TAOYUAN, Taiwan — EVA Air has launched nonstop service between Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), marking the debut of the airline’s newest premium economy cabin in the United States. The inaugural flight on October 3, 2025, strengthens the carrier’s transpacific network and positions DFW as a rising gateway for Asia-bound travelers.
The new route, operated by Boeing 787-9 aircraft, is part of EVA’s broader strategy to enhance comfort and connectivity across its long-haul fleet. The carrier—already serving Houston—now counts DFW as its second Texas destination and its ninth passenger gateway in North America.
Fourth-Generation Premium Economy Debuts in the U.S.
EVA Air’s fourth-generation premium economy cabin introduces significant upgrades in seating, space, and technology. The 28-seat section is arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration with a generous 42-inch seat pitch, cradle-style recline, and privacy panels designed to enhance the mid-tier travel experience.
The new product departs from earlier recliner-style seats used on the airline’s Boeing 777s, which offered about 38 inches of pitch and a denser 2-4-2 layout. According to The Points Guy, the latest configuration represents a step change in comfort, aligning with EVA’s long-standing reputation for premium service on long-haul routes.
Each seat features a 15.6-inch high-definition monitor, AC and USB power outlets, and expanded storage for personal devices. EVA also provides amenity kits, pillows, comforters, and eco-friendly service items such as bamboo-fiber napkins. The design focus, the airline said, is on maximizing privacy and maintaining spaciousness even when seats are reclined through a forward-sliding cradle motion that preserves legroom.
Route Structure and Schedule
Initially, EVA Air will operate three weekly round-trip flights (BR50/BR49) between Dallas and Taipei. Frequency will increase to five flights per week beginning November 18, and daily service is scheduled to start December 15. All flights will be operated with Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring a three-class configuration—Royal Laurel (business), Premium Economy, and Economy.
For DFW, the addition of EVA’s new Asia service enhances the airport’s growing transpacific profile. The new connection complements existing Asia-Pacific carriers such as Cathay Pacific (to Hong Kong) and Fiji Airways (to Nadi), while offering North Texas travelers a direct link to Taipei and onward destinations throughout Asia.
Strategic Importance in a Competitive Market
EVA’s expansion into Dallas reflects growing competition among global airlines for premium transpacific travelers. The premium economy segment, once a niche offering, has become a critical profit driver as passengers seek upgrades from standard economy without the high cost of business class.
Industry analysts note that EVA’s early adoption of premium economy—first introduced in 1992—gave it a competitive advantage that continues to resonate with both corporate and leisure travelers. The fourth-generation refresh now positions the airline to capture a new wave of mid-market demand as U.S.–Asia traffic rebounds.
“This premium economy debut in the U.S. aims to capture demand from flyers who want more than economy but not full business class,” the airline said in its announcement. The addition “enhances EVA’s yield potential by better segmenting product classes,” it added.
Booking and Loyalty Options
EVA Air offers several channels for booking and mileage redemption on the new Dallas–Taipei service. Members of EVA’s Infinity MileageLands program can transfer credit-card reward points from issuers including Citi ThankYou and Capital One Miles.
Passengers can also redeem award tickets through Star Alliance partners such as United Airlines, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines.
The airline expects the route to attract both business and leisure travelers from Texas and neighboring states, leveraging DFW’s strong corporate base and international connectivity. With daily service planned by year-end, EVA aims to strengthen Taipei’s position as a central hub for connections across East and Southeast Asia.
A Broader Vision for Transpacific Travel
By pairing a modern aircraft with a refreshed cabin experience, EVA Air is signaling its intent to compete aggressively in the evolving transpacific market. The launch underscores a broader industry trend: airlines are investing heavily in comfort-focused products that bridge the gap between economy and business class.
For DFW, the addition of EVA Air’s nonstop service represents not just another route, but an expanded role in linking North America to the Asia-Pacific region. As the first U.S. market to showcase EVA’s newest premium economy, Dallas now finds itself at the forefront of the carrier’s next chapter in long-haul service.
Stay tuned for updates and follow EVA Air on social media for the latest route developments.
