EVA Air Expands Fleet with Order for 18 Airbus A350s and 15 A321neos

EVA Air, based in Taipei, Taiwan, is set to enhance its fleet by acquiring eighteen A350-1000s and fifteen A321-200neo aircraft directly from Airbus, according to stock exchange filings on November 7, 2023. The airline is also extending leases on its existing A321-200s.

Each A350-1000 comes at a purchase price not exceeding USD 436 million, while the A321neo is priced at a maximum of USD 150 million per unit. This strategic acquisition is part of EVA Air’s initiative to modernize its long-haul fleet with the A350s, while the A321neos will be deployed on routes in North Asia. An Airbus spokesperson revealed that both parties are working towards finalizing the contract, promising further details at that time.

EVA Air’s current widebody fleet, as per ch-aviation fleets advanced data, includes thirty-two B777-300ERs, three A330-200s, nine A330-300s, nine B787-10s, and four B787-9s. The new A350-1000s are expected to replace the aging B777-300ERs, continuing the airline’s shift towards Boeing widebodies. Additionally, the existing narrowbody fleet comprises nineteen A321-200s, along with one ACJ318-100 and one ACJ319-100.

In a separate announcement on November 8, EVA Air disclosed a lease extension for twelve A321-200s. Supplied by BOC Aviation, these aircraft, with registrations ranging from B-16215 to B-16227, were initially slated to return to the lessor in 2025 and 2026. The filing did not specify the duration of the lease extension, and further details are awaited following inquiries by ch-aviation.

EVA Air’s strategic fleet expansion positions the airline for increased operational efficiency and enhanced capabilities in serving diverse markets across Asia and beyond.