air ESG Environmental Innovative Design Competition” with Chung Yuan Christian University.

Technological Advancements

Eva Air leverages technology to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency.

22. e-Library Launch: Eva Air launched an e-Library with digital books and magazines for inflight reading, the first airline in Taiwan to offer this service.
23. Freighter Services: Eva Air launched direct flight routes between Taipei to Clark and Toronto for freighter destinations, becoming the only airline in Taiwan to provide freighter services to Toronto.
24. Boeing 777-300ER Conversion: Eva Air signed with Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) for the conversion of three Boeing 777-300ER from passenger to freighter configuration starting from 2025.

Expanding Horizons

Eva Air continues to expand its reach and improve its services to cater to a global audience.

25. Global Passenger Choice Awards: Eva Air was awarded the “Best Overall Airline in Eastern Asia and Best Cabin Service” in the Global Passenger Choice Awards by APEX.
26. Direct Flight Routes: Eva Air launched direct flight routes between Taipei to Milan and Munich, expanding its global reach.
27. Business Class Renovation: Eva Air started renovating its 777-300ER aircraft, placing fully-flat beds in the Business Class, named as “Royal Laurel Class”.

Commitment to Excellence

Eva Air's commitment to excellence is evident in its numerous awards and continuous improvements.

28. Golden Flyer Award: Eva Air was awarded CAA’s 2012 “Golden Flyer Award” for International and Cross-Strait Route Group.
29. Star Alliance Membership: Eva Air became a Star Alliance member in 2013, enhancing its global connectivity.
30. General Aviation Permission: Eva Air acquired general aviation permission, becoming the first airline company to provide periodical flights and business jets services.

Strategic Partnerships

Strategic partnerships have played a crucial role in Eva Air's growth and success.

31. Boeing and Airbus Contracts: Eva Air signed agreements with Boeing to introduce twenty-four 787 Dreamliners and two 777-300ERs, and with Airbus to purchase eighteen A350-1000 and fifteen A321neo aircraft.
32. Richard Teller Crane Founder’s Award: Eva Air received The Richard Teller Crane Founder’s Award from the 60th annual International Air Safety Summit (IASS), the first Asian airline to receive this award.
33. Cross-Strait Charter Flights: Eva Air and UNI Air provided cross-strait charter flights services since July 4, 2008.

Technological Milestones

Eva Air has achieved several technological milestones, enhancing its operational efficiency.

34. e-Freight Airline: Eva Air joined IATA as an e-freight airline with the e-AWB service.
35. Top 100 Brands: Eva Air was selected as “Top 100 Brands” by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).
36. Authorized Economic Operator (AEO): Eva Air was certified as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) by Customs Administration, Ministry of Finance.

Fleet Expansion

Eva Air has continually expanded its fleet to meet growing demand and improve service quality.

37. A330-200 Aircraft Delivery: Eva Air took delivery of its first A330-200 aircraft and introduced a new generation of business class, Premium Laurel Class.
38. Europe Cargo Center Establishment: Eva Air established its Europe Cargo Center.
39. 777-300ER Aircraft Delivery: Eva Air took delivery of the first 777-300ER aircraft (B-16701) in Seattle, U.S.

Operational Enhancements

Eva Air has made several operational enhancements to improve efficiency and passenger experience.

40. Southern China Cargo Center Opening: Eva Air opened its Southern China Cargo Center in Hong Kong.
41. Stock Listing: The company’s stocks were listed for sale in OTC (Over-the-Counter) markets.
42. New Terminal Move: The company moved into a new terminal, enhancing its operational efficiency.

Safety and Quality Certifications

Eva Air's commitment to safety and quality is reflected in its numerous certifications.

43. IOSA Certification: Eva Air received IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification.
44. ISO 9002 Certification: Eva Air achieved simultaneous official ISO 9002 certification in the areas of Passenger, Cargo, and Maintenance Services in 1997.

Pioneering Services

Eva Air has been a pioneer in offering innovative services to its passengers.

45. Premium Economy Class Introduction: Eva Air launched one of the world’s first premium economy cabins in December 1992, featuring a wider 2-4-2 abreast configuration, legrests, individual seatback video, and enhanced meal services.

Growth in the 1990s

The 1990s were a period of significant growth for Eva Air, as it expanded its services and fleet.

46. Expansion in the 1990s: By 1994, Eva Air was providing regular service to 22 destinations worldwide and carrying over 3 million passengers annually. The airline posted its first profit on revenues of US$1.05 billion in 1995, one year ahead of schedule.
47. Cargo Operations: Dedicated EVA Air Cargo operations began in April 1995, with the first weekly McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter flights to Taipei, Singapore, Penang, San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles. The fleet was expanded to five freighters by the end of the year.

Long-Haul Fleet Renewal

Eva Air embarked on its first major long-haul fleet renewal in 2000, ensuring it stayed competitive in the global market.

48. Long-Haul Fleet Renewal: In 2000, Eva Air became one of the launch customers for the Boeing 777-300ER and ordered four aircraft plus eight options. The airline also placed three orders for the Boeing 777-200LR.

Airbus A330 Introduction

In 2001, Eva Air expanded its fleet with the introduction of Airbus A330 aircraft.

49. Airbus A330 Introduction: In January 2001, Eva Air ordered its first Airbus aircraft, the A330-200. The Boeing 777 aircraft were intended for United States and European services, while the Airbus A330 aircraft were intended for regional Asian routes.

Public Stock Offerings

Eva Air began listing public stock offerings in 2001, marking a significant milestone in its growth.

50. Public Stock Offerings: In 2001, Eva Air began listing public stock offerings on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. Initially, one percent of the company’s shares was offered over-the-counter, with one-quarter held by parent company Evergreen Marine Corporation and EVA Air employees, respectively.

Eva Air: A Leader in Aviation Excellence

Eva Air has come a long way since its founding in 1989. Known for its 5-Star Airline rating from SKYTRAX, the airline connects over 60 major destinations worldwide. With a modern fleet, including the fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Eva Air prioritizes sustainability. Unique offerings like Hello Kitty-themed flights and top-notch Premium Economy Class set it apart. Recognized by Travel + Leisure, TripAdvisor, and Condé Nast Traveler, Eva Air consistently ranks among the world's best. Its membership in Star Alliance enhances global connectivity. Eva Air's commitment to safety, innovation, and customer satisfaction makes it a top choice for travelers. From launching an e-Library to receiving numerous awards, Eva Air continues to lead in the aviation industry. Whether for business or leisure, Eva Air offers a reliable and enjoyable flying experience.