EVA Air announces new business suites, aims for a Boeing 777 cabin upgrade — and expansion to three new U.S. cities
Taiwan's EVA Air is set to introduce suite-style business-class seating on many of its wide-body jets. Concurrently, the airline is planning to expand its services to three additional U.S. cities.
EVA, based in Taipei, is collaborating with its suppliers to create a fresh design for its Royal Laurel class, executives revealed to TPG last week—just before the airline launched its newest Hello Kitty-themed aircraft at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
The new Royal Laurel suites — poised to be the flagship offering for an airline renowned for its premium services — will feature prominently on its new Airbus A350-1000 jets. Earlier this year, the airline placed an order for 18 of these jets, with options for six more.
EVA also intends to retrofit more than a dozen of its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with these suites as part of a comprehensive cabin upgrade for a segment of its wide-body fleet. The airline has a total of 33 of these aircraft, but only a select few will undergo retrofitting.
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While the suite is still under development, passengers can look forward to another upgrade on some EVA flights even sooner: Premium economy will start to roll out on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner by the end of this year.
SEAN CUDAHY/DinogoEVA Air's Royal Laurel suites in the works
It’s still too early to provide specific details about the upcoming Royal Laurel suites; the design is currently in development, as EVA's executive vice president and head of North American operations, Andrew Su, shared in a recent interview with TPG in Chicago.
A vision is beginning to take form, starting with enhanced privacy and upgraded technology.
"Perhaps we will shift to 4K for inflight entertainment, incorporating Bluetooth and wireless charging," Su mentioned, adding that the aircraft will definitely feature the latest generation of Wi-Fi service as well.
Passengers can anticipate greater comfort and personal space, complemented by adjustable privacy panels and ample built-in storage, according to information shared with TPG by the company.
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Regardless of the final appearance, the transition to true suites is likely to help EVA maintain its competitiveness against global rivals at a time when private, enclosed suites in business-class cabins are gaining popularity among airlines. This trend shows no signs of slowing down, as evidenced by the numerous luxurious designs I encountered at an industry event this spring in Germany.
Plans for 777 cabin upgrades
EVA's vision for an enhanced cabin experience extends well beyond its new A350-1000 jets, which the airline is scheduled to receive between 2026 and 2030.
The airline is also planning a comprehensive interior renovation for 14 of its Boeing 777 aircraft, specifically focusing on its newer 777s that are under 10 years old, which it anticipates will remain in its fleet for many years ahead.
"Every seat will be replaced," EVA president Clay Sun shared with TPG. "We are revamping the entire cabin, encompassing business class, premium economy, and economy sections."
ZACH GRIFF/DinogoExecutives indicated that this includes the upcoming business suite concept and a commitment to providing passengers with a cabin experience aligned with that of its future A350s.
"We will ensure that our customers enjoy a very comfortable and consistent service throughout their journey, whether on the 777 or the future A350," Su stated.
Timeline remains uncertain
When might passengers expect to see these upgrades?
Executives mentioned it's still too early to provide a timeline due to supply chain disruptions impacting the entire aerospace sector.
"We are urging the seat manufacturers quite forcefully, insisting, 'You must deliver,'" Sun remarked. "I believe every airline is facing the same challenge right now."
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Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to feature premium economy
As part of reimagining its cabins, EVA also intends to alter the configuration of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet.
Given that EVA claims to have been the first airline to introduce a premium economy cabin back in 1992 — well before this mid-tier class was adopted by most major global airlines — it’s surprising that the airline’s 787-9s have, until now, lacked the "Premium Laurel" offering.
But that's about to change.
SEAN CUDAHY/DinogoEach of EVA's nine upcoming 787-9 Dreamliners set for delivery in the coming years will feature a three-cabin configuration, including premium economy, according to Su. This includes two 787-9s expected to be delivered by the end of this year.
EVA also plans to eventually retrofit its four current 787-9s with a premium economy cabin, Su noted.
EVA targets three new US gateways
As EVA continues to expand and upgrade its fleet, the airline is looking into new potential U.S. gateways for direct flights from Taipei.
Executives have confirmed that EVA is considering three additional U.S. airports: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Royal Laurel cabin on a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner. MATT MOFFITT/DinogoBy adding these three cities, the airline would have a total of nine U.S. routes. Currently, EVA serves Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles on the West Coast, along with Houston, Chicago, and New York City.
It's also probable that some of EVA's current or future U.S. routes could benefit from service using its new A350-1000. With a range exceeding 8,000 nautical miles, the jet is well-suited for routes to the U.S. East Coast, Su mentioned.
Intensified competition
EVA's modifications come at a time when the airline is facing heightened competition from Starlux Airlines, another Taipei-based carrier that positions itself as Taiwan's premium airline.
SEAN CUDAHY/DinogoNonetheless, EVA executives believe the 35-year-old airline's heritage, extensive network, and membership in the Star Alliance provide crucial advantages to fend off emerging rivals.
"Competition is always present," Sun remarked. "However, you just need to ensure you're strong enough and not fear any competition."
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