EVA Air plans to invest in the interiors of its Boeing 777s, but we’ll have to be patient (thanks to Daniel for flagging this).
In this post:
EVA Air introducing new 777-300ER cabins in 2026
In an announcement posted to the Taiwan Stock Exchange this week, Star Alliance carrier EVA Air has unveiled plans to spend $354 million updating the interiors of some of its Boeing 777-300ERs:
- While EVA Air currently has 34 Boeing 777s, the airline will only be upgrading its 14 newest 777s, all of which were delivered in 2016 or later; EVA Air started taking delivery of 777s in 2006, so the older planes will eventually be retired
- The aircraft upgrades will start in 2026, so unfortunately we have to be patient, as it will be a few more years before any changes are made
- Once this work is performed, EVA Air plans to introduce new seats, better inflight entertainment, and update the overall design of the cabin, though there are no exactly details beyond that
- EVA Air also plans to increase the number of business class seats (known as Royal Laurel Class) on 777s, though only time will tell if that comes at the expense of economy or premium economy seats; currently most EVA Air 777s have 39 business class seats
I just recently reviewed EVA Air’s Boeing 777 business class. It was a fantastic flight, as EVA Air offers one of the world’s best business class experiences, with amazing food, drinks, amenities, and service. EVA Air’s 777s have older generation reverse herringbone seats, so at this point could definitely use an upgrade.
What should we expect from EVA Air’s new 777 business class?
Currently EVA Air’s long haul fleet consists of Boeing 777s and Boeing 787s, with the 787s having a more modern business class. My read on the situation isn’t that EVA Air will simply install its 787 business class on 777s, though. Rather, I suspect the (delayed) timing here is no coincidence.
EVA Air recently placed an order for 18 Airbus A350-1000s, which will eventually become the carrier’s flagship aircraft. EVA Air is expected to take delivery of its first A350 in the first half of 2026. I’d be willing to bet that EVA Air is currently designing its new passenger experience for the A350, and that’s exactly what will be retrofitted on 777s as well.
So while my impatience makes me frustrated about having to wait three years, I can appreciate that designing a world-class product doesn’t happen overnight, and I imagine that’s exactly what EVA Air is doing here. The airline could probably install the same product it has on 787s much faster, but instead, I think the airline is going to one-up that. At least that’s my hope…
Bottom line
EVA Air has announced plans to refresh its Boeing 777 cabins. In 2026, the airline will refresh the cabins of its 14 newest 777s, which are still quite young. 2026 is also the year where EVA Air will take delivery of its first A350, so I imagine the airline will align products between airplanes.
EVA Air offers an amazing business class experience, and I can’t wait to see the new hard product that the company introduces…
What are you expecting from EVA Air’s new Boeing 777 cabins?
Eva air really needs a rebrand with that old livery it seems like the airline is still in the 90's or 80's.
I guess that means Air China's livery is from the 1700s then.
I have loved their 787 seat since it was launched! It’s so comfortable and beautiful. It will be a pity not to install a wider version of this on the 777
Welcome news. Eva is still my favorite way to cross the Pacific in business but the ife could certainly use an upgrade. Compared to starlux Eva's screens are really lacking. But with the combination of service, food and a comfortable bed EVA is still competitive IMO
I think EVA Air should get the Concorde. It would be great for transpacific flights. SFO-TPE in 6 hours.
Looking forward to their new business seats. I do hope EVA retains 3-3-3 in economy as part of their 773 fleet currently has.
At least they won’t show the cabin too early
Love this take on BR, but... another post Ben that wasn't prefaced with your admission of being an AVgeek?? You're an airline geek. ALgeek. It's not AV that you're tied into. There's a difference that we care about, in a strange kind of way. You are them, we are us... that kind of thing. Don't mean any harm to you and your ways, but it's different.
BR investors relation PR states that they will sign with both Safran Seats and Recaro Aircraft Seating which may give you some ideas on future 77W and A350-1000 biz suite types.
It really doesn't matter how wonderful the seats are if there is no availability.
Over 10 years of trying have only been able to score one flight on EVA Business from JNB to YVR via TPE.
I’m not complaining. I love the EVA Royal Laurel product. I couldn’t agree with the review more. I don’t even mind this seat for several more years. If I have to connect in Asia, I have started to be loyal to EVA. I used to fly Singapore but I think EVA is nicer and Taipei is more fun than Singapore any day of the week if you have a drawn out layover.
They'll have to update to compete with StarLux, Cathay's apparently soon-to-come new J seat, and even China Airlines, which I'd say today, is visually more appealing and they offer a better lounge experience. Glad to see the hard product will be upgrade to fit the soft.
The wait isn't too bad, will probably still beat Lufthansa's Allegris by a year or two at least.
The supply chain makes it no faster to retrofit aircrafts than it does to order a new plane. The same seat manufacturers build interiors for new or retrofitted cabins.
Eva might be announcing the timeline for their planned retrofits but some airlines don't announce their timeline or plans not only because there is no certainty of anything that is planned 2+ years down the road but also because competitors might be able to gain...
The supply chain makes it no faster to retrofit aircrafts than it does to order a new plane. The same seat manufacturers build interiors for new or retrofitted cabins.
Eva might be announcing the timeline for their planned retrofits but some airlines don't announce their timeline or plans not only because there is no certainty of anything that is planned 2+ years down the road but also because competitors might be able to gain information about a retrofit or change their strategies.
Good for Eva but not a surprise on the timeline.
A more posh reverse herringbone akin to CXs Aria Suites?