Eva Air has launched its fourth-generation premium economy class cabin, featuring the industry's most generous seat pitch at 42 inches. Olivia Palamountain reports

Taiwanese carrier Eva Air, which pioneered the "Premium Economy " experience in 1992, has launched an upgraded premium economy cabin.

It will debut on the airline's Boeing 787-9 aircraft, marking a shift from "upgraded economy" to what the company describes as a "business-class-like" experience, thanks to an industry-leading seat pitch of 42 inches.

Eva Air president Clay Sun, says: "As the world's first airline to launch premium economy class, Eva Air has consistently focused on innovation driven by passenger needs and setting industry trends. The fourth-generation seats retain the core philosophy of previous generations while enhancing comfort, fashion, and functionality, showcasing our commitment to service innovation and attention to detail."The new cabin features 28 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, equipped with 15.6-inch high-resolution widescreen monitors and a cradle motion recline mechanism that creates an 8-inch recline without compromising space for passengers behind. Each seat includes modern amenities such as device holders, 110V AC and USB power outlets.

Privacy has been enhanced with side panels on headrests and built-in reading lights, while premium leather upholstery features on headrests, armrests and footrests. The design includes wheelchair-accessible armrests on aisle seats.The airline has also announced a collaboration with British brand Hunter for its amenity kits on long-haul routes. Passengers travelling from Taipei will receive olive-green kits, while those on return flights will get oatmeal brown versions.

Environmentally-friendly service items on offer include pillows and double-sided blankets, exclusive high-quality headphones and customised tableware created in collaboration with Italian brand, Guzzini. Bamboo fibre eco-friendly napkins further demonstrate the carrier's commitment to sustainability.

The premium service line-up also features Royal Laurel Class toiletries, deep grey velvet slippers and gourmet mixed nuts and dried fruits.The first Boeing 787-9 featuring the new premium economy class will initially operate between Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and Jakarta, with plans to expand to Munich, Milan, Vienna and San Francisco day flights.

Eva Air's commitment to sustainability was demonstrated during the aircraft's delivery flight, which operated with 30% sustainable aviation fuel, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 63,000 kilos.

The airline's expansion plans include introducing eight more Boeing 787-9s and five Boeing 787-10s by 2029, along with 18 A350-1000 wide-body aircraft from 2027 and 15 A321neo narrow-body aircraft from 2029.