BR226 (SIN - TPE)
Plane Type: Boeing 777-36NER
Registry: B-16709
Class: Economy
Seat: 62A
Layout: 3x3x3
Reviewer: Malcolm Lu
Date: Nov 4th 2015
Presenting a simple review of my inflight experience onboard EVA Air, one of Taiwan's International Carriers. Just a bit of a backstory, I am not a newcomer onboard EVA. My first flight with them was back in 1996 when I was 14 years old. That was, of course, my first solo flight and was kinda nervous. Back then, EVA still operated 747-400M Combi models and I was fortunate to have taken one for my first solo flight. The Air Crew were very nice and kindly upgraded me to premium economy, and also took extra care of me as it was my first time flying alone, and was kinda nervous. Since that time, EVA has grown and expanded, modernising their fleet with the B777-300ER, A330s and upcoming 787s. Their service is as always, attentive and warm-hearted, which truly reflects the spirit and culture of Taiwan.
Now the plane that was assigned for my recent trip was B-16709, an almost 8-year-old Boeing 777-300ER. The exterior of the plane recently underwent repainting, removing the traditional Chinese characters from the billboard title logo on the hull. The interior features 38 flatbed Royal Laurel (Business Class) seats, 64 Elite (Premium Economy) Recliner Seats, and 211 Economy Recliner Seating. My assigned seat was 62A, just behind the wing of the plane.
The flight was overall enjoyable, the seats were comfortable and space was adequate for an economy class ticket.
The food was great, it was quite tasty and my only wish was I could get 2nd servings. I ordered the mashed potato with chicken chop and veggie sides, which is also served with bread, a salad appetiser, fruits and a chocolate cake for dessert. Drinks included Tea/ coffee and one other choice of beverage. :) The flight attendants were well mannered, very well trained and always serving you with a warm smile and Taiwanese friendliness.
Overall, the flight was smooth, relaxing and quiet. Manage to get a snooze here and there, also enjoying the amazing view of the sunset along our flight path. A very nice touch is the boarding and landing music the airline plays, which is a soothing orchestral melody of traditional Taiwanese folk songs, adding that local Taiwanese touch to the EVA Experience.
Now to the downside, as every review should have one. The seat design in comparison with other airlines is slightly older. I do know that EVA is slowly updating their interior furnishings, like in this flight, it featured the newer business class seats but the premium economy and economy seats are older, not super old, just not as new as what you see on other international airlines of the region. The IFE is another thing to note, as the screen is much smaller, non-touch screen, and under the C, D and H seats in economy class, there is the entertainment box under the seat, meaning that legroom and under-seat stowage will be restricted for passengers on that seat. This is something that will be changed slowly when the newer Economy class designs are introduced to the rest of the fleet. For the moment, it is still a good comfortable flight and will definitely fly on EVA again. Even my dad who is a regular flyer said he really prefered this Airline over his previous choices, as in his own words, it surprised him, beyond his expectations for the price he paid. And just as a point of reference, he took Royal Laurel class while we mere mortals were in economy lol.
To sum it up, keep up the good work EVA, and if you readers would ever want to fly to Taiwan, might I suggest trying EVA out? Its the perfect way to experience Taiwan even before you land :)
Cheers folks!
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