Taiwan’s EVA Air was named the best premium economy airline in the world, according to the latest annual Skytrax airline rankings.
The carrier, which famously created the premium economy cabin class, recently introduced an upgraded version on its Boeing 787-9 aircraft. These are laid out in a 2-3-2 configuration and boast 42 inches of seat pitch, a cradle motion recline mechanism, side privacy panels on the headrests with built-in reading lights, and 15.6-inch high-resolution seatback screens.
EVA Air was also recognized for having the best premium economy class amenities and for being the world’s most family friendly airline.
“These awards reflect the dedication and professionalism of every member of the EVA Air team and their unwavering commitment to our passengers,” Albert Liao, EVA Air’s chief executive vice president, said in a statement. “Guided by our core values of safety, service, and sustainability, we will continue investing in every aspect of the travel journey while delivering the safe, comfortable, and five-star service experience that travelers expect from EVA Air.”
EVA Air snagged the No. 1 spot for best international airline in 2026 in Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Awards“ survey, as voted by readers.
EVA Air first pioneered the premium economy category in 1992. A middle ground between economy and business class, these seats are outfitted with leather upholstery, adjustable headrests, and footrests. They come with touchscreen entertainment systems, noise-canceling headphones, and branded amenity kits complete with moisturizing cream and lip balm, socks, a comb, earplugs, and a sleep mask.
Travelers can also expect a fluffy pillow and a comfy blanket for a cozy flight.
Edward Plaisted, the CEO of Skytrax, called EVA Air a “pioneer” in the premium economy space, adding “at a time when this cabin class is the fastest growing cabin category, it is heartening to see EVA Air maintaining their excellence.”
A passenger favorite with a 5-star rating from Skytrax, the airline is lauded “for the quality, efficiency and consistency of staff service, both onboard flights and at their home base... The seating, amenity, food & beverage and IFE standards across all three onboard cabins,” per the rating company.
EVA Air flies from its hub in Taipei’s Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to dozens of destinations across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. In the United States, the airline operates direct routes to Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Washington D.C., and New York. Its fleet also includes a number of Hello Kitty jets decked out with the famous Sanrio character and her friends, and featuring themed in-flight amenities like slippers and playing cards.
This is the full list of of world’s best premium economy class winners.
- EVA Air
- Emirates
- Singapore Airlines
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- Japan Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Air New Zealand
- Air France
- Lufthansa
- Iberia
- British Airways
- Qantas Airways
- ANA All Nippon Airways
- Korean Air
- Austrian Airlines
- ITA Airways
- Air Canada
- United Airlines
- Swiss International Air Lines