EVA Air and China Airlines are Taiwan's two big full-service international carriers, and both run their long-haul networks from Taipei Taoyuan. Travellers comparing them are usually choosing between two airlines on the same routes from Taipei to Asia, North America and Europe. EVA belongs to Star Alliance, while China Airlines is in SkyTeam.
Quick verdict
The two are close in scope, so the alliance you collect miles in often decides it. EVA Air is the better pick if you want a Premium Economy cabin, including a newer 42 in seat on the 787-9, or if you use Star Alliance. China Airlines suits SkyTeam members and anyone who wants its Dynasty Lounge network and Dynasty Flyer programme. Check the baggage allowance and the aircraft type for your exact flight, because both vary by route and fare.
Choose EVA Air if…
- You collect miles with Star Alliance partners and want to use Infinity MileageLands for awards and upgrades.
- You want Premium Economy: EVA is widely credited with creating the cabin, and its new 787-9 seat has 42 in of pitch.
- You want a larger widebody fleet: 32 777-300ERs, 9 787-9s and 13 787-10s, with A350-1000s on order.
Choose China Airlines if…
- You are in SkyTeam or Dynasty Flyer and want to earn or use those miles.
- You value a lounge network: nine Dynasty Lounges at seven airports, open to Business Class and Gold, Emerald and Paragon members.
- You want a fleet built around the A350-900 (18 aircraft) and A321neo (22 aircraft) on long and regional routes.
At a glance
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Key differences
Network and hubs
Both airlines use Taipei Taoyuan as their main hub, with Kaohsiung and Taipei Songshan as focus cities. EVA Air also treats Bangkok Suvarnabhumi as a focus city, which helps on Taiwan–Thailand and onward connections. China Airlines serves about 100 destinations across Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania, so it covers Oceania as well. EVA lists roughly 61 destinations across Asia, North America and Europe. On shared routes, compare schedules and fares rather than reach.
Fleet
As of 1 September 2026, EVA Air has 89 aircraft in service. They include 32 Boeing 777-300ERs, 9 787-9s, 13 787-10s, 9 A330-300s, 17 A321-200s and 9 777 freighters. China Airlines has 85 aircraft as of August 2026, of which 18 are freighters. Its 67 passenger aircraft are 18 A350-900s, 10 777-300ERs, 12 A330-300s, 22 A321neos and 5 737-800s. Both have A350-1000s on order. China Airlines' 787-9 deliveries are listed from 2027.
Cabins and seats
Both offer Business, Premium Economy and Economy on long-haul aircraft. EVA's Business cabin is called Royal Laurel or Premium Laurel. EVA 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. China Airlines' A321neo and 737-800 have only Business and Economy. Layouts vary by aircraft on both airlines, so check your flight's seat map.
Baggage and fares
On EVA Air, Economy and Premium Economy passengers get one 7 kg cabin bag, and business passengers get two. Checked allowances depend on route and fare. Basic and Discount fares can include less, though the Basic fare includes 23 kg within Asia. China Airlines also sets allowances by fare and route, and its Dynasty Flyer elite members get a higher checked allowance. Read the fare rules for your exact ticket before booking.
Lounges
EVA Air has four lounges at Taoyuan: The Garden, The Infinity, The Star and The Club. It also has lounges at Kaohsiung and Bangkok. Access depends on cabin and frequent-flyer tier. China Airlines runs nine Dynasty Lounges at seven airports for Business Class passengers and Dynasty Flyer Gold, Emerald and Paragon members. Elsewhere it uses SkyTeam partner or local lounges.
Loyalty and alliances
EVA's Infinity MileageLands miles can be redeemed for upgrades and awards on EVA Air, UNI Air and Star Alliance carriers. China Airlines' Dynasty Flyer has Gold, Emerald and Paragon tiers, and elite members can upgrade their tickets to a higher cabin. The practical difference is the partner network. Star Alliance and SkyTeam cover different airlines, so pick the one whose partners you already fly.
Frequently asked questions
Is EVA Air better than China Airlines?
Neither is clearly better, because both are full-service carriers based at Taipei Taoyuan. EVA Air stands out for its Premium Economy and Star Alliance links, while China Airlines offers SkyTeam links and a large Dynasty Lounge network.
Which has more legroom in Premium Economy?
EVA Air lists 42 in of pitch on its new 787-9 Premium Economy seat and 38 in on older 777-300ERs. China Airlines' pitch varies by aircraft, so check its seat map for your flight.
Are EVA Air and China Airlines in the same alliance?
No. EVA Air is a member of Star Alliance, and China Airlines is a member of SkyTeam. That decides which partner airlines you can earn and spend miles on.
About EVA Air Read more
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.
About China Airlines Read more
Overview
China Airlines is the state-owned flag carrier of Taiwan. According to Wikipedia, it was founded on 7 September 1959 and began operations in December 1959. It is part of the China Airlines Group, with headquarters at CAL Park in Taoyuan, and it is a member of the SkyTeam alliance. Group companies include China Airlines Cargo, Mandarin Airlines and Tigerair Taiwan. Its call sign is DYNASTY.
Network and hubs
The main hub is Taipei Taoyuan International Airport. Kaohsiung and Taipei Songshan are focus cities. The airline serves about 100 destinations across Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania. That figure comes from a Wikipedia article that still carries some 2017 data, so check the current route map on the airline's website.
Fleet
Wikipedia's fleet table, dated August 2026, lists 85 aircraft in service. This includes 18 freighters, so the passenger fleet is about 67 aircraft:
- Airbus A321neo: 22
- Airbus A330-300: 12
- Airbus A350-900: 18
- Boeing 737-800: 5
- Boeing 777-300ER: 10
The table shows orders for Airbus A350-1000, Boeing 777-9, 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft. The 787-9 deliveries are listed as starting in 2027. The A321neo is replacing the 737-800, and the A330-300 is due to be replaced by the 787.
On board
Long-haul aircraft such as the A350-900 and 777-300ER have Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. The A321neo and 737-800 have Business and Economy only. Layouts vary by aircraft, and some A350-900s have different configurations. Meals are served on board, and special meals can be ordered in advance. Seat pitch, entertainment and Wi-Fi details were not confirmed in the sources used, so check the airline's website for your aircraft.
Good to know
- Lounges: China Airlines runs Dynasty Lounges, nine in total at seven airports. They are open to Business Class passengers and to Dynasty Flyer Gold, Emerald and Paragon members. Elsewhere, SkyTeam partner or local lounges are used.
- Loyalty: Dynasty Flyer has three elite tiers: Gold, Emerald and Paragon. Elite members can get a higher checked baggage allowance and can upgrade their tickets.
- Baggage and fees: allowances and change fees differ by fare and route. Check the official website before booking.
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