EVA Air Takes Delivery of First Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

EVA Air has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

On lease from Air Lease Corp. (ALC), the Taiwan-based airline plans to debut the long-range airplane on international routes in November.

"This milestone delivery marks the beginning of a new era for EVA Air as we continue to revolutionize Taiwan's dynamic commercial aviation industry," said Steve Lin, Chairman of EVA Air. "The 787 Dreamliner's extraordinary efficiency and passenger pleasing cabin features will further elevate EVA Air's position as a five-star global airline. We are excited to introduce the 787 into our fleet and they will play an integral role in our success going forward."

This delivery marks the first of 24 Dreamliners for the Taipei-based airline. In 2015, EVA Air announced a landmark order for 18 Boeing 787-10 airplanes along with plans to operate four 787-9s and two 787-10s on lease from ALC.

As the longest-range member of the Dreamliner family, the 787-9 can fly 290 passengers, in a typical two-class configuration, up to 7,635 nautical miles (14,140 km).

"ALC is pleased to deliver this historic first Boeing 787-9 to EVA Air and further our strong relationship with a world-class airline," said Steven Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. "As the first airline in Taiwan to operate a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, EVA Air will continue to excel as a leading international airline with the most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient fleet."

Onboard the airline's new 787 Dreamliner, passengers can experience EVA Air's new Royal Laurel business class seats designed by Designworks, a BMW Group company.

At 23 inches wide, the new seats feature privacy panels, full lie-flat capabilities as well as enhanced in-flight entertainment systems. EVA Air also partnered with Teague, to redesign its economy class seats, which are produced by Recaro.

A member of Star Alliance, EVA Air serves international routes with approximately 565 weekly flights.

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