Lucky man becomes 10 millionth passenger; EVA Air gifts round-the-world free ticket plus gold foil

▲EVA Air will add 7 new 777-300ER and 6 A321-200 aircraft in 2016. (Photo / Screenshot from EVA Air Facebook)

Reported by Chen Rui-zhong / Compiled by HowToTrip

On today’s (December 29) BR177 Hello Kitty-themed flight from Osaka to Taoyuan, EVA Air welcomed a passenger surnamed Zhang, who became the airline’s 10 millionth passenger of the year, jointly witnessing this milestone of EVA Air surpassing 10 million annual passengers. EVA Air specially held a celebration event at Taoyuan Airport, presenting the lucky passenger with a free round-the-world ticket to any destination, along with other gifts including a Hello Kitty gold foil deck of playing cards.

In recent years, with the continuous introduction of new aircraft and joining the Star Alliance among other factors, EVA Air has seen steady growth in performance. Its passenger volume reached 8 million in 2013, grew to 8.9 million in 2014, and hit 9.175 million from January to November this year, officially surpassing 10 million today. The growth rate has exceeded 10% for two consecutive years.

▲EVA Air General Manager Cheng Chuan-yi (2nd from right) presents the ticket and Hello Kitty gold foil playing cards to the lucky passenger Chang Cheng-jen. (Photo / Provided by EVA Air)

EVA Air stated that surpassing 10 million annual passengers marks a new milestone, and the airline will continue to introduce a variety of new hardware and software facilities. The premium economy and economy cabins of the first-generation 777-300ER have undergone cabin upgrades this year, featuring lighter, more ergonomic new seats that offer more spacious overall space. The latest in-flight entertainment systems and Wi-Fi services have also been installed. Additionally, the newly introduced A330-300 aircraft, suitable for medium- and short-haul flights, now feature 180-degree fully flat business class seats.

In 2016, EVA Air will introduce 7 new 777-300ER and 6 A321-200 aircraft, and will successively launch new routes to Istanbul, Cebu, Nantong, and Huai’an, as well as increase frequencies on U.S., Seoul, and Southeast Asian routes. Passenger numbers are expected to grow by another 10%.