EVA Air to spend up to US$1.94 billion to add new Boeing aircraft

Taipei, Dec. 27 (CNA) EVA Airways, one of Taiwan's leading international carriers, has decided to spend up to US$1.94 billion to purchase new Boeing aircraft to meet demand for the airline's global expansion and boost its long-term operations.

In a statement, EVA Air said its board of directors approved a plan Friday to spend no more than US$1.94 billion to buy four wide-body Boeing 787-9 planes and extend the lease contracts for four Boeing 777-300ER aircraft it currently operates.

Analysts said Taiwan's main international carriers -- EVA Air, China Airlines and Starlux Airlines -- appear upbeat about not only demand for passenger flights but also for cargo services amid the AI boom as they continue to build up their fleets.

The carriers are also trying to capitalize more on the transit market, looking in particular at passengers seeking to transit from North America or Europe to Southeast Asia and vice-versa.

The board also approved a plan for EVA Air to spend up to US$152 million to upgrade the passenger cabins of six Boeing 777-300ER passenger planes.

EVA Air said the cabin upgrade is scheduled to begin in 2026 and will bring the number of 777-300ER aircraft undergoing upgrades to 20.

The upgrades are aimed at improving the seats in all classes and their in-flight entertainment system and cabin environments, and the number of business class lie-flat seats will be increased.

EVA Air currently has a fleet of 89 planes.

In addition to the four Boeing 787-9s EVA Air is planning to buy, the carrier will take delivery of five Boeing 787-9s and four Boeing 787-10s by 2033, 24 A350-1000s starting in 2027, and 18 A321neo aircraft starting in 2029.