The biggest highlight of EVA Air’s newly introduced fourth-generation Premium Economy Class is the 42-inch seat pitch. Additionally, the cradle-style seat design allows the seat cushion to rise as the backrest reclines, creating a more comfortable resting angle. This special design makes it even more suitable for long-haul flights.
To fully experience this seat, Jesse sat in it for over ten minutes to carefully feel its comfort. Jesse truly loves this design, as it allows for proper rest during long flights. At the same time, part of business class amenities have been incorporated into Premium Economy Class, enhancing the overall experience.
The side panels on the headrest provide additional privacy, along with a reading light and adjustable headrest.
The aisle-side armrest can be operated by flight attendants to assist wheelchair passengers, making it easier for them to move into their seats without obstruction.
All Premium Economy Class seats have windows (unlike the 777, which has some windowless seats). Each row in Premium Economy Class has space for two windows, enhancing the overall experience.
Rest
Equipped with a footrest and calf support.
Widest seat pitch in the industry: 42 inches, which is even longer than EVA Air’s own 777 Premium Economy at 38 inches.
Cradle-style reclining technology, where the seat cushion slides forward and upward simultaneously, providing a more comfortable resting angle.
Adjustable headrest for enhanced support and comfort.
IFE SYSTEM
Equipped with Panasonic Avionics eX3 in-flight entertainment system.
Currently features the largest available 15.6-inch screen in the Premium Economy Class industry.
Each seat is equipped with a USB Type-A port and a 110V universal power outlet for charging.
Storage
Two small mesh pockets on the seatback.
Water bottle holder (located under the armrest for the first row, and on the seatback for other rows).
Storage space under the armrest.
Tray table with a dedicated slot for tablets and mobile phones. Storage compartment below the screen for additional convenience.
EVA Air’s Three-Class Aircraft Operational Plan
EVA Air’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft equipped with Premium Economy Class will first be deployed on the Jakarta route in Asia. In the future, these aircraft will gradually be introduced on routes to Munich, Milan, Vienna, and San Francisco (morning flight).
The first three-class 787-9 (B-17887) deliveried in February 2025. Additionally, EVA Air plans to receive eight more three-class 787-9s and five two-class 787-10, all set for delivery by 2029.
Seat Map of 787-9（78P）
Seat Map of 787-9（78P）
4th Gen Premium Economy Class: Cabin Space
EVA Air’s Boeing 787-9 (78P) features four rows of Premium Economy Class seats, each arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration, with a total of 28 seats. The seat pitch in the 787-9 (78P) is 42 inches, an improvement over the 38-inch seat pitch in EVA Air’s own 777 aircraft.
EVA Air’s Boeing 787-9 (78P) features four rows of Premium Economy Class seats, each arranged in a 2-3-2EVA Air’s Boeing 787-9 (78P) features four rows of Premium Economy Class seats, each arranged in a 2-3-2Left-side seat (ROW AC )Right-side seat(ROW HK)Center seat (Row DEG )The first row of Premium Economy Class, seats 20AC, has space with two full windows.The first row of Premium Economy Class, seat 20HK (right side).
Seat 23AC on the left side is the last row of Premium Economy Class, featuring a reclining space, with the wall of Economy Class located behind it.
Seat 23HK on the right side is the last row of Premium Economy Class, featuring a reclining space, with the wall of Economy Class located behind it.
There is a partition and curtain between Premium Economy Class and Economy Class, which will be drawn during the flight to provide a separate rest area. Currently, Premium Economy Class shares the restroom located at Door 2 with Business Class.The space where Premium Economy Class transitions to the Economy Class section at the rear.
Seat Detailed Features
Reclining and Leg Support
Footrest area (excluding first-row seats)Each seat is equipped with a footrest that can be raised to provide calf support. (Photo source: EVA Air)Close-up of the footrest (the red section in the center indicates the life vest location, which should not be touched under normal circumstances).The first-row seats feature a combination footrest and foot cushion design, as there are no seats in front.There are two seat control buttons: the front one adjusts the footrest up and down, while the rear one controls the seat recline.When the seat reclines, it is compared with the adjacent seat to show the degree of tilt.A different angle shows the degree of seat recline.When the seat reclines, it also moves forward and upward, providing better support. This design greatly enhances comfort during long-haul flights. On the left side of the photo, the seat is reclined, while on the right side, the seat is in its normal position.
