Thai Airways International vs EVA Air

Overview

Thai Airways International is the flag carrier of Thailand. According to Wikipedia, it was founded in 1960 as a joint venture with Scandinavian Airlines and began operating in its current form in 1988 after merging with Thai Airways Company. The Ministry of Finance holds 42.94% of the shares, and the airline is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its headquarters are in Chatuchak, Bangkok. Thai is a founding member of Star Alliance. Its regional subsidiary Thai Smile was merged back into the mainline carrier from 2023.

Network and hubs

The main hub is Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. As of January 2026 the airline served 51 international and 9 domestic destinations in 29 countries, with a network focused on Europe, Asia and Oceania. A return to North America is under discussion, according to Aviation A2Z (July 2026).

Fleet

Wikipedia lists a fleet of 80 aircraft as of January 2026, with a large order book (see the fleet page). In July 2026 Aviation A2Z reported a Boeing 787 fleet of 45 aircraft, including those on order. TTG Asia (25 September 2026) reports that long-haul flying will rely on the Airbus A350-900, Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 787 family as older wide-bodies retire. It also reports that the Airbus A321neo fleet will grow from nine to 15 by the end of 2026, with a target of 32. The fleet is to be streamlined to four types, with a cabin overhaul planned for 2027.

On board

• Cabins: Royal Silk (business), Premium Economy and Economy, depending on aircraft. Royal First is listed in some baggage tables.
• Meals: Thai and international dishes, which vary by route and month. Pre-selection is available up to 72 hours before departure.
• Seat pitch, entertainment and Wi-Fi: not confirmed in the sources reviewed, and these vary by aircraft. Check the airline before booking.

Good to know

• Cabin baggage: Thai's official page allows one hand-carry bag of up to 7 kg.
• Checked baggage: third-party sources such as HappyFares report a piece-based allowance for tickets issued from 25 November 2025 for travel from 2 March 2026. Economy Saver and Standard include 1 x 23 kg, and Royal Silk includes 2 x 32 kg. Older tickets keep the weight-based allowance. Check the official site for your fare.
• Punctuality: Cirium reported 79.29% on-time arrivals for June 2025.
• Lounges: Royal Orchid and Royal Silk lounges. The loyalty programme is Royal Orchid Plus.

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.