EVA Air Eyes Airbus & Boeing Order

EVA Air is reportedly weighing a new widebody order for up to two dozen aircraft from Airbus and/or Boeing.

The ambition to purchase more widebody jets comes as a direct response to the airline’s need to replace its outgoing Boeing 777-300ER fleet.

With the deal still unconfirmed and in its early stages, Airbus or Boeing could reportedly make an offer EVA Air can’t turn down.

The EVA Air Widebody Order Report

EVA Air’s search for widebody aircraft centres on 24 jets from Airbus and Boeing, with long-haul capabilities front and centre for the renewal focus, but critically, expansion too.

Bloomberg reports that the last 777-300ERs would exit the fleet with these new widebodies; however, the order is so early in the placement phase that it’s not guaranteed to move forward.

With the prospective order so early in the formality stages and possibly not even completed, the airline will, in the coming months, evaluate proposals and internal finances to determine the best direction.

If EVA Air decides to move forward with the order, the deliveries for these new widebodies would likely not begin until the mid-2030s. Therefore, the airline would have plenty of leeway on variants and handover windows, without pressure to fill slots.

Boeing 777-300ER To Exit EVA Air

The Boeing 777-300ER is central to EVA Air’s current long-haul strategy, with a mainline fleet of nearly 100 aircraft; the widebody accounts for one-third and is vital for intercontinental flights from Taipei.

Replacing the aircraft is necessary, but it won’t come without challenges. A progressive retirement beginning in the mid-2030s would align with the proposed new aircraft order and maintain flexibility throughout this period.

Giving Airbus and Boeing the chance to put forward their best offers is part of the existing mixed-manufacturer model EVA Air uses with both American and European companies.

EVA Air has already ordered 24 Airbus A350-1000s; however, the company also has Boeing 787-9s and 787-10s, with these three aircraft currently pitted as the ones that will take long-haul operations forward in the coming decades and phase out older, less efficient types.

The A350-1000s have already been ordered to help replace the 777 operation, but the company is reportedly set to double down and look directly to the two planemakers again for something else to help replace and grow the operation.

Airbus could therefore offer additional A350-1000s to help continue streamlining the Taiwanese carrier’s operation. At the same time, Boeing could offer more 787s or pitch the larger 777-9 to diversify the long-haul fleet and add a true flagship.