EVA Air is to resume non-stop passenger flights between Taipei and Paris, 14 months after suspending the service.

Rising oil prices and other operating costs prompted Taiwan's leading independent carrier to switch its former Paris service to a cargo-only operation in November, 2007. However, a three-times-a-week passenger service will resume on January 21, 2009.

EVA will use newly-delivered Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which save around 20 per cent on operating costs, compared to the 747-400 which previously operated the route. Fuel costs and the fee for overflying Siberian airspace were contributing factors in the decision to suspend passenger services last year.

The outbound flight from EVA Air’s home base at Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport, BR87, will depart at 23.55 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving in Paris at 06.35 the following morning. The return from Paris, BR88 will operate at 11.20 on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

This schedule means that passengers arriving in Paris can conveniently connect to other European cities, while a morning arrival in Taipei gives passengers a full day in the city. The aircraft will be configured with 42 seats in Premium Laurel (business class), 63 Elite (premium economy) and 211 Economy. Flight time will be between 12 and 14 hours, with the routing maintained over Siberia.

Reservations for the resume service is now available and EVA Air is currently working with partners in Taipei and Paris to develop a range of travel packages to support the flights.