The Pioneer of Premium Economy
09/22/2026 Translated by AI Reading time: 2 Minutes
At the 2026 SKYTRAX World Airline Awards, the Taiwanese carrier EVA Air claimed first place in the categories “World’s Best Premium Economy Class,” “World’s Best Premium Economy Class Amenities,” and “World’s Most Family-Friendly Airline,” and achieved a total of 18 top-ten finishes. This distinction is no coincidence: In 1992, EVA Air became the first airline to introduce Premium Economy—then known as the “Evergreen Deluxe Class.” Today, the fourth generation of these seats is in service. The seat pitch measures a generous 42 inches (1.07 meters), and a rocking-recline mechanism allows the cushion to slide forward and upward simultaneously: This ingenious mechanism allows for a generous eight-inch recline without encroaching on the passenger behind. Side privacy screens on the headrests afford a measure of seclusion; the headrests, armrests, and footrests are upholstered in leather, and a built-in reading lamp ensures optimal illumination. In-flight entertainment is curated by EVA Air and presented on a high-resolution 15.6-inch widescreen monitor; Power is provided by combined 110-volt AC and USB outlets. On long-haul flights to Europe, HUNTER amenity kits are provided, along with pillows, reversible blankets, high-quality headphones, and dark gray velvet slippers. Meals are served on tableware developed in collaboration with the traditional Italian brand Guzzini, accompanied by bamboo-fiber napkins and a mix of gourmet nuts and dried fruits. A Boeing 787 Dreamliner departs daily from Vienna to Taipei: nonstop on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays with three classes of service, and via Bangkok on the remaining days with two. In Taipei, a wealth of connecting flights fans out across Southeast and Northeast Asia, mainland China, and Japan. Of interest to frequent flyers, EVA Air has been a member of Star Alliance since 2013.
www.evaair.com