Asian carrier expands fleet with orders for more Airbus aircraft

A firm order for six long-range A350-1000 Airbus aircraft and three single-aisle A321neo aircraft has been placed by Taiwan’s EVA Air, finalising a commitment announced by the airline last month.

The new orders will bring EVA Air’s backlog of aircraft to be delivered to 24 A350-1000s and 18 A321neo aircraft.

Clay Sun, president of EVA Air, said the move would leverage the aircrafts’ extended range and efficiency to strengthen the carrier’s market position.

“The new additions to our fleet reaffirm our commitment to sustainable aviation and delivering an exceptional travel experience,” he added.

“Both the A350-1000 and A321neo set a high standard in their respective categories, offering remarkable efficiency and comfort to our passengers.”

EVA Air’s order comes hot on the heels of China Airlines’ firm order last week for 10 A350-1000s, finalising a commitment announced by the airline in December.

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP sales of the commercial aircraft business, said EVA Air’s new orders underscored the enduring appeal of the A350-1000 Long Range Leader as the benchmark for intercontinental operations, and the A321neo as a leader in regional efficiency.

“We deeply value EVA Air’s confidence in these latest generation aircraft and stand ready to support their seamless integration into the airline’s fleet for future success,” he added.

Wings for Airbus commercial aircraft, including the A350 family, are designed at its Filton plant near Bristol, where it employs more than 2.700 people.

Leading and trailing-edge wing sub-assemblies and some structural components for the wings are manufactured by GKN on a neighbouring site at Filton for assembly at Airbus’s factory in Broughton, near Chester, which employs around 4,500 staff.

GKN’s state-of-the-art plant at Avonmouth also makes composite wing sections for the A350 airliner.

Airbus describes the A350 as the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and has set new standards for intercontinental travel.

Powered by versions of the latest generation Rolls-Royce engines, the aircraft is capable of flying up to 9,700 nautical miles/18,000 kilometres non-stop, using 25% less fuel than previous generation types and with a similar reduction in carbon emissions.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

The A350 family has received more than 1,360 orders from 60 customers worldwide, with more than 640 of the 300 to 410-seat aircraft currently in the fleets of 38 operators, flying primarily on long-haul routes.

The 180 to 220-seat A321neo (new engine option) is part of the A320neo family, incorporating the latest technologies including new generation engines, sharklets and cabin efficiency enablers, which together deliver 20% fuel savings.

With more than 6,800 orders by in excess of  90 customers since its launch in 2016, the A321neo has captured more than an 80% share of the market.