EVA Air Orders Airbus A350-1000s & A321neos

In November 2023, EVA Air revealed its intentions to order two kinds of new jets from Airbus, which is pretty exciting. There’s now an update, as this order has been finalized.

EVA Air orders 33 Airbus jets for fleet renewal

Taiwanese Star Alliance carrier EVA Air has placed an order for 33 Airbus jets, including 18 A350-1000s and 15 A321neos. This deal is worth $10.1 billion at list prices, though airlines never pay anywhere close to list prices.

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In terms of the basics of these aircraft and the delivery timeline:

• EVA Air will start taking delivery of Airbus A350-1000s as of the middle of 2026; this is the largest variant of the A350, and there’s not another certified wide body aircraft that offers this level of range, passenger capacity, and economics
• EVA Air hasn’t confirmed when it will start taking delivery of Airbus A321neos; this is one of the most fuel efficient narrow body aircraft out there, combining great range and economics, as it’s an update to the previous generation version of this aircraft, the A321ceo

Here’s how EVA Air President Clay Sun describes the order:

“We have selected the Airbus aircraft following a thorough evaluation of the various models in each market segment. In both size categories we have selected the most modern and fuel efficient types, that offer the highest levels of passenger comfort. The aircraft also bring significant reductions in carbon emissions, which is in line with our company’s sustainability goals. For long-range operations the A350-1000 sets new standards in its class and will allow us to offer our passengers the best possible in-flight experience.”

How these planes fit into EVA Air’s fleet

EVA Air currently has the following fleet, consisting of 77 jets, with an additional 12 on order (prior to this latest order):

• EVA Air has 18 Airbus A321s, which are an average of nine years old
• EVA Air has 12 Airbus A330s (-200s and -300s), which are an average of 11 years old
• EVA Air has 13 Boeing 787s (-9s and -10s), which are an average of three years old, with a further 12 of these jets on order
• EVA Air has 34 Boeing 777-300ERs, which are an average of nine years old

How do these new aircraft fit into EVA Air’s fleet?

• EVA Air intends to use the A321neos primarily to replace existing A321s, though those planes are still quite modern, at an average of just under a decade old; then again, the delivery timeline on those planes remains to be seen
• The A350-1000s will become EVA Air’s new flagship aircraft, and will be used for service to key destinations, like Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and more
• The A350-1000s will be used to replace 777s that were delivered prior to 2016; the 777s delivered in 2016 and beyond are getting brand new cabins as of 2026, and I imagine these will match the new A350 interiors
• This is a big win for Airbus, given that EVA Air has historically used Boeing aircraft for all of its long haul flights; maybe the 777X would’ve had a chance if it weren’t delayed by years, but really, the Airbus A350-1000 was the logical option, given the range EVA Air needs (which the 787-10 doesn’t offer)
• While EVA Air has a very modern fleet, it seems like what’s most in need of replacing are the A330s, which are used for high demand regional routes; an A330-900neo order seems to make the most sense there, or perhaps EVA Air will just boost its Boeing 787 order eventually (China Airlines is replacing its regional A330s with 787s)
• EVA Air offers one of the world’s best business class experiences, and I can’t wait for the airline to take that to the next level with the A350, as I’m sure the airline will introduce a spectacular new cabin product

Bottom line

EVA Air has placed an order for 33 Airbus jets, including 18 A350-1000s and 15 A321neos. The airline will use the A350-1000s as its new flagship aircraft, to replace older Boeing 777-300ERs, with the first delivery planned for 2026. Meanwhile EVA Air will use A321neos to replace older A321s.

EVA Air is already a spectacular carrier, and I can’t wait for the airline to take this to the next level with the A350-1000!

What do you make of EVA Air’s Airbus order?