EVA Air and Airbus have embarked on a collaborative effort aimed at increasing SAF development and adoption in the airline’s operations.

The announcement was made during a ceremony in Taipei to celebrate EVA Air’s order of 18 long-range A350-1000 and 15 single-aisle A321neo aircraft, in the presence of EVA Air President Clay Sun, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft Christian Scherer, Taiwan Civil Aviation Administration Director-General Ho Shu-Ping, European trade office representatives, and guests from the Taiwanese travel and cargo industries.

Recognising SAF as a critical pathway to the decarbonisation of the aviation industry, and a key contributor to reaching the Net Zero 2050 target, the joint agreement lays the foundation for the two companies to explore over the next 24 months avenues for decarbonisation within EVA Air’s operations, prepare the ecosystem for sustainable aviation fuel adoption and ensure infrastructure readiness.

“Fuel efficiency, carbon reduction and cabin comfort have become major considerations for airline fleet modernisation, and EVA Air’s announcement late last year to introduce the 33 latest-generation Airbus aircraft underlines our plans to meet future demand. Both companies are working closely in a strategic partnership to promote the use of sustainable aviation fuel and explore more innovative technologies and operational optimisation solutions. These efforts will ensure that we can steadily move towards a Net Zero future,” said Clay Sun, President, EVA Air.

“The aircraft orders we celebrate today elevate the partnership we have with EVA Air to a whole new level. The A350-1000 is the undisputed choice in the large capacity intercontinental segment, with unmatched passenger comfort and an environmental signature superior to any aircraft in its class, present or planned. This allows EVA Air to set new standards for its long-haul operations. In alignment with Airbus’ ambition to decarbonise aviation, we are also deepening our collaboration to explore ways for EVA Air to reduce carbon emissions across its operations and prepare for the future adoption of SAF,” said Christian Scherer, CEO, Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

Working closely with EVA Air, Airbus will analyse potential contributions of various measures based on current and future routes, as well as operational practices. The two parties will also study the required measures to prepare for the uptake of SAF on commercial flights, establish procurement processes, manage SAF certification, as well as promote awareness on regular SAF usage.

EVA Air has joined other Asian carriers in committing to the Net Zero 2050 target. This regional commitment aligns with global efforts to reduce aviation’s environmental impact. Taiwan’s aviation industry has also been working to reduce its carbon footprint, with initiatives such as the use of SAF and the adoption of new aircraft technologies.

EVA Air’s recent investment in the latest generation of Airbus aircraft as part of its fleet modernisation programme illustrates its commitment to operating the most efficient aircraft and offering the best passenger comfort. The new fleet will enable an immediate reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions of up to 25% as compared to previous generation aircraft.

EVA Air has already demonstrated its leadership with SAF adoption in August 2023 when the carrier performed its first passenger flight from Haneda Airport to Songshan Airport using 40% SAF blend.

The Taiwanese airline has launched several operations improvement programmes, including low-drag approach, continuous descent operations and flexible loading of portable water. The carrier has also implemented near-term initiatives including a carbon offset programme which allows passengers to offer their carbon emissions by contributing to various environmental projects.

As a major lever in the journey towards the decarbonisation of the aerospace industry, SAF brings an average 80% reduction in carbon emissions over the life cycle compared with fossil fuels, from production to end use. All Airbus aircraft are already able to operate with up to 50% SAF. Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with up to 100% SAF by 2030.

Caption 1: EVA Air and Airbus celebrated the upcoming introduction of 33 new generation aircraft at today’s “Towards Decarbonised Aviation” event. EVA Air President Clay Sun and Airbus CEO Christian Scherer co-hosted the event, and Civil Aeronautics Administration Director General Shu-Ping Ho was also in attendance.

Caption2: EVA Air President Clay Sun (left) presented a liuli art piece named “In Unity” to Airbus CEO Christian Scherer (right), symbolizing the boundless development of partnership. The figure-eight shape represents infinite possibilities and the spirit of working together, leading to a smooth and successful partnership in the future.

