EVA Air and Airbus Partner to Shape a Sustainable Future in Aviation

Taiwan’s leading carrier, EVA Air, partners with Airbus in a significant sustainability agreement. The agreement combines a major aircraft order with efforts to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) adoption.

EVA Air and Airbus have joined forces in an ambitious effort to boost the development and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) across the airline’s operations. The announcement was made at a special ceremony in Taipei, where EVA Air placed an order for 18 A350-1000 long-range and 15 A321neo single-aisle aircraft.

Attendees included EVA Air President Clay Sun, Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Christian Scherer, Taiwan Civil Aviation Administration Director-General Ho Shu-Ping, and various representatives from the Taiwanese travel and cargo sectors.

SAF is viewed as essential for reducing aviation’s carbon footprint and achieving the Net Zero 2050 goal. Over the next two years, the partnership between EVA Air and Airbus will focus on identifying decarbonisation opportunities within EVA Air’s operations, preparing the infrastructure for SAF adoption, and ensuring ecosystem readiness.

EVA Air President Clay Sun commented on the collaboration:
“Fuel efficiency, carbon reduction, and passenger comfort are key considerations in modernising our fleet. Our partnership with Airbus reflects our commitment to promoting SAF usage and exploring new technologies that support our goal of a Net Zero future.”

Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, added:
“Today’s aircraft orders strengthen our partnership with EVA Air, and the A350-1000 stands out for its passenger comfort and superior environmental performance. This collaboration also aligns with Airbus’ commitment to decarbonising aviation as we explore new ways to reduce emissions and adopt SAF.”

Both companies will work together to assess how SAF can be integrated into EVA Air’s operations, establish procurement strategies, manage SAF certification, and raise awareness of its benefits. EVA Air’s commitment to a Net Zero future is part of a larger regional effort among Asian carriers, reflecting global initiatives to mitigate aviation’s environmental impact.

In addition to fleet renewal, EVA Air has taken steps to modernise its operations, including implementing continuous descent operations, flexible water loading, and offering passengers the option to offset carbon emissions. These measures demonstrate the airline’s proactive approach to sustainability.

EVA Air’s commitment to fleet modernisation and SAF adoption was highlighted in August 2023, when the airline completed its first passenger flight using a 40% SAF blend. By investing in next-generation Airbus aircraft, EVA Air expects to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 25% compared to older aircraft.

SAF offers an average 80% reduction in carbon emissions throughout its lifecycle compared to traditional fossil fuels. All Airbus aircraft are currently capable of operating with up to 50% SAF, with a goal of enabling 100% SAF operations by 2030.