Etihad Airways vs EVA Air

Overview

Etihad Airways is one of the two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates, alongside Emirates. According to Wikipedia, it was established by decree in July 2003 and began commercial operations in November 2003. It is owned by Etihad Aviation Group and its head office is in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. Wikipedia reports 2025 revenue of US$6.8 billion and a profit of US$544 million. Etihad is not a member of any of the three major airline alliances. Its frequent-flyer programme is Etihad Guest.

Network and hubs

The main hub is Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. Wikipedia describes a network of more than 120 passenger and cargo destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, with more than 1,000 flights a week. Etihad's January 2026 traffic statistics give 110 network destinations, including seasonal and cargo routes and those due to start within 12 months, of which 93 were operated in January. Wikipedia also notes that the Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv route carried 100,000 passengers in the first quarter of 2026, with more than two-thirds connecting onward.

Fleet

Etihad's own figures show an operating fleet of 127 aircraft at the start of 2026, up from 101 a year earlier. This figure includes freighters and short-term ACMI leases. Wikipedia's infobox lists a lower passenger-fleet count of 110, and the article text cites 107 aircraft as of July 2025, so counts vary by definition. The fleet consists of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A380.

On board

Wikipedia states that the A380 and 787 introduced the airline's current cabin names: The Residence and The Apartment (A380 only), First Suite (787-9), Business Studio and Economy Smart. The Residence is a three-room private cabin on the A380. Cabin layouts differ by aircraft, so travellers should check the seat map for their flight. Seat pitch, meal and entertainment details were not verified for this profile.

Good to know

• Etihad's January 2026 load factor was 89.9 per cent, so busy flights are common.
• Baggage allowances, change fees and lounge access depend on fare and route. Check them on etihad.com before booking.
• Etihad Guest is the loyalty programme.
• Fleet and destination figures change often. Those above are dated as stated.

Overview

EVA Air (EVA Airways Corporation, BR) is an international airline headquartered in Luzhu, Taoyuan, Taiwan. According to Wikipedia, it was founded on 8 March 1989 and began operations on 1 July 1991. It is part of the Evergreen Group, is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (2618), and is a member of Star Alliance. Its regional subsidiary is UNI Air. EVA Air is widely credited with creating the premium economy cabin.

Network and hubs

The main hub is Taipei Taoyuan, with focus cities at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Kaohsiung and Taipei Songshan. The airline serves destinations across Asia, North America and Europe; Plane Finder lists about 61 destinations.

Fleet

The official fleet page lists 89 aircraft in service as of 1 September 2026. These comprise:

• 32 Boeing 777-300ER
• 9 Boeing 787-9 (8 more on order)
• 13 Boeing 787-10 (4 on order)
• 9 Airbus A330-300
• 17 Airbus A321-200
• 9 Boeing 777F freighters

On order are 24 Airbus A350-1000 and 18 Airbus A321neo.

On board

Long-haul flights offer Royal Laurel or Premium Laurel (business), Premium Economy and Economy. All cabins have seatback audio and video on demand. EVA Air has introduced a fourth-generation Premium Economy seat on the 787-9, with 42 in of pitch. Older 777-300ER Premium Economy seats have 38 in, according to a third-party review. The same site reports 31-33 in of Economy pitch on the 777-300ER. Meal and Wi-Fi provision varies by route and aircraft, so check at booking.

Good to know

• Baggage: According to the airline's FAQ, Economy and Premium Economy passengers may carry one 7 kg cabin bag (maximum 23 x 36 x 56 cm); business passengers may carry two. Checked allowances depend on route and fare, and Basic and Discount fares can include less. The airline's Basic fare includes 23 kg within Asia.
• Lounges: At Taoyuan there are four lounges: The Garden, The Infinity, The Star and The Club. Access depends on cabin and frequent-flyer tier.
• Loyalty: Infinity MileageLands miles can be used for upgrades and award tickets on EVA Air, UNI Air and Star Alliance partners.
• Fees and on-time data: Change fees vary by fare, and no published on-time figure was found.