EVA Air took delivery of its first A330-200 in Toulouse on June 26. Group Chairman Chang delegated EVA Air top management to attend the ceremony personally. The new aircraft ferried to Taiwan immediately after the delivery ceremony and is expected to arrive at Taiwan CKS Airport at 4:25 P.M. on June 27.

       Following preparatory work, the new A330-200 will be deployed on routes to Manila, Hong Kong and Macau starting from July 3, and then on Japanese routes in the middle of August. Its advanced, state-of-the art equipment will provide passengers with world-class service and comfort.

       The new A330-200 is the first of 10 which will be delivered to EVA Air between now and 2005. The newly-added A330-200 is one of the most advanced mid-long haul aircraft, equipped with the state-of-the-art avionic instruments and flight control, and powered by General Electric CF6-80E1A3 engines which offer increased power but are also quieter and more environmentally-friendly.

       The introduction of the A330-200 showcases the carrier's new generation of business class, Premium Laurel. EVA's new, redesigned and upgraded business class offers seating with a generous 61-inch pitch, and gives travelers unparalleled control over seat adjustments. Additional amenities include each business seat is equipped with a 10.4-inch VGA LCD monitor, hi-fi noise-cancellation earphones, to-order galley, wine chiller, microwave oven, steam oven and expresso machine in the galley, ensuring that piping-hot food and fresh coffee is available at all times.

       The interior of the cabin of the new A330-200 is modeled on an innovative 'enhanced cabin design'.  All of the aircraft are equipped with ADVANCED INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT, while innovative galley equipment and service will contribute to an impressive traveling experience for passengers.

       EVA new A330-200 also sees an upgraded economy class. Every seat on the plane is served by Matsushita Avionics Systems Corps's interactive IFE system 3000i - the most advanced inflight entertainment system on the market and comes with a 6.5 inch screen and stereo headset.

        The Audio/Video on demand (AVOD) system allows passengers no matter in Premium Laurel class or economy class to select movies and music, via a remote controller. They are able to choose from 10 films, 12 TV shorts, more than 500 pieces of music and five PC games. Each economy seat is also equipped with a telephone capable of global access. Lavatory faucets now incorporate proximity sensors. There is a lavatory 60 inches wide for handicapped people. The broadened lavatory has also been equipped with a babycare station.

        EVA Air's fleet will consequently reach 43 aircraft including 1 A330-200, 5 B747-400 whole passengers, 10 B747-400 combi, 4 B747-400 freighters, 2 MD-11 passengers, 10 MD-11 freighters, 4 B767-200, 4 B767-300ER, 2 B757 and 1 MD-90.  The carrier is also expected to take delivery of another new A330-200 aircraft in July.