New nonstop flights connect Washington and Taipei for the first time

A new direct flight route is now providing the first nonstop service between the U.S. Capital and Taipei.

The new route out of Washington Dulles International Airport is operated by EVA Air, a Taiwan-based carrier that is expanding its North American footprint.

The service, operating four times per week, was described by company officials as a “key milestone” that will strengthen connectivity.

EVA Air will be utilizing Boeing 787-9 aircraft for the flights, which depart Washington D.C. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The complete flight schedule is below:

AVA Air connects the nation’s capital with Taiwan

Airport and airline officials gathered at Dulles International Airport on Friday to mark the arrival of the inaugural flight, which was greeted with a ceremonial water cannon salute, as is traditional when a new route makes its arrival at an airport.

The event included a traditional dragon and lion dance performance along with an exchange of gifts between airline executives and local transportation officials.

Jack Potter, the president and chief executive officer of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, said the route allows regional travelers to fly directly to Taiwan for the first time, and connect to other Asian destinations from there.

“Residents and visitors can enjoy nonstop flights to Taiwan’s premier technological and cultural hub and easily continue a journey to dozens of key destinations across east and southeast Asia,” Potter said, adding that local authorities expect the service to bring thousands of new visitors to the Washington area.

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According to a news release, expanding connectivity with Asia has been a “strategic priority” of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for several years. Paul Bobson, the authority’s vice president for airline business development, said in a statement that the service followed years of analysis, planning and partnership building. Bobson added that the service is intended to strengthen trade, tourism and cultural exchange.

Han Kuo-yu, the president of the Legislative Yuan of Taiwan, traveled on the initial flight back to Taipei as part of a congressional delegation. According to the company press release, Han said the route reflects growing travel demand and continues to strengthen the travel partnership between Taiwan and the United States.

EVA Air President Clay Sun said the company sees “immense market potential” in the Washington metropolitan area. Sun stated that the route would enhance the carrier’s network across the eastern United States, delivering what company officials called “premium service to both business and leisure travelers alike.”

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In addition to this new flight option, EVA Air is promoting a new configuration of its premium economy class that will be offered, describing it as “one of the industry’s most generous seat pitches” to deliver “enhanced comfort and functionality” for long-haul travelers.

With the addition of this new Washington D.C. route, EVA Air now serves 10 gateways in North America, operating 98 flights per week across cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and New York.

The carrier, which was founded in 1989 as Taiwan’s first privately owned international airline, operates a fleet of more than 80 aircraft to approximately 60 destinations across the globe. According to the company’s promotional materials, the airline has maintained a five-star rating from industry reviewer Skytrax for 11 consecutive years.

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