Taiwanese airline and Star Alliance member EVA Air currently has a total of 18 B777-300ERs, including one colourful ‘Hello Kitty’ themed jet, which was launched on the Taipei-Paris route in October 2014. EVA was a launch customer for the 777-300ER, ordering 15 in 2000 with deliveries starting in 2005. The airline then ordered seven more jets in 2012 for deliveries starting in 2014. Each of the new generation Boeing 777-300ERs feature Panasonic’s latest eX3 inflight entertainment system and Global Communications Suite.
The Cabin
The newest version of this aircraft has space for 333 passengers in three cabins; 39 in Royal Laurel Business Class, 56 in Elite Premium Economy and 238 in Economy. The interiors are elegant and stylish, as well as comfortable and inviting, with a streamlined ceiling and classic design. The new Royal Laurel Business Class cabin is configured in a reverse herringbone layout that maximises space, with full-grain leather headrest covers and new mood-light systems.
The Seat
A fixed panel creates a personal space providing plenty of privacy. At the push of a button, each seat converts into an approximately 2-meter-long, fully lie-flat bed for a restful night’s sleep. Thoughtful touches include a space to hang your jacket, a shoe cabinet, a retractable armrest, and a cocktail table.
Inflight Entertainment System
EVA’s new Boeing777-300ERs are the first in the world to be equipped with Panasonic’s latest generation eX3 inflight entertainment system and Global Communication Suite (GCS). With this system, EVA now offers passengers SMS roaming service to send and receive short messages on their own mobile phones, as well as Sky Wi-Fi access. At an altitude of 20,000 feet or higher, passengers can send and receive e-mails, use instant messaging APPs and check in on social media. EVA upgraded individual seat-back entertainment systems with high-resolution monitors and multi-touch technology, too, so that passengers can select and execute various functions by simply sliding their fingers across the screens.
The Business Class cabin is equipped with 16-inch screens and AV control handsets that have 4-inch LCD panels. Passengers flying in this cabin can simultaneously play video games on their handsets and use the remote controls to execute functions on the seat-back screens.
Amenities
Royal Laurel Class aboard EVA Air’s new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft features a range of improvements and little extras that help create the feeling of being at home in the air. These luxuries include Rimowa overnight kits, noise-cancelling headphones, comfortable sleepwear and Fiji Water. EVA is also introducing two new colors for its sought-after and collectible Rimowa overnight kits, Crystal Green for inbound flights and Prosecco outbound.
The Rimowa amenity cases are made from the same premium materials used in the brand’s luggage products. To make it easier to collect both colours, one of them will be provided on the departure flight and the other on the return flight. The contents of the Rimowa overnight kits have also been upgraded to include lotion and lip balm from Harnn, Thailand’s top spa and skincare brand; a screen cleansing cloth for mobile devices; a satin sleeping mask; sleeping socks; toothpaste; a toothbrush; and a comb.
The reverse herringbone seat layout and fully reclining chairs of the Royal Laurel Class cabin makes passengers feel as if they are in the privacy of their own rooms. To finish off the experience, EVA Air decided to bring pajamas previously available only in First Class cabins, to the Royal Laurel Class cabin. The two-piece sleepwear set is made from a warm, soft, brown fabric. Loose and comfortable, the garments are perfect for slumbering on long-haul flights.
After 18 months of research and development, EVA Air has also introduced new headphones in the Royal Laurel Class cabin. The thinner and lighter headphones feature active noise reduction technology for better sound quality, effectively suppressing cabin noise and engine drone. The new headphone padding is softer, and the headband is ergonomically designed to ensure a comfortable fit. A convenient mute function allows you to talk to other people without needing to remove your headphones.
Dining
Inflight dining in Royal Laurel Class starts with a glass of Dom Perignon champagne followed by crusty bread served with butter and extra-virgin olive oil. Entrees include expertly prepared prime steak and fresh lobster. For the health-conscious an all-natural, low-calorie main course is available. Trolley service follows, offering a wide variety of fresh fruit and cheese.
On Order
By the end of 2015, the carrier will have four more of the Boeing 777-300ER jets in service. It has also taken delivery of eight Airbus 321-200s for use on regional routes and will add 16 more by the end of 2016. After all of its new aircraft are delivered and older models are retired, EVA’s fleet will include more than 70 airplanes. The newest member of Star Alliance, EVA links an international network of major destinations worldwide, including dozens of cities in China and throughout Asia. EVA offers more trans-Pacific flights from North America to Taipei where, with just one easy stop, it provides onward connections to more major business and leisure centers than any other airline.
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