Little-known airline that launched the first ever premium economy seat – and it’s still one of the best in the world

EVA Air launched the first ever premium economy seats in 1992.

The Taiwanese airline is the reason we can all fly in premium economy class – and for Brits, they still operate out of the UK.

Eva Air was the pioneer of premium economy when they launched “Evergreen Deluxe Class,” which later went on to be renamed as “Elite Class” in the early 1990s.

The first-of-its-kind cabin featured a wider 2-4-2 seat pattern with leg rests, individual video sets in the seats, and improved meal services.

The premium economy option became so popular with travellers that it encouraged other airlines to follow suit.

Lots of other airlines then introduced their own premium option, as an alternative between economy and business class.

Eva Air continues to operate today and is still known for its comfort and quality service, especially in premium economy.

Eva Air was also named one of the world's best airlines in 2024 by Skytrax.

Brits can fly from London Heathrow with Eva Air to lots of destinations.

They operate services to Taiwan, Hong Kong, mainland China, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Some of their most popular routes go to Bangkok and Taipei.

They also fly to cities in Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Now in their premium economy class, Eva Air has adopted business class seats.

On the Boeing 787-9 aircraft, premium economy is made up of 28 seats arranged in a 2-3-2 formation.

The seat pitch, the distance between rows, is one of the biggest in the industry at 42 inches.

On average, premium economy seats have a seat pitch of 36 to 38 inches.

In the premium economy seats, there are also privacy panels on the headrests and built-in reading lights.

Built into the seats are widescreen monitors and a multi-function entertainment system controller for entertainment.

Recently, Eva Air announced that passengers can no longer be able to use power banks onboard.

Instead passengers are being urged to use the onboard power outlets which have both AC and USB-A ports – these rules came into effect on Saturday 1 March.

Plane etiquette

IF you're planning on going away any time soon, you'll need to pay attention to the following unwritten plane etiquette rules...

RECLINING SEAT: Podcast host and etiquette expert Nick Leighton explained that youshouldn't recline your seatif the passenger behind you is working on their laptop.

He said: “Nobody likes their laptop snapped in half.”

Before yourecline your seat, it's best to check to see what the passenger behind you is doing.

If they are on a laptop, ask before you move your seat back.

FEET: A flight attendant told Flying Eze: “Yourboarding cardtells you a number and a letter, this will be the reserved seat that you have paid for.

“Your feet, which are attached to your body, should do their best to reside within this space and stay far away from anyone else.

“If you do insist onstretching out, please make sure your feet are covered up.”

CHAT: TV travel expert Samantha Brownexplained thatconversations from strangersaren't welcome, suggesting that others shouldn't expect a chat.

She added: “I’m not a talker. Plane time is me time.”