Airline Chronological History
In September 1988, during the 20th anniversary celebration of Evergreen Marine Corporation's founding, company chairman Chang Yung-fa announced his company's intentions to establish Taiwan's first private international airline. The opportunity to create a major Taiwanese airline had just arisen following a decision by the Taiwanese government to liberalise the country's air transportation system.
Upon receipt of regulatory approval, EVA Airways Corporation was formally established in March 1989. The airline was originally to be called Evergreen Airways, however this was too similar to the unrelated Evergreen International cargo airline. In October 1989, the newly formed EVA Airways Corporation placed an order for 26 aircraft from Boeing and McDonnell Douglas, including Boeing 747-400 and MD-11 airliners. Pronounced "E-V-A Air", of which "EVA" stands for Evergreen Airways, based its operations at Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei, Taiwan.
Operations began on 1 July 1991 with a small fleet of Boeing 767-300ER. Initial destinations from Taipei were Bangkok, Seoul, Jakarta, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.
Eva Air first aircraft type was the Boeing 767-300ER. (Photo: jetphotos.com) In 1992, EVA Air received the first of its Boeing 747-400 aircraft on order, and launched its premium economy class, "Economy Deluxe", on its 747 transpacific flights to Los Angeles. EVA Air's premium economy cabin was the first in the world, featured a wider 2-4-2 abreast configuration. In 1993, EVA Air added flights to London, Paris, Seattle, New York, San Francisco,Sydney, Bangkok and Vienna with the Boeing 747-400, as well as, other East Asian destinations with the rest of the fleet.
In 1994, purchased a total of eight more aircraft, including three MD-11s, one Boeing 747-400 and four Boeing 767-200s. The airline also added Hawaii, Bali, Fukuoka and Auckland routes to its network.
The Boeing 747-400 arrived in 1992, opening new routes to North America and Europe. (Photo:Planespotters.net) 
More MD-11 were ordered and delivered from 1994 as the airline continued its expansion out of Taiwan. (Photo:Jetphotos.com) Dedicated EVA Air Cargo operations began in April 1995, with the first weekly McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter flights to Taipei, Singapore, Penang, San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles.
In the mid–1990s, EVA Air expanded into the domestic Taiwan market by acquiring shares in Makung International Airlines, followed by Great China Airlines and Taiwan Airways. On 1 July 1998, all three carriers, as well as EVA's existing domestic operations, merged under the UNI Air title. UNI Air became EVA Air's domestic intra-Taiwanese subsidiary, operating short haul flights out of its base in Kaohsiung, Taiwan's southern port and second-largest city. it operated with a fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-90-30 (photo below),Bombardier Dash 8-Q200/300 and BAe 146-300.
Uni Air was founded in 1998, after the merge of all domestic airlines at the time in Taiwan. Its controlled by EVA Air. (Photo:Planespotters.net) 
De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300's, were also operated under Uni Air from 1993 up to 2014. In 2000, EVA Air embarked on its first major long-haul fleet renewal. The airline became one of the launch customers for the Boeing 777-300ER, ordering four aircraft. In January 2001, EVA Air ordered its first Airbus aircraft, the A330-200 which it took delivery on June 26, 2003. It also introduced its new generation of a top cabin class, Premium Laurel, along with an upgraded economy class and a new state-of-the-art Audio/ Video on Demand system.
As the new decade arrived, Eva Air introduced a new livery and took delivery of its first Airbus A330 in June 2003. (Photo:Jet Photos.com) In 2004, EVA Air converted its remaining eight options for Boeing 777-300ERs into firm orders. The first Boeing 777-300ER entered service as EVA Air's new flagship aircraft in July 2005 serving the Taipei-Bangkok-London route.
In 2007, EVA Air announced a nonstop Taipei to New York, to be operated with its new long-range Boeing 777-300ERs. However, in 2008, the airline also announced the suspension of services to Auckland as the company reported losses earlier that year. The carrier also prepared to increase direct flights to China, after initiating weekly charter flights in July 2008 following changes to the Three Links travel agreements with the Chinese mainland.
