EVA Air has just unveiled details of its new premium economy, which will debut on the carrier’s Boeing 787s, as flagged by Sean Cudahy.
EVA Air Boeing 787s finally getting premium economy
In recent years, we’ve seen premium economy become increasingly popular with both airlines and air travelers. This is happening as economy keeps getting less comfortable, while business class gets more comfortable, and some passengers are looking for something in the middle.
Interestingly, EVA Air claims to have been the world’s first airline to launch premium economy, back in 1992, “leading the airline industry and setting the pace for widespread adoption of this innovative cabin.”
There’s one very strange quirk, though — EVA Air doesn’t currently have premium economy on its 787s, even though the planes are primarily used for long haul routes. I’d be fascinated to know the logic for that. Regardless, that will soon be changing, as EVA Air has started reconfiguring its 787-9s with premium economy, with the first aircraft expected to enter service soon. Oddly, 787-10s won’t be reconfigured, and will continue to be delivered without the cabin.
Once reconfigured, EVA Air’s 787-9s will go from having 304 seats (26 business class seats and 278 economy seats) to having 278 seats (26 business class seats, 28 premium economy seats, and 224 economy seats). In other words, the airline is swapping 54 economy seats for 28 premium economy seats. That seems like it’ll be good for yields — rarely are all economy seats full, and on top of that, airlines can generally generate at least twice as much revenue from selling a premium economy ticket vs. an economy ticket.
The first reconfigured Dreamliner is expected to enter service on March 1, 2025, flying between Taipei (TPE) and Jakarta (CGK). Before the end of 2025, we should see premium economy available on 787 routes to Milan (MXP), Munich (MUC), San Francisco (SFO), and Vienna (VIE).
EVA Air’s new premium economy seat is impressive
Not only are EVA Air’s 787s getting premium economy, but the airline is debuting an all-new premium economy seat on these aircraft. EVA Air is introducing one of the industry’s best premium economy seats, featuring 42″ of pitch. The 28 seats are spread across four rows, in a 2-3-2 configuration.
Seats have a cradle design, so that they move forward a bit when reclining. Seats feature 15.6″ personal televisions, charging ports (AC and USB), and more. There’s also added storage, including a personal electronic device holder on the tray table, plus a water bottle holder.
Honestly, this looks like a huge upgrade over EVA Air’s existing premium economy on the 777, which is in a 2-4-2 configuration, with 38″ of pitch and 11″ entertainment monitors. That says nothing of the more modern and stylish look you’ll find on the 787.
You’ve gotta love how competitive aviation in Taiwan is. The fact that there are three global airlines based there means that airlines really have to fight hard to win business. Seeing premium economy with 42″ of pitch almost makes it reminiscent of business class back in the day.
Bottom line
EVA Air is finally adding premium economy to its 787-9 fleet. Given that the airline was the first to introduce premium economy over 30 years ago, it’s interesting that it wasn’t installed on 787s in the first place. What’s even more exciting about this development is that EVA Air is rolling out a brand new premium economy seat, which ups the bar when it comes to spaciousness.
What do you make of EVA Air adding premium economy to 787s, and of the new seat?
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