Launch[edit]
Aircraft in flight. Side view of twin-engine jet with extended landing gear and flaps.
EVA Air began commercial services in 1991 with Boeing 767 aircraft.
In September 1988, during the 20th anniversary celebration of Evergreen Marine Corporation’s founding, company chairman Chang Yung-fa announced his company’s intentions to establish Taiwan’s first private international airline.[6] The opportunity to create a major Taiwanese airline had just arisen following a decision by the Taiwanese government to liberalise the country’s air transportation system.[6][7] Government requirements still mandated global experience and financial capital requirements for any company seeking permission to initiate international airline service from Taiwan.[8]
Upon recipient of regulatory approval, EVA Airways Corporation was formally established in March 1989.[8] The airline was originally to be called Evergreen Airways,[9] however this was deemed too similar to the unrelated Evergreen International cargo airline.[10] In October 1989, the newly formed EVA Airways Corporation placed a US$3.6 billion order for 26 aircraft from Boeing and McDonnell Douglas, including Boeing 747-400 and MD-11 airliners.[9]
Operations began on 1 July 1991 with a small fleet of EVA Air Boeing 767-300ER aircraft featuring business and economy class seating.[10][11] Initial destinations from Taipei were Bangkok, Seoul, Jakarta, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.[10] By the end of the year, the EVA Air network had expanded to include additional cities in East Asia and its first European destination, Vienna.[10] First year revenues reached US$40 million.[10]