Sixteen years after launching scheduled services, the Taiwan-based carrier prefers its style, service and facilities to do the talking, as Colin Ellson reports EVA Air is one of the quieter players among the major airlines. Like an aerial George Clooney with nothing to prove, it tends not to trumpet its achievements abroad. Look closer, however, and the unassuming carrier, which remarkably has yet to win a prime “Oscar” in surveys outside Taiwan, has a lot going for it. In 1992, a year after launching scheduled services, it claims to have led the industry in introducing a fourth cabin aboard its aircraft; the Premium Economy product is now firmly established in the sales armoury of around 10 international carriers. EVA Air has also been singled out by the respected German magazine Aero International as among the world's “best of the best” in terms of safety, having been involved in no major accidents, and has received awards of excellence from Boeing for outstanding fleet maintenance and reliability. Founded on this reassuring bedrock, EVA Air’s services, too, seem to meet with high customer approval. Scroll down the passenger comments posted on the website of Skytrax, which conducts competitive performance surveys for the world’s aviation industry, and the seating, food, entertainment and cabin staff all receive almost universal praise Empirical evidence supports the findings. The airline's paint job has also been recognised. In its Design Awards 2007, Wallpaper magazine awarded the “Best Livery” category to EVA Air’s two colourfully liveried ‘Hello Kitty’ jets, themed inside and out and used on routes from Taiwan to Japan. They are, said the style gurus, “fun and quirky, camp, crazy and quintessentially Asian”. Part of the largest group of companies in Taiwan, which includes the world’s biggest container shipping organisation, EVA Air has been undergoing a major makeover in recent years, based largely on the versatility of the Boeing 777-300ER. The first was delivered in 2005 and deployed on the London-Bangkok-Taipei route; the second, rolled out in 2006, flies on services between Taipei and Los Angeles. Over the next 10 years, the airline’s long-haul fleet will be dominated by the aircraft, three already operational, with a further 12 due by 2009. Reflecting the signature green on the airline’s livery, the triple seven, the largest twin-engine commercial aircraft currently in operation, has more efficient power plants and a lighter structure, its fuel consumption thus 20% to 25% less per passenger than that of a four-engine jet. With Taiwan promising to cut down on its admittedly high greenhouse gas emissions, the choice of the environment-friendly 777 was deliberate. On board upgrades extend throughout the aircraft. The new Premium Laurel (Business) Class, for example, has fixed-shell, lie flat seats with 61-inch (155 cm) pitch, personal LED reading lights, pulldown luggage racks, power outlets, retractable privacy dividers, and is configured 2x2x2. It has the latest audio visual on demand (AVOD) entertainment system with 10.4-inch screen, and the cabin features a Beverage Island, where refreshments, designer water and vintage wines, snacks and gourmet treats are always available. There is also a new amenity kit, an espresso coffee maker, dining is on bone china, and passengers are given plump quilts and pillows. Equally wide ranging is the upgrading and renaming of Evergreen Deluxe Class Premium Economy, which has attracted a loyal following of both business and leisure travellers during its 15-year tenure in the air. Also benefiting from the scope of the Boeing 777-300ER, the cabin has been re-christened Elite Class, and has new seats with a 38inch (97 cm) pitch, AVOD with a larger screen, and occupies only 20% of the aircraft's capacity, allowing passengers greater privacy. Economy has also received the treatment, and now has AVOD, plus new seats with a 33-inch (84 cm) pitch. With 50 aircraft, serving 44 destinations on four continents from its Taipei hub, EVA Air has also been looking at further, innovative enhancements to its product. First and business passengers can, for example, order their meals in advance on line. Offering expanded menu selections and the chance to tailor make their dining, the service – available 21 days before departure until 24 hours before the flight leaves – has been in place for two years. In a recent survey among the 21,000 members of the airline’s Evergreen Club loyalty scheme, 80% described the system as “excellent” or “outstanding”. As part of their benefits, members who hold, diamond, gold or executive cards may use business lounges at all departure points, as may First and Premium Laurel travellers. The airline also has a VIP lounge, the Premium Laurel Garden, at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (formerly known as Chiang Kai-Shek), open to First Class passengers and Evergreen Club diamond members. In addition, both, together with three travelling companions, have free use of a new check-in lounge at the gateway. Located on the third floor of Terminal 2, it offers free internet access and complimentary drinks and snacks. All of which speaks volumes for EVA Air, the quiet airline which prefers its style, service and facilities to do the talking. What you get in EVA Air’s Elite Class
Seat: 63 in a 2x4x2 configuration, with coat hooks and adjustable headrests. Pitch 38in (97cm), width 18.5in. (47cm). Armrest digital air-to-ground satellite communications function, including SMS
In-flight entertainment: touch-screen AVOD system, with 8.4 in. seatback TV.
Other benefits: amenity kit, 25kg baggage allowance, pre-assigned seats up to 100 days before departure, in-flight status reports, dedicated check in
Frequent flyer programme: Evergreen Club with four membership tiers: green, silver, gold and diamond; gold card members will be upgraded to diamond status once they accumulate 140,000 miles on EVA Air international flights within a 12-month period; alternatively travel on 100 or more EVA Air flights within a 12-month period
Website: www.evaair.com
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