Boeing, Air Lease Corp. and EVA Air celebrated the delivery of the airline’s first 787-9 Dreamliner, via lease from ALC, at Boeing’s South Carolina Delivery Center. EVA Air plans to debut the long-range and super-efficient airplane in November on international routes.

“This milestone delivery marks the beginning of a new era for EVA Air as we continue to revolutionize Taiwan’s dynamic commercial aviation industry,” said Steve Lin, Chairman of EVA Air.

Built with lightweight composite materials and powered by advanced GEnx engines from General Electric (GE) Aviation, the 787 Dreamliner family lowers operating costs by more than 20 percent compared to previous airplanes, and nearly 10 percent compared to today’s competing jets.

Today’s delivery marks the first of 24 Dreamliners for the Taipei-based airline. This remains the largest commercial airplane purchase in Taiwan’s history.

“ALC is pleased to deliver this historic first Boeing 787-9 to EVA Air and further our strong relationship with a world-class airline,” said Steven Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “As the first airline in Taiwan to operate a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, EVA Air will continue to excel as a leading international airline with the most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient fleet.”