From 2005, EVA Air received its first Boeing 777-300ER, used to open up new long haul routes and replace the 747 (Photo: flickr.com) In August 2010, EVA Air was named one of the top 10 international airlines in Travel+Leisure's World's Best Awards. In 2010, EVA Air started services to Toronto, which began on 29 March 2010. In mid-2011, EVA Air announced plans to acquire further 777-300ERs to complete the replacement of its 747-400 aircraft on Europe and U.S. routes, along with A321 series narrow-body jets to replace its MD-90 fleet.On 27 March 2012, EVA Air announced that it would join Star Alliance in 2013, becoming a full member on 18 June 2013. Also during 2012, Uni Air introduced the ATR 72-600 to its fleet in the late year. It officially signed a contract for 10 ATR 72-600 aircraft. The first aircraft, entered revenue service on October 11, 2012, with its inaugural flight operating from Taipei Songshan (TSA) to Taitung (TTT).
Uni Air introduced the ATR 72-600 to its fleet in the late year 2012. (Photo: Planespotters.net) In October 2014, EVA AIR announced to expand its North American network by adding new routes to Houston in 2015 and Chicago in 2016, along with expanding 55 flights per week to 63 flights per week to North America. The Houston route launch will be complemented by the introduction of the seventh and last Hello Kitty jet, Kikilala-themed "Shining Star" Boeing 777-300ER.
EVA Air introduced 7 special Hello Kitty themed jets, this B777-300ER wore the latest one, named "Shining Star". (Photo:planepictures.net) 
In March 2014 EVA Air received its first A321 for thinner and inter-Asian routes from Taipei. (Photo: Planespotters.net) In October 2015, EVA AIR announced its intent to purchase up to 24 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and two additional 777-300ER from Boeing to continue to place itself as one of the most modern carries in the Asian region with an excellent safety and service level. Therefore it was nominated several times with the Skytrax 5 Star recognition award.
In November 2015, Eva Air unveiled a new livery on their 22nd 777 along with new boarding music and improved service on board.
EVA Air unveiled a new livery and corporate identity on its 22nd Boeing 777-300ER in November 2015. It symbolizes the airline's, then, new commitment to service innovation and to refresh its brand image. (Photo: Planespotters.net) In January 2016, Evergreen Group chairman Chang Yung-fa died, leaving control of the company to his son by his second marriage, Chang Kuo-Wei. However he was removed by a coup by the three children of Chang Yung-fa's first marriage and replaced with Lin Pang-Shui (Steven Lin).
On 24 August 2017, EVA Air unveiled their third-generation uniform. On 2 October 2018, EVA Air took delivery of their first of four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The airline had orders for 20 787-10s and options for six more. In June 2019, the first of the initial 787-10 started to arrive at its Taipei base.
The Boeing 787-9 is EVA Air newest aircraft delivered in 2018. (Photo:jetphotos.com) In the early 2020s, EVA Air navigated the severe downturn in international air travel caused by the COVID19 pandemic. As travel demand recovered, the airline refocused on expansion both in capacity and route network. By 2023, EVA Air had begun launching new services and growing its footprint in key markets. That year, the airline signed major fleet contracts, including a contract with Boeing to purchase five more 787-9s and a ground-breaking contract with Airbus for eighteen A350-1000 and fifteen A321neo aircraft, marking a strategic decision to diversify its long-haul and medium-haul fleet beyond Boeing widebodies.
In 2023 it launched direct passenger service between Taipei and Clark in the Philippines, strengthening its presence in Southeast Asian markets. It also expanded cargo services by adding Toronto as a freighter destination. The airline’s continued excellence was recognized through global ratings, including being named a “Five Star Global Airline” by Skytrax for multiple consecutive years.
The years 2024–2025 were especially significant for EVA Air’s route network and brand initiatives. During this period the airline introduced several iconic aircraft liveries themed around popular culture characters like Sanrio’s designs—such as the Besties Jet, Pinky Jet, and Lolly Jet—which enhanced global brand recognition and appealed to international travellers. In that same year, EVA Air expanded service in Greater China markets by launching flights linking Kaohsiung and Hong Kong, and fully deployed operations in both Hong Kong and Macau, an important strategic effort to reclaim high-density regional routes.
In 2024, EVA Air introduced several iconic aircraft liveries themed around characters like Sanrio’s designs, such as this B777-300ER, named the "Besties Jet". (Photo: Planespotters.net) 
An Airbus A321 named "Pinky Jet" also was painted in the special livery in 2024. (Photo: Planespotters.net) 
Lastly, "Lolly Jet", another B777-300ER, which enhanced global brand recognition and appealed to international travellers. (Photo: Planespotters.net) In 2025, EVA Air significantly extended its North American network, a priority given the strong demand for transpacific travel. On October 3 , 2025, it launched nonstop flights between Taipei (TPE) and Dallas-Fort Worth, initially with three weekly frequencies and scaling up to daily service by December. The service used Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners equipped with the airline’s new, fourth-generation Premium Economy class.
Also in 2025, EVA Air partnered with Southwest Airlines through an interline agreement, enabling better connectivity between EVA’s Asian gateways and the extensive U.S. domestic routes served by Southwest. In October 2025, EVA Air continued expanding its Asian network with new daily flights from Taiwan Taoyuan to Busan. The airline also increased frequencies on its Europe services, including enhanced Taoyuan–Milan operations.
From 2018 to 2026 EVA Air was receiving the bigger variant of the Dreamliner as it expanded into new US markets, like Dallas-Fort Worth. (Photo: Planespotters.net) Beyond route expansion, fleet investments remained a critical strategic priority. In January 2024, EVA Air formalized a landmark order with Airbus for 18 long-range A350-1000s and 15 single-aisle A321neo aircraft. This commitment to Airbus aircraft deepened in April 2025, when EVA Air placed additional firm orders for six more A350-1000s and three more A321neos.
In late December 2025, the airline’s board authorized the purchase of four additional Boeing 787-9 aircraft and extended leases for four Boeing 777-300ERs, while planning cabin upgrades to 20 777s to ensure improved passenger experience during the transitional period as new aircraft are delivered through 2029 and beyond.
In early 2026, EVA Air announced additional network growth by unveiling plans for a new nonstop flight between Taipei and Washington, D.C. which started on June 26, 2026.
During this ongoing period of expansion, EVA Air has sustained strong industry recognition. It has maintained its reputation for service quality with multiple Skytrax 5-Star Airline certifications over successive years.
Across these developments, EVA Air has strategically re-balanced its fleet toward next-generation aircraft, launched critical transpacific and Asian routes, expanded interline partnerships, and sustained operational excellence for many years to come.
Airline Factual Information
EVA Air, pronounced "E-V-A Air" is based at Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei. Operating passenger and dedicated cargo services to over 64 international destinations in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. EVA Air is largely privately owned and flies a fully international route network. It also owns its subsidiary airline, Uni Air, which is based in Songshan, Taipei city, and some services from Kaohsiung, at the south of the island and Taiwan's second largest city.
The destinations which EVA Air has scheduled flights are*:
Region 🗺️
Destinations 🌍🌎🌏
Domestic (operated by Uni Air)
• Taiwan: Taipei (Songshan), Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Hualien, Taitung, Kinmen, Penghu (Magong), Matsu (Nangan), Beigan
Asia
• Cambodia: Phnom Penh • China: Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Guangzhou, Guilin, Hangzhou, Jinan, Ningbo, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Zhengzhou • Hong Kong: Hong Kong • Indonesia: Denpasar, Jakarta • Japan: Aomori, Asahikawa, Fukuoka, Komatsu, Matsuyama, Okinawa, Osaka, Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo (Haneda), Tokyo (Narita) • Macau: Macau • Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur • Philippines: Cebu, Clark, Manila • Singapore: Singapore • South Korea: Busan, Seoul (Gimpo), Seoul (Incheon) • Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket • Vietnam: Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City
Europe
• Austria: Vienna • France: Paris • Germany: Munich • Italy: Milan • Netherlands: Amsterdam • United Kingdom: London
North America
• Canada: Toronto, Vancouver • United States: Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington D.C.
Oceania
• Australia: Brisbane
Updated March 2026
Eva Air operates a modern fleet of new generation airliners, combining a mixed fleet of Airbus and Boeing planes, totalling over 85 planes. It also uses ATR turbo-prop aircraft for domestic and thinner routes operated by its regional subsidiary Uni Air. Depending on demand, it can switch different aircraft type, as many routes have high demand like Hong Kong or Tokyo where the wide-bodied aircraft are deployed. New Aircraft types on order include the Airbus A350-1000, Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A321Neo. The current aircraft operated by Eva Air are as follows:
Aircraft Type
In Service
On Order
Configuration (F, C, P, Y)
Airbus A321-200
17
—
(C) 2-2 / (Y) 3-3
Airbus A321neo
—
18
(C) 2-2 / (Y) 3-3
Airbus A330-300
9
—
(C) 2-2-2 / (Y) 2-4-2
Boeing 787-9
8
9
(C) 1-2-1 / (P) 2-3-2 / (Y) 3-3-3
Boeing 787-10
13
4
(C) 1-2-1 / (Y) 3-3-3
Boeing 777-300ER
32
—
(C) 1-2-1 / (P) 2-4-2 / (Y) 3-3-3
Airbus A350-1000
—
24
(C) 1-2-1 / (P) 2-4-2 / (Y) 3-3-3
Updated 2026
(Configuration: F = First Class, C = Business Class, P = Premium Economy , Y = Economy)
Reviews and comments ⭐
What Stands Out 😀👍 | Needs Improvement 🫤👎 |
✅ Exceptional Cleanliness: Passengers consistently rank EVA Air as one of the cleanest airlines in the world, frequently praising the spotless condition of cabins and lavatories throughout long-haul flights. | 👎 Rigid Customer Service: A common complaint involves a perceived lack of flexibility regarding booking errors, name changes, or fee waivers, with staff often described as "robotic" or strictly bound by policy. |
✅ High-Quality Catering: Even in Economy Class, the meals are highly rated for their taste, portion size, and presentation, often featuring metal cutlery and creative menu options. | 👎 Difficult Communication: Many travelers report long wait times on phone lines and difficulty reaching a human representative, particularly when dealing with the North American service centers. |
✅ Attentive Cabin Crew: The flight attendants are widely commended for being professional, courteous, and proactive, maintaining a high standard of hospitality in the air. | 👎 Dated In-flight Entertainment (IFE): While touch-screens are standard, some passengers find the movie selection limited or the interface on older Boeing 777 aircraft to be slow and difficult to navigate. |
✅ Premium Economy Pioneer: Passengers frequently highlight the "Elite Class" (Premium Economy) as a great value, noting the generous legroom and the "cradle" recline mechanism that aids sleep. | 👎 Website and App Issues: The digital experience is a recurring pain point, with users reporting a "clunky" interface, frequent errors during seat selection, and a confusing automated check-in process. |
✅ Safety and Reliability: The airline maintains an elite reputation for safety and punctuality, which remains a primary reason for high passenger loyalty and positive "Net Promoter" scores. | 👎 Strict Refund Policies: Reviews often mention high cancellation fees and a lack of transparency regarding refunds when flights are impacted by government policy changes or personal emergencies. |
*Reviews are collected from independent sites and compelled by the most representative reviews and comments. Planet Airlines Ltd remains impartial to any airlines.