Our flight home took us from Vienna to Singapore, via Taipei. The flight was completed on EVA Air and both flights were operated on their Boeing B787-9. As Business Class passengers, we got to experience the Vienna Lounge at Vienna International Airport, as well as EVA Air Lounge at their home ground Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei.
Trip Overview
Vienna, Austria to Taipei (VIE – TPE)
Flight Number: BR66
Aircraft Type / Registration: 787-9 / B-17881
Class: Business
Departure (ETD/ATD): 1235hrs (CET) / 1222hrs (CET)
Arrival (ETA/ATA): 0715hrs (GMT+8) / 0613hrs (GMT+8)
Duration (Estimated/Actual): 11h 40m / 10h 51m
Seat: 2K
Meal Service: Lunch, Breakfast
Pre-flight: Check-in, Security and Immigration
The airport consisted of 2 terminals – the international and the domestic – housed in a single building. The international terminal occupied a larger part of the sprawling curved building. Unlike most airports that I’m familiar with, Vienna International Airport’s main entrance was on the ground floor – the arrival hall. As such, we had to proceed one level up to the check in counters.
We were early, and hence were the 2nd in queue. There was no self service check in, but the queue was orderly and the atmosphere cordial.
Being Business Class passengers, we got to use the fast track for the security and passport control. The entrance was via the domestic/Schengen side of the terminal, one level down. Luckily, we explored the airport the night before, so we quickly found our way into the transit area. And yes, the queues for security and immigration were short and expeditious for the fast lane.
Pre-flight: Vienna Lounge at Vienna International Airport
We were invited to Vienna Lounge, since EVA Air didn’t operate their own lounge at Vienna International Airport. The lounge was at level 2, centrally located in the terminal. After clearing the security and immigration, and walking through the duty free store, we turned right to find a conspicuous lift and escalator that led us to the lounge one level up. If it weren’t for the prominent signage, we would have missed the entrance!
The Vienna Lounge sported a minimalist design, with clean, low horizontal lines, exuding understated class. As the lounge was by the apron, the large, floor to ceiling windows provided superb views of the aircraft parked outside – real avgeek wet dream!
Saying Vienna Lounge was spacious was understated. Just when I thought the dining area was finally filled with travellers, I found an empty area full of workstations, and then some more dining space, and then the sleeping pods that were in a separate room.
Comfort in Food & Beverages
When it came to the food, the variety was limited compared to Singapore Airlines’ SilverKris Lounge. That said, they made great comfort food. The food variety was mainly European, but was more palatable than the “white man’s food” found in Moxy Vienna Airport’s restaurant buffet. I was expecting more from the Viennese cakes, which Vienna is also famous for. But yup…
But then again, given its spaciousness and aesthetic appeal, it provides a great sanction from the busy traffic in the airport. I would definitely use it again if I had the chance.
Pre-flight: Boarding for EVA Air Vienna to Taipei Flight
Vienna International Airport being a modest sized airport, was easy to navigate around. The finger pier of our boarding gate was housed under a massive dome, along with several other gates.
Despite the open concept, EVA Air maintained a well segregated seating arrangement within their holding area. Premium passengers were guaranteed seats, which was conducive for priority boarding.
Even then, there were still people who wanted to sit in the priority boarding area, as their “friends were in there”. I really sympathise with the airline staff!
Pre-flight: EVA Air Pre Take-off Service
Once we boarded the plane, the cabin crew went around to serve the pre-take off drinks, check our meal orders, and distribute the pyjamas and amenities kit. Yes, EVA Air distributes the amenities kit to Business Class passengers without us having to request for them. Singapore Airlines really need to up their game!
Seating on EVA Air B787-9
EVA Air was operating the B787-9 to bring us from Vienna to Taipei. The aircraft was decked out with 26 Business Class and 278 Economy Class seats. At the pointy end, the Thompson Aero Vantage XL Business Class seats were arranged in a staggered 1-2-1 layout. Therefore, each of us had direct aisle access.
I was in seat 2K, as I wanted to be seated right by the window. My seat console was by the aisle, which provided some privacy, especially when the seat was reclined in bed mode. If I had chosen the window seats in rows 1, 3, 6 and 8, the seat console would be by the window and offered more storage space, since it would extend all the way to the back of the seat in front.
Luxurious Business Class Seat and Space on EVA Air B787-9
Each Business Class seat reclines into a bed. Through the controls, the seat could be reclined to various degrees. We could either control the seat back and the footrest separately, or use the buttons pre-set to lazing, bed or takeoff/landing modes. When fully reclined, our legs would extend into the foot well, which was wide and deep, under the TV screen. We could control the seat lights and the “Do Not Disturb” sign from the control panel by the seat.
For those of us with the seat console by the aisle, we only had the storage space beside our seat back. Right from boarding, the bottled water and noise cancelling headset was placed in the main compartment. We could leave some small personal belongings, like handphones and passports at the mini compartment below. The storage could be closed for added privacy, with a mirror fixed on its door.
For those whose seat consoles were away from the aisle, the seat console was longer, meaning more table top space and additional shelving below. There was also a magazine pocket beside the TV, but its rigid design made it challenging to keep stuff proper.
The seat console was also where we could find the TV remote, the in seat power socket and USB charging port. It also housed the extendable privacy divider and tray table.
Of course, there were also overhead cabins for our larger carry on items. But all in all, when taking into consideration the amenities kit provided by the airline, I struggled to find storage for my belongings in my window seat.
Amenities Kit for EVA Air Business Class
The blanket, slippers – both in fresh packaging – and seat cushion were already at our seats when we arrived. The slippers were designed in collaboration with Jason Wu, a Taiwanese celebrity designer, and hence were aesthetically pleasing on top of being thick and comfy.
During boarding, the cabin crew also gave out the pyjamas and amenities kit. The former was also designed by Jason Wu, which was made of sweatpants materials and very conducive for sleeping. It also came with a drawstring bag, making it handy to bring home for repeated use. Very eco-friendly, indeed!
The Giorgio Armani x EVA Air amenities kit also came packed with goodies. On top of the usual eye mask, ear plugs, dental kit, body lotion and lip balm, there was also a coin pouch, foldable phone and a trendy looking keychain. Some people thought there was no need for some of the stuff – especially those who were defending Singapore Airlines’ amenities kit of paltry offerings. But I thought this was part of the customer experience, for folks to know that EVA Air was willing to give something extra for their passengers.
Inflight Entertainment (IFE) System
The 18 inch TV screen was the focus of EVA Air’s IFE. With that much legroom in the Business Class seat, it was easier to navigate the interface with the remote control by the seat.
The user interface was intuitive and responsive despite the distance. There was also an extensive catalogue of shows. I, however, chose to play the new Monopoly game, since I’m not a fan of watching shows inflight.
Lunch Indulgence on EVA Air Long Haul Business Class
About an hour after take off, the flight attendant set up our tables for our lunch. The 7 course meal started off with “Puff with Austrian Bacon Goat Cheese Wrapped with Zucchini”, which was a light, bite sized appetiser. We were then served hot bread. Unfortunately, the garlic bread I chose was a tad too tough.
Next up, the hors d’oeuvre was served with “Grilled Prawn and Octopus with Quinoa Salad”. Prawn? Fresh. ‘nuff said.
After the salad and carrot cream soup were served, the main, which I had pre-booked, was followed. The lobster was simmered with ginger and scallion sauce, served with vermicelli noodles and steamed rice. Again, having fresh seafood in the air was of unspeakable bliss.
Rounding off the gourmet experience was 2 scoops of ice creams, served with almond biscuits and matcha powder. Heavenly touch.
Breakfast in the Air
For breakfast, we had simpler offerings. Following the fruit salad to cleanse the palate, the main of sweet curd crepe, topped with raspberry sauce and mascarpone cheese was served. The crepe tasted more like souffle, though the texture was on the thick side. I wouldn’t say it was comparable to lunch, but it made for a good breakfast, nonetheless. And learning from my lesson of the previous meal, I opted for the croissant to pair with my breakfast. This proved to be a great choice!
In between my main meals, I ordered a quesadilla for snacking. It was served with salad, and I had chamomile tea to balance the cheesy taste.
Relief in the Clouds
After lunch, the crew dimmed the cabin lights. With that, I went to change into the pyjamas in the bathroom. One bathroom could be found at the front of the aircraft, and 2 were at the back of the cabin – all exclusively for all 26 Business Class passengers.
The modestly sized lavatory was well maintained by the crew. It was also well equipped, with baby changing platforms and hand lotions. EVA Air’s Business Class lavatory is definitely a better experience than their non premium ones.
EVA Air Crew service on Long Haul Business Class
The service standard of the crew was impeccable. During boarding, the crew addressed me by my last name when checking my meal. Adding further to the personal touch, the inflight manager also went around to introduce herself to the passengers.
Throughout the meal services, the flight attendants were expeditious in serving the next course. Yet, I didn’t feel rushed. Admittedly, the cabin crew wasn’t chatty, but as an Asian, having chatty service staff wasn’t high on our priority list.
Parting Words
My virgin experience on EVA Air was devoted to its long haul Business Class from Vienna to Taipei. An icing to the cake was that we were on their B787-9! Since we weren’t flying from their base city, we started the flight in Vienna Lounge. The lounge itself was decent and provided some peace from the airport’s hustle and bustle.
From the boarding to the flight itself, the cabin crew’s service, the meal service and the hardware was impressive. The former more than made up for the airline’s not so top-of-the-line seats. That being said, having a spacious seat that could be reclined to a bed for a 14-hour flight was superb. The seat was also comfortable, so I left the flight feeling more refreshed than if I were cramped in the Economy Class seat.
My experience on EVA Air’s Business Class continued in my Taipei to Singapore flight. Since this post is getting lengthy, and since the latter flight was on a different aircraft, I would be sharing that experience in another post.
If you enjoyed my trip report, do check out the rest of my aurora chasing travelogue. After flying into Iceland via Copenhagen, we embarked on a week long tour to see the best of Iceland’s natural wonders. Following that, we returned to continental Europe (Tromsø, Norway) to our second phase of the northern lights chase.
Till then, stay wanderlust!
All photos and videos were taken using Google Pixel 7 Pro, and edited with Google Photos.
