Eva Air takes delivery of first A330-200

Eva Air of Taiwan has taken delivery of the first of ten A330-200 aircraft, becoming a new Airbus operator and the first A330-200 operator in Taiwan.

Powered by General Electric CF6-80E1A3 engines, the ten A330-200s - eight leased from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) and two purchased directly from Airbus - feature increased cabin comfort, cargo capacity and lower operating costs, and will replace eight older generation 767s, currently in service on regional and medium-to-long range routes. The first aircraft to be delivered is leased from GECAS.

Each of Eva Air's 252-seat A330-200s will feature a two-class layout comprising 24 business class seats and 228 seats in economy class.

"Offering the highest levels of in-flight comfort, the A330-200 will enable Eva Air to continue to build on its reputation for world class service," said K.W. Chang, Executive Vice President, Eva Air. "In addition, the low operating costs of this ultra-modern aircraft will allow us to fully maximise our revenue-generating potential."

"Within a relatively short time, Eva Air has established a reputation as a world class airline," said Noël Forgeard, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. "We are confident that the A330-200 will play an important role in the continued development of the airline and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership between our two companies."