TAIPEI, TAIWAN -- EVA Air earned SKYTRAX's prestigious 5-Star certification on June 15, 2016 and joined an elite group of only eight airlines worldwide. The 5-Star ranking is SKYTRAX's highest global airline quality rating and the result of a direct, year-long professional analysis of as many as 800 different areas of EVA's product and service delivery that included multiple flights from different gateways, assessment of airport and onboard products and review of frontline ground and air staff performance. Travelers can learn more about EVA and book trips through agents, corporate planners, at www.evaair.com or by visiting booth #849m.

Quality Service Upgraded

EVA has made quality service and continuous improvement part of daily operations since its first flight 25 years ago. Now, it has elevated standards for Royal Laurel Class business, added amenities in all cabins and enhanced passengers' check-in and boarding experiences with a customized approach that includes consideration, interaction and mindfulness.

EVA's Training Division developed a rigorous program to reinforce flight attendants' service consistency and delivery techniques. Starting in May 2015 and continuing for almost a year, 100 instructors meticulously trained approximately 2,400 flight attendants for a total of 30,000 hours.

Turndown Service

EVA introduced turndown service for Royal Laurel Class passengers on long-haul flights aboard Boeing 777-300ERs. Upon request, flight attendants will transform the fully lie-flat seats into cozy beds with 100% cotton mattress pads. Typically limited to competitors' first class cabins, EVA's turndown service makes trans-Pacific flights even more comfortable and luxurious.

Sommeliers Inflight

Awarded and applauded for excellent inflight wine selections, EVA trained flight attendants to offer sommelier-style service, similar to high-end restaurants. If a passenger desires, a flight attendant will present a wine's label and vintage, describe its features and invite tasting before pouring the glass. EVA accompanies all top-cabin beverage service with tasty canapés.

Airport Extras

EVA upped its airport services to make it easier for passengers to navigate crowds and board on time. It added easy-to-read electronic maps at check-in counters to show travelers their location in relation to VIP lounges and departure gates. During busy departure times, it stations staff at key positions along concourses to direct passengers to gates.

SKYTRAX Ratings Since 2008

SKYTRAX began rating EVA in 2008, immediately awarding it four stars and recognizing the airline's high product standards and staff services across different cabin classes inflight and at the airline's home-base airport, Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport. EVA was among only 37 carriers worldwide to hold the SKYTRAX 4-Star Airline Rating in 2015. SKYTRAX also ranked EVA as one of the "World's Top-10 Best Airlines" and the number one airline for "Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness" for 2015.

The other seven 5-star airlines are All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Garuda Indonesia, Hainan Airlines, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines.

About EVA Air:

EVA Air, a Star Alliance member, serves more than 60 international destinations throughout Asia, Oceania, Europe and North America where gateways are Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver and, starting November 3, Chicago. With just one easy stop in Taipei, travelers can connect onward to most major cities throughout Asia, including 30 destinations in China. Travelers can learn more about EVA and book, buy and reserve seats at www.evaair.com.