Taipei: EVA Airways, a key player in Taiwan's international aviation sector, has announced plans to invest up to US$1.94 billion to purchase new Boeing aircraft. This strategic move aims to accommodate the airline's global expansion ambitions and enhance its long-term operational capacity.

According to Focus Taiwan, the airline's board of directors recently approved the expenditure to procure four wide-body Boeing 787-9 planes. The plan also includes extending lease contracts for four Boeing 777-300ER aircraft already in operation. This decision reflects the optimism of Taiwan's major international carriers, including EVA Air, China Airlines, and Starlux Airlines, regarding the rising demand for passenger and cargo services, particularly in light of the burgeoning AI industry.

The carriers are strategically targeting the transit market, focusing on passengers traveling between North America or Europe and Southeast Asia. In addition to new aircraft purchases, EVA Air's board has sanctioned a US$152 million investment to upgrade the passenger cabins of six Boeing 777-300ER planes. Scheduled to commence in 2026, these upgrades will be part of a broader initiative to enhance the cabin experience in 20 aircraft. The improvements will include updates to seating across all classes, in-flight entertainment systems, and cabin environments, with an increase in business class lie-flat seats.

EVA Air's current fleet comprises 89 planes. Beyond the immediate acquisition of four Boeing 787-9s, the airline anticipates receiving five additional Boeing 787-9s and four Boeing 787-10s by 2033. Furthermore, the fleet expansion plans include 24 A350-1000s starting in 2027 and 18 A321neo aircraft starting in 2029.