EVA Air (BR, Taipei Taoyuan) has obtained board authorisation to order a ninth B777-200F, with delivery expected by the end of 2023.

The carrier said in a press release that it selected the B777-200F to "secure a competitive edge in [the cargo] markets" and to capitalise on the projected steady growth in cargo demand. The Taiwanese carrier currently operates eight B777-200Fs, which are 2.5 years of age on average, the ch-aviation Commercial Aviation Aircraft Data module shows. It does not have any other dedicated freighters in the fleet or on order directly from the manufacturer. In March 2022, it announced a commitment with Israel Aerospace Industries to convert three of its B777-300ERs (of which it operates 34) into freighters. The deliveries of the AC!77Ys are, however, not scheduled to begin before 2025.

EVA Air President Clay Sun said the carrier continued to look for "the best next-generation freighter" but did not provide any details as to when it would place an order.

As Taiwan remains largely closed for international travel due to COVID-19-related restrictions, the country's airlines have embraced and thrived in the cargo market. EVA Air said that during the first quarter of 2022, it posted a NTD3.35 billion new Taiwanese dollar (USD113 million) profit, its best-ever first-quarter result, with cargo accounting for nearly 85% of the carrier's revenues.

Rival China Airlines (CI, Taipei Taoyuan) operates a cargo fleet of eighteen B747-400FSCDs and four B777-200Fs.