It was 10th North American Gateway, as Taiwan's EVA Air on Friday launched Taiwan's first nonstop passenger service to Washington, D.C., with four weekly flights.
As the first airline to offer nonstop service between these two cities, the new route represents a key milestone in strengthening connectivity between Taiwan and the U.S. East Coast. A special inaugural ceremony was held at Washington Dulles International Airport to commemorate the milestone and welcome the inaugural flight.
The direct service, which uses a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, will operate four times a week, leaving Taoyuan on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and leaving Washington on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, EVA Air said.
The event was jointly presided over by EVA Air President Clay Sun alongside distinguished guests including: The Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) Agency Director Gregory W. (Greg) Campbell; Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) President and CEO Jack Potter; MWAA Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Chryssa Westerlund; MWAA Vice President of Airline Business Development Paul Bobson, and Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States Alexander Tah-ray Yui.
Additionally, Han Kuo-Yu, President of the Legislative Yuan of Taiwan, led a cross-party congressional delegation on this historic flight back to Taipei and attended the ceremony, participating in the ribbon-cutting.
"It is a great honor to be invited to the inaugural ceremony of EVA Air's direct service between Washington, D.C. and Taipei," said Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-Yu.
"This new route not only reflects the growing travel demand between Taiwan and the U.S., but also marks a new milestone in our partnership. "
"As the United States celebrates its semi-quincentennial, I am delighted to see EVA Air launch its direct flights between Taipei and Washington, D.C. at this historic moment," said Representative Alexander Tah-ray Yui.
"Washington Dulles International Airport serves as a vital gateway to the nation's capital area. We are immensely grateful for the strong support from all our partners and guests that made expanding our network into the heart of America possible," said Clay Sun, President of EVA Air.
"We see immense market potential in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. This new route will seamlessly enhance EVA Air's network across the eastern United States, delivering premium service to both business and leisure travelers alike."
Washington Dulles International Airport marked the inaugural flight from Taipei with an organized ceremonial water cannon salute, followed by a welcome from MWAA President and CEO Jack Potter, who personally welcomed EVA Air President Clay Sun and the inaugural passengers on the tarmac upon their arrival.
The inaugural ceremony featured a lively traditional dragon and lion dance performance, along with an exchange of commemorative gifts between Sun and Potter. Sun presented a model of a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, while Potter returned the gesture with a custom-framed map of Washington D.C., symbolizing the newly established aerial bridge and a new chapter of close cooperation. Passengers on the inaugural flight also received special commemorative gifts, including limited-edition EVA Air and Taiwan Tourism Administration items.
"Today we came together to celebrate a historic milestone for Washington Dulles International Airport and the entire National Capital region," said Jack Potter, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
"For the first time, 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. In the same respect, we look forward to welcoming thousands of new visitors who can explore our world-class museums and famed monuments, and savor the rich cultural diversity of Washington, D.C."
The Washington, D.C.–Taipei route operates four weekly flights utilizing Boeing 787-9 aircraft configured with Royal Laurel Class, Economy Class, and EVA Air's Premium Economy Class.
This newly introduced fourth iteration of the PE class is designed to elevate the in-flight experience and offers one of the industry's most generous seat pitches, delivering enhanced comfort and functionality for long-haul travelers.
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