Caption 3: Airbus Executive Vice President Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry (right) presented an A321neo aircraft model to EVA Air Corporate Planning Division Executive Vice President Albert Liao (left), symbolizing the partnership between the two companies to provide passengers with a more comfortable flying experience. The 15 ordered aircraft are scheduled to be introduced starting in 2029, gradually replacing the existing A321-200 fleet.

Caption 4: Airbus CEO Christian Scherer (right) presented an A350-1000 model to EVA Air President Clay Sun (left), symbolizing the successful partnership and the joint commitment to sustainable aviation. This record-breaking order in Taiwan demonstrates EVA Air’s ongoing drive for excellence. The 18 aircraft are scheduled to be introduced starting in the first quarter of 2027, gradually replacing some older Boeing 777-300ERs to meet operational and expansion needs.

Caption 5: EVA Air President Clay Sun (third from left), Executive Vice President Albert Liao (second from left), Airbus CEO Christian Scherer (third from right), and Airbus Executive Vice President Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry (second from right) came together to celebrate the upcoming introduction of 33 new-generation aircraft. This significant investment will not only enhance operational efficiency but also provide passengers with a more comfortable flying experience.

Caption 6: EVA Air and Airbus have taken a significant step towards a more sustainable future with the signing of a “Towards Decarbonised Aviation” agreement by EVA Air President Clay Sun (left) and Airbus CEO Christian Scherer (right). The agreement will see the two companies working together to explore decarbonization options and prepare for the use of SAF, solidifying their strategic partnership.

Caption 7: EVA Air and Airbus shared their plans to achieve 2050 net-zero carbon emissions at the “Towards Decarbonised Aviation” event. Their strategies include introducing new-generation aircraft, using SAF, and optimizing operations.

EVA Air Ranked Among the Top 10 in the Best International Airlines Category

Condé Nast Traveler announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards today, and EVA Air has proudly secured a top 10 spot. The airline was voted number 9 by U.S. readers in the Best International Airlines category. These awards are among the longest-running and most prestigious in the travel industry, recognizing excellence globally. This recognition highlights EVA Air’s outstanding dedication to delivering a first-class experience in the skies, comfort, and safety.

Condé Nast Traveler is a luxury and lifestyle travel magazine known for curating content that inspires, informs, and empowers readers to explore the world. With a strong emphasis on luxury, comfort, and cultural exploration, Condé Nast Traveler continues to be a trusted source for millions of travelers around the globe. More than 575,000 of its readers across the United States submitted responses rating their travel experiences worldwide, which was open for voting between April 1 and June 30, 2024.

Readers voted through a questionnaire featuring candidates across various categories. To be eligible for the Readers’ Choice Awards, candidates must meet a minimum number of responses and overall rating. Each candidate was scored based on category-specific criteria. The 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler’s website at cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue.
EVA Air was previously honored by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards as one of The Best International Airlines. This year, EVA Air has garnered further accolades, including recognition from Travel + Leisure readers as one of the top 10 World’s Best International Airlines for 2024, and the airline achieved remarkable success at SKYTRAX’s “2024 Global Airline Awards,” winning 16 airline-based awards.

EVA Air’s Royal Laurel Class Giorgio Armani amenity kits, recognized this year by UK’s Onboard Hospitality Awards are getting an exciting update. The award-winning kit, which took home the “Best Business Class Amenity Kit” title at the World Travel Catering Expo (WTCE), will feature a brand-new design. Passengers departing from Taipei will receive a sleek black pebble-grain hard case, with a Giorgio Armani coin purse. For return flights to Taiwan, the kit will feature a black faux-leather vintage bag, including a Giorgio Armani keychain. Both versions come with luxury skincare products from Australia’s high-end brand, Jurlique, promising an elevated inflight experience. In addition to these amenity kit upgrades, EVA Air has refreshed its Royal Laurel Class pajama. Created in partnership with renowned Taiwan designer Jason Wu, the new collection features a chic light gray base with contrasting accents of burgundy or deep turquoise. The pajamas are available in three sizes, offering comfort for passengers of various body types.

