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We’ve long since believed that Taiwan-based EVA Air is the most overlooked transpacific business option, with outstanding service and solid reverse herringbone business-class seats on its 777s. Based on a new sizzle reel showcasing its upcoming Dreamliner business-class cabin, it’s apt to become a wee bit less overlooked.
EVA Air has teamed up with the remarkable BMW Designworks to craft one of the slickest, modernized forward cabins we’ve seen in some while. For those who’ve followed any of BMW Designworks’ other creations, you’ll instantly recognize the connection.
The carrier is slated to take delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 on October 2, 2018, with it quickly entering service by the end of that month. All told, it has ordered 24 787s, with four being the long-range 787-9 and the other 20 being the stretched-out 787-10. The 787-9 will house 26 Royal Laurel business class seats (plus 278 seats in Economy), with 23 inches of width and a maximum extension of 76 inches when it’s converted to lie-flat mode.
While we can debate the decision to eschew a reverse herringbone layout in favor of a Vantage XL-esque seat, the cool colors, thoughtful privacy sliders, massive 18-inch touch-enabled display, copious storage cutouts, power outlets galore and an environment that caters to those who intend to use their laptop/phone with frequency are all pluses.
For those curious about the economy cabin: Those seats will be engineered by Recaro. They’ll boast a leather headrest with 6 inches of up/down adjustment and a 12-inch touch-enabled seatback display.
As it stands today, the inaugural passenger flight for the cabin seen here will be a sub-two-hour hop from Taipei (TPE) to Hong Kong (HKG), with additional routes to be announced at a later date.
Given that EVA Air is a Star Alliance member, we utilized United’s excellent award search calendar to see if the new plane was loaded into the schedule. Unfortunately, it appears that EVA’s 787 isn’t yet scheduled to run any TPE-HKG routes through early 2019, but we’re expecting that to change in short order.
Once the new bird is loaded into the schedule, the best bet for US-based flyers who wish to book an award seat is to proactively earn points that can be transferred into your United MileagePlus account. Chase is a 1:1 transfer partner with United, so now’s a great time to apply for a Chase Sapphire Preferred (50,000 bonus points), Chase Sapphire Reserve (50,000 bonus points) or the Ink Business Preferred (80,000 bonus points) and complete the minimum spend requirement to net tens of thousands of transferrable Ultimate Rewards points.
You can also book EVA Air flights via Aeroplan, which is a 1:1 transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards. Those points are earned on cards such as The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express and The Business Platinum® Card from American Express OPEN.
H/T: One Mile at a Time
Featured image of EVA Air 787 Business Class cabin courtesy of EVA Air.
The American Express Platinum card has some of the best perks out there: cardholders enjoy the best domestic lounge access (Delta SkyClubs, Centurion Lounges, and Priority Pass), a $200 annual airline fee credit as well as up to $200 in Uber credits, and mid-tier elite status at SPG, Marriott, and Hilton. Combined with the 60,000 point welcome offer -- worth $1,140 based on TPG's valuations -- this card is a no-brainer for frequent travelers. Here are 5 reasons you should consider this card, as well as how you can figure out if the $550 annual fee makes sense for you.
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
- Enjoy Uber VIP status and free rides in the U.S. up to $15 each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings.
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.
- 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.
- Enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world.
- Receive complimentary benefits with an average total value of $550 with Fine Hotels & Resorts. Learn More.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit, up to $200 per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline.
- Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
- $550 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
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