Headrest and Privacy
The headrest area features a reading light and an additional privacy panel, allowing for more privacy while resting. This panel helps block direct eye contact during rest.
The most distinctive feature of this seat design is its headrest area.The headrest itself and its surrounding area are covered in leather.The top of the seat features an accent design in orange-brown as a contrasting color.The headrest can be adjusted in six directions: folding the side wings inward, moving up and down, and adjusting the tilt angle. This allows passengers to find the most comfortable position.A reading light is also installed in the side panel area. Simply push it downward to turn on the light.
Tray Table and Armrest Design
The dining tray table, along with the storage space below the screen, allows passengers to adjust the angle for placing electronic devices and positioning them conveniently.A smartphone can also be placed on the upper section, and this space can easily accommodate a 10-inch iPad.The tray table features a slot for placing a tablet.Aisle and Armrest AreaThe armrest of each aisle seat can be lowered to seat level, making it easier for wheelchair users or passengers with limited mobility to board. (This requires assistance from the flight attendants.)
Stowage Space
Due to the abundance of storage spaces located on the seatback, for the first row of Premium Economy Class , which is relatively larger, cannot utilize these well-designed storage spaces. (The area in front of the first row is a wall with a storage pocket.)
The water bottle holder for the first-row Premium Economy Class seat, located at seat 20AC.Both thermos bottles and mineral water can be placed in the holder.The water bottle holder, located on the center armrest of the seat, is moved forward starting from the second row. Jesse’s larger thermos bottle can also fit in this holder.Starting from the second row (since the first row faces a wall and lacks these features), each seat is equipped with one large and two small storage pockets on the seatback. The two small pockets are designed with mesh straps to prevent passengers from forgetting the items placed inside.Below the screen, there is another small storage area where items like glasses can be placed, and it can also serve as a phone holder. This area is thoughtfully designed with transparency, allowing passengers to easily check if they have left anything behind.There is an additional open space under the seat armrest where passengers can place documents, menus, or a tablet.Tablet placement example (Photo source: EVA Air)A clothing hook is located next to the screen (excluding the first row).
Entertainment System / Charging
Below the center armrest, there is a universal power outlet and a USB Type-A charging port.EVA Air’s customized version of Premium Economy headphones.The headphones plug is located between seats and close to ear height.The current in-flight entertainment (IFE) system uses Panasonic Avionics’ EX3 system, with the interface consistent with that of the current 787.When the seat in front reclines, the screen can be adjusted to an angle for optimal viewing.The screen in the first row is mounted on the cabin wall.
Cabin Service and Amenities
This time, the service amenities have also been upgraded, with some items matching the same level of service amenities provided in Business Class for Premium Economy Class passengers.
The meal tray is from the century-old Italian brand Guzzini, and the napkins are made from bamboo fiber for an eco-friendly option. The image shows Old Kanpai Japanese A5 Wagyu BBQ Rice (available on select flights departing from Taipei).Passengers on long-haul flights to the United States, Canada, and Europe will receive a new overnight kit in collaboration with the renowned UK brand HUNTER. Passengers departing from Taipei will receive the olive green version, while return passengers will receive the oatmeal brown version. The kit includes lotion and lip balm, and features a strap design that combines both a fashionable appearance and outdoor functionality.With the strap, it can also be used as a small backpack. (Photo source: EVA Air)The current Premium Economy Class features exclusive pillows and reversible blankets.The restroom is equipped with Royal Laurel Class amenities (shared with Business Class).The Business Class and Premium Economy Class share the restroom at Door 2 on the 787. Business Class passengers also have access to an additional restroom at Door 1. The two restrooms at Door 2 are shared with Premium Economy Class. The photo shows the restroom on the left side of Door 2, while the larger accessible restroom is located on the right side of Door 2.These velvet slippers, which were originally only available in EVA Air’s Business Class, are now also provided in Premium Economy Class.Nut Mix Pack
