Looks like BR REALLY wants to fly these high density planes ASAP. First flight is now scheduled for Sep. 23, 2016

http://www.routesonline.com/news/38/...y-to-sep-2016/

Seems like it's not a trial thing like they said anymore, 3 are on order so far
b-16729, b-16730, b-16731
https://www.planespotters.net/produc...tStatus=future

On order meaning new planes or old planes being re-config'd?

they're brand new, look at the registration B-16729-31

Is EVA expanding the fleet/routes or getting rid of the older ones as the newer ones come in?

I don't think UA is up-gauging 744. They are re-positioning the 787-9s for the longer route: SFO-SIN, SFO-SYD, and SFO-TLV. In other words, UA needs to pull the more fuel economic planes to do these super long distance non-stop flight. SFO-TPE is relegated to the older 744. I am surprised UA is not using their 777-200s for this (TPE-SFO) route.

I think it is going to be interesting to see how BR and UA going to deploy their upcoming 787-10 planes.

BR said that the 787-10 will be in high density config for regional flights(Asia flights) and the 787-9s they r leasing will have a medium haul config with a tiny PE cabin so they can serve destinations in Europe/NAmerica/Oceania.

i don't think they are getting rid of the old ones. They are in the process of refurbishing them and have refurbished most of the planes already. If they wanted to get rid of them, they wouldn't spend precious time/money changing out the seats/installing WIFI.

as of now 11 out of 15 older 777 are converted from 77n to 77m

They are replacing the old 777s when the next "wave" of planes come in, per the statement they released.



http://www.evaair.com/en-global/news...eamliners.html

I think that's because there leased right?

It wouldn't make sense to re-refurbish the planes they just refurbished, so it looks like the 10-abreast will start on the "shorter" transpacific routes, SEA and SFO.

totally agree, why would they spend double just to get 20 more seats in, just doesn't make any sense to me. IMO, the older one B-16701 to B-16728 will be in 9 abreast, and the newer one B-16729 and so on will come with 10 abreast.

This is just my speculation... offered as opinion, not facts :)

The 15 oldest 777-300ER (delivered 2005-2010), some of which were originally delivered as 77W configuration (RL recliner C cabin) are now called 77N (with PL lie flat C cabin). Some 77N have already been converted to 77M (wifi + 10 extra seats but still 9 abreast in Y). These planes have already had their C-check (which requires removal of interior) so not likely to have new interior again until they leave BR's fleet. They will eventually be phased out - probably when their lease expires.

Any remaining 77N not yet converted to 77M will likely get the 10-abreast Y cabin during C-check.

The 10 new 777-300ER (delivered 2014-2016) 77A that were delivered new with wifi will stick around with 9 abreast seats until when they go in for C-check maintenance. I'm sure they will be refitted with the 10 abreast Y cabin as they will be with BR for a long time to come.

All the new 777-300ER that are being delivered now and still on order (B-16728 and higher) will be 10 abreast in Y.

This is extremely disappointing. Just found out my SEA-TPE flight in November is the new 3/4/3 config in economy. It was 3/3/3 when I booked and they changed the plane recently. I guess Saturday is 1 of the 3 days/week they're flying with the 77W config.

Traveling as a family of 4. We're not big, but not small people either. I wonder if I call and complain if they'll move me up a day to a 77A flight, which would give us more room per passenger. I doubt they'll entertain that, but I've heard people have had a little luck with that argument on other airlines.

if you get a nice customer service agent, then maybe. try calling the Taipei office instead of the north america/seattle office. The NA office people are nothing but lazy pigs sitting there waiting for phone calls and then telling you they cant do anything. They are absolutely horrific. Just tell them that when you booked, it was 333 and now its 343 and u want 333 and they shd give it.

It's the same office that picks up though.

I called the US office regarding an Typhoon while I was in Taipei and the guy was like yes I'm in Taipei too!

If you call when lines are super busy and Taipei is still open or you call the LA office after they are closed, they transfer you to the Taipei center. But during the day, its the LA office picking up. Those ineffective people need to be fired. They treat their FF like crap in LA.

Update: Called and spoke to a very nice rep, but she refused to change my flight without charging me a change fee plus fare change. Said they commit to honoring the same class of service paid for, but will not provide a fee/fare waiver for change of aircraft.

Yikes. Should have created a big enough fuss. Then they will just change.

Makes sense now why I get reps with horrible attitude when requesting seats here and there.

I'm trying to call Eva again this morning. I CAN'T BELIEVE that they send you to an automated line that simply says, "high call volumes, call back later". I've called the 800-695-1188 number as well as the local office numbers for New York, Atlanta, and Houston, but they all seem to simply forward the call to the main 800 number. I guess anyone needing to make changes to a flight are out of luck?!? Unbelievable.

77N is 3-4-3 now?

Seems like a dodged a bullet by flying United (with extra layovers, but slightly better flight timing) on my TPE trips.

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/b-16730

B-16730 is supposed to be 10-abreast? Flightradar24 is showing TPE to LAX, which wasn't part of the original plans to introduce the 3-4-3 Y.

Maybe last minute substitution because of aircraft availability/positioning due to thypoon Megi. Departed TPE almost 2 hours late.

B-16731 is also delivered as 3-4-3 and will be in operation soon.

You certainly have a good understanding of the Taiwanese service industry!

CX going 10-abreast way too. Competition was cited http://m.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/eco...uce-10-abreast

Eeek. SQ it is then in future.

That was an ........ very tough decision to make by Mr. Pig from CX. *sarcasm

Love how he was complaining he has the toughest job.
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/e...-best-yet-come

SQ will follow. I wonder if TK will.

I think TK before SQ. TK is really struggling right now after all the mishaps in Turkey. SQ still has the government footing the bill.

TK's struggle though is getting the plane filled up so the last thing they would do is add more seats.

CX has the occupancy they just lack the profit.

I think going 3-4-3 is a great thing. Don't get the fuss. I think all 777s around the world should have 3-4-3 in Y. It's greener and it will contribute to lower prices and increased amenities. These 10 across Y seats look amazing. With large TV screens and plugs and wifi. I haven't flown in economy in many many years, but the last time I was walking down the cabin on a China Airlines brand new 777 that had 3-4-3 I think the passengers looked very comfortable. Hopefully EVA retrofits all their 777 with 3-4-3 and hope SQ follows suit.

I think most that have experienced both 3-3-3 and 3-4-3 will tell you the difference. I do wonder how the one inch difference compares.
BR will not refurbish any planes into 3-4-3. They just finished refurbishing the old planes with 3-3-3 new design seats. SQ has too much pride, they will be slow to jump on the 3-4-3.

If you're a skinny and petite, absolutely https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/brit...l#post27439604

Even I am squat and have broad shoulders that suffer badly from 3-4-3

One way to be green is to eliminate the super heavy RL seats and plates. If we truly want to be green, we should not be flying at all.

cce5858 says it all when he states:

"I haven't flown in economy in many many years, but the last time I was walking down the cabin on a China Airlines brand new 777 that had 3-4-3 I think the passengers looked very comfortable."

Let them eat cake!

Please give it a try on a long flight, and get back to us.

... I wasn't meant to be condescending. I just wanted to point out that the product does not appear to be compromised at all, since new technology is introduced and seats are of much higher quality (slim Recaro seats, much more ergonomic), the in-flight entertainment is superb and the screens are huge with great resolutions (better than Business class back in 2005), and the cabin ambiance with mood lighting, in-flight meals, dine on demand etc. all appear to be much better than it was 10 years ago. I just feel 10 across in economy would also make economy cheaper, and carrying greater passenger loads will