EVA Air Expands Fleet with A350-1000 and A321neo
EVA Air has announced a major update to its fleet strategy by converting options for six A350-1000s from its 2024 order of 18 units and adding three new A321-200neo aircraft directly from Airbus. In a recent stock market filing, the Taiwanese carrier revealed that the agreed purchase price is up to USD436 million for each A350-1000 and up to USD150 million for each A321neo, bringing the total value of the deal to as much as USD3.1 billion. This significant investment underscores EVA Air’s commitment to modernizing its fleet and enhancing its long-haul and narrowbody operations amid evolving market demands and competitive pressures.
Under the revised terms, EVA Air expects the deliveries of the A350-1000s to begin in the first quarter of 2027, albeit with a slight delay compared to the original plan. The newly confirmed options for the A350-1000 are scheduled for deliveries in 2031 and beyond, indicating a long-term vision for fleet expansion and renewal. The carrier’s current widebody fleet includes nine A330-300s, thirty-three Boeing 777-300ERs, five Boeing 787-9s, and twelve Boeing 787-10s. In addition to the A350-1000s, EVA Air still has unfilled orders for eight more Boeing 787-9s and five 787-10s, further diversifying its widebody mix. The introduction of the A350-1000 will not only offer advanced fuel efficiency and enhanced passenger comfort but also provide greater flexibility in its route network as the airline continues to expand into new international markets.
In parallel, the new order for three A321-200neo aircraft marks a strategic move to replace the aging narrowbody fleet. The additional three A321neo bring the total commitment for the type to 18 aircraft, with deliveries extending through 2032. The current narrowbody fleet, consisting of seventeen A321-200s, will be gradually phased out as the new A321neo models enter service, offering improved operational efficiency, lower emissions, and enhanced passenger amenities. Although the new A321neo are not expected to be operational until 2029, the long-term benefits of modernizing the narrowbody segment are clear. By updating its fleet with more advanced aircraft, EVA Air aims to provide a more competitive service offering that aligns with evolving customer expectations for comfort and sustainability.
These strategic moves come in the wake of a strong financial performance, as EVA Air posted stellar profits for 2024. The Taiwanese airline reported a net profit of NTD30.4 billion (approximately USD922 million) on a consolidated basis, marking a 38% increase over its record-high results in 2023. The robust financial performance has provided the necessary support for the airline to make these significant fleet investments. By enhancing its fleet with the new A350-1000 and A321neo, EVA Air is not only preparing to meet future demand but also positioning itself to deliver an elevated travel experience that combines state-of-the-art technology with superior efficiency and comfort. This bold fleet expansion is set to play a pivotal role in the airline’s long-term growth strategy in an increasingly competitive global aviation market.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com