EVA Air received its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft last week. The aircraft is slated for the airline’s Hong Kong (HKG) route, starting early November.

When it introduces the Dreamliner into service, the airline also launches its new Royal Laurel Class seats, created by Designworks, a BMW company. The Dreamliner aircraft also features new economy-class seats. Throughout, the aircraft is equipped with a filtration system to improve cabin air and humidity controls to reduce drying. Newly designed engine housings reduce noise for a more comfortable flight experience.

“Our introduction of Boeing 787 Dreamliners gives us a younger and more efficient fleet and further upgrades our service quality,” said Steve Lin, chairman, EVA Airlines. “In addition to giving our passengers the comforts and conveniences of the Boeing Dreamliner’s advanced aviation technologies, we have made great efforts to enhance our cabin service.”

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft is capable of long-haul flights between Taipei (TPE) and Vancouver (YVR) or Seattle (SEA) and Vienna (VIE). It holds 304 passengers, with 26 in Royal Laurel Class and 278 in economy class. The aircraft are more environmentally efficient and constructed of lighter composite materials. Engines reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent.

The airline’s second Dreamliner is scheduled for a November delivery and extends Dreamliner operations to Tokyo. EVA Air plans to add a total of 24 Dreamliners to its fleet, with two more scheduled for delivery in 2019, to serve regional routes in Asia and flights to Australia. The remaining 20 Dreamliners are 787-10 aircraft and scheduled for delivery between mid-2019 and 2022.