Eva Air Weighs Order for Two Dozen Widebody Jets From Airbus or Boeing, Report Says

Taiwan's Eva Airways Corp. is considering an order for approximately two dozen large passenger jets from either Airbus SE or Boeing Co. as it moves to modernize its long-haul fleet, according to a Bloomberg report citing people familiar with the matter.

Order Details and Timeline

The potential order is focused on securing the final round of replacements for the airline's fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. This model serves as the carrier's workhorse, comprising nearly a third of its 89-plane fleet, the report noted.

According to the sources, Eva Air is currently evaluating offers from both planemakers and expects to make a final decision within the next few months. However, they cautioned that a deal is not guaranteed and the airline may choose not to place an order. If an agreement is reached, the carrier is reportedly seeking delivery slots beginning in the mid-2030s.

Fleet Modernization Strategy

A new order would significantly build upon the airline's recent fleet renewal efforts. Since 2023, Eva Air has already placed orders for roughly three dozen widebody jets from Airbus and Boeing, some of which are also designated to replace its current 777-300ERs.

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This strategic move comes as the airline's primary hub, Taoyuan International Airport, undergoes a major expansion with the construction of a third terminal. Eva Air faces stiff competition in its home market from rivals including China Airlines Ltd. and the newer Starlux Airlines Co.

Surging Demand in Asia-Pacific

The potential Eva Air deal is part of a wider trend of airlines in the Asia-Pacific region rushing to secure future aircraft supply. The report highlights that a series of large purchases, particularly from Middle Eastern carriers, have left both Airbus and Boeing with limited production availability for their flagship A350 and 787 Dreamliner models through the end of this decade.

This fierce competition for manufacturing slots is prompting regional carriers to act. Bloomberg noted that Korean Air Lines Co. recently finalized a major Boeing jet agreement, while Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. and Qantas Airways Ltd. are also reportedly weighing sizable orders of their own to meet anticipated travel demand.