About EVA Air:
A Star Alliance member, EVA Air was founded in 1989 as Taiwan’s first privately owned international airline. It is a sister company to global container-shipping leader Evergreen Line. It flies a fleet of more than 80 Boeing and Airbus aircraft to over 60 international destinations throughout Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America, with gateways in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver. Travelers can learn more about EVA and schedules, book, and buy tickets at www.evaair.com.

Entire 777F fleet to be equipped with Lufthansa Technik’s and BASF’s drag-reducing riblet films
One percent fuel saving and emissions reduction expected for the sharkskin-modified aircraft

Lufthansa Technik AG is proud to announce EVA Air as the first Asian airline having signed for modifications with its drag-reducing and hence fuel-saving AeroSHARK surface technology jointly developed with BASF. The Taipei-based airline decided to have its entire cargo fleet of nine Boeing 777F long-range freighters modified with the innovative riblet films covering the aircraft’s fuselage and engine nacelles. With B-16786, a first EVA Air freighter has already undergone this comprehensive modification at the airline’s homebase at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport. Closely guided by Lufthansa Technik, the modification was executed by EVA Air’s affiliate, Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corp. (EGAT). The aircraft is expected to re-enter commercial service in early September.

AeroSHARK is a functional surface film that is modeled on the drag-reducing structure of sharkskin. It consists of ribs around 50 micrometers in size – the so-called riblets. If several hundred square meters of the fuselage and engine nacelles are covered with this, the frictional resistance of the aircraft is reduced so significantly that fuel consumption and the resulting emissions are reduced by around one percent. Extrapolated to EVA Air’s nine 777F aircraft, this equates to annual savings of more than 2,500 metric tons of kerosene and more than 7,800 metric tons of CO2 emissions.

“EVA Air is continually progressing towards its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, constantly seeking the latest technologies to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Albert Liao, Executive Vice President Corporate Planning Division at EVA Air. “We are delighted to collaborate with Lufthansa Technik in applying the fuel-saving AeroSHARK surface technology to our 777F freighters. This innovation not only reduces fuel consumption but also lowers CO2 emissions. EVA Air will continuously monitor the actual fuel-saving benefits and further evaluate additional aircraft to be equipped with this technology.”

“EVA Air is well known for both its pioneering spirit and its technical expertise, hence we are all the more pleased that we succeeded in convincing them about the benefits of AeroSHARK, the world’s most advanced sharkskin product for the commercial aviation industry,” said Dr. Wassef Ayadi, Senior Director Customer Relations OEM & Special Engineering Services at Lufthansa Technik. “We are proud that with AeroSHARK we can provide international pioneers like EVA Air with a real quick-win measure to reduce the environmental footprint of their operations.”

Lufthansa Technik currently holds Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for the AeroSHARK modification of two types of Boeing 777, which is now in full swing at various airlines across the globe. Besides EVA Air’s first sharkskin-equipped freighter, a double-digit number of aircraft is already in worldwide service with AeroSHARK, and it is constantly growing further. EVA Air’s entire 777 fleet is expected to be equipped until 2027.

Lufthansa Technik and BASF have moreover set themselves the goal of consistently developing AeroSHARK further in order to support many more airlines around the world in achieving their sustainability goals. Current development priorities include approvals for additional aircraft types and also for ever larger surface areas. In initial model calculations, the sharkskin technology could even avoid CO2 emissions of up to three percent in its maximum expansion stage.

About EVA Air:
A Star Alliance member, EVA Air was established in 1989 as Taiwan’s first privately owned international airline. It is part of the respected Evergreen Group and a sister company to global container-shipping leader Evergreen Line. It flies a fleet of more than 80 Boeing and Airbus aircraft to over 60 international destinations throughout Asia, Oceania, Europe and North America where gateways are Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver. Travelers can learn more about EVA and schedule, book and buy tickets at www.evaair.com.

About Lufthansa Technik:
The Lufthansa Technik Group is one of the leading providers of technical aircraft services in the world. Certified internationally as maintenance, production and design organization, the company employs more than 23,000 people in dozens of locations around the globe. Lufthansa Technik offers the full range of services for commercial, VIP and special mission aircraft. The portfolio includes maintenance, repair, overhaul and modification of airframes, engines, components and landing gears, as well as the manufacture of innovative cabin products and digital fleet support.