EVA Airways has ordered five Boeing 777 Freighters worth a total of $1.5 billion, the first 777Fs to join the Taiwanese carrier’s fleet.
The deal was signed at the 51st Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, France, on 15 June. These aircraft will be the first 777F EVA has purchased, once the deal has been finalised at an undefined later date. The 777F will join EVA’s freighter fleet of Boeing 747-400 Freighters, Boeing MD-11 Freighters, and bellyhold capacity.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and chief executive officer, Ray Conner, says: “EVA Airways has been a loyal Boeing 777 customer for many years and we are honoured that they have selected the 777 Freighter to join their fleet. We look forward to finalising this order to further extend our strong partnership.” EVA has 35 Boeing aircraft in its fleet, including 20 777-300 extended ranges (ER) and has 14 unfilled orders for 777-300ER.
The carrier says it intended to have more than 60 twin aisle aircraft by the end of 2025. Its cargo fleet consists of six MD-11F and eight 747-400F. The last time EVA made an announcement about its freight services was in August 2012 when it launched scheduled, twice weekly flights between Taoyuan International Airport and Haneda International Airport using its MD-11F.
The airline also has three 747-400, four McDonnell Douglas MD-90, 14 Airbus A321-200, 11 Airbus A330-200 and three Airbus A330-300, as well as its 777-300ER. In April, EVA launched EVA Pharmacare, in collaboration with Envirotainer. It said the main products carried would include pharmaceuticals, vaccines, healthcare products, food and semi conductors. It started in Europe and Asia before adding North America in June.
On 19 June, EVA started three flights per week from Taipei to Houston (US) using a 777-300ER. This service will be increased to four times on 1 July. The flight leaves Taoyuan at 22.00h and arrives at George Bush Intercontinental Airport at 23.25h. The return flight leaves Houston at 01.15h and arrives in Taipei at 05.55h.