EVA Air with improved Premium Economy, first route is Munich – Taipei

The private Taiwanese airline EVA Air invented Premium Economy in the early 1990s, a class between Economy and Business. The Taiwanese airline has since relaunched this successful model three times. On May 17, 2025, the new Premium Economy 4.0 debuted on the Munich-Taipei route.

The new Premium Economy Class features 28 seats arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration. With the new seat pitch of 42 inches (the Premium Economy 3.0 had 38 inches), EVA Air is catching up with competitor Japan Airlines and surpassing Air New Zealand. With the bucket seat, which allows for 8 inches of recline while barely taking up space for the passenger behind, EVA Air already sees itself back in pole position among other airlines, calling it an "industry-leading" product that "resembles the comfort of business class."

Each seat is equipped with 15.6-inch widescreen monitors and a multifunction entertainment system. The seats also offer combined AC and USB power outlets. The new design emphasizes privacy with side headrest privacy screens and

Built-in reading lights. The headrests, armrests, and footrests are leather-upholstered, providing a completely redesigned flight experience.

While the old Premium Economy cabin was criticized for its lack of storage space, it's now plentiful: in the armrests and in the backrest compartments. Both allow passengers to conveniently stow personal belongings. The cup holder is easily accessible, and there's even a coat hook.

Some seats are specifically designed for wheelchair access. Amenities and service items include double-sided blankets, eco-friendly bamboo napkins, high-quality headphones, and porcelain tableware from the Italian brand Guzzini. The amenity kit was designed in collaboration with the British brand HUNTER.

The new Premium Eco will be used exclusively on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. In addition to Munich, the Milan route will also be getting the new aircraft and the new Premium Eco in the coming days, and – once the next Dreamliners are delivered – the Vienna route will also be added. EVA Air will continue to fly to Amsterdam, Paris, and London with Boeing 777s, including the "old," 38-inch Premium Eco.

(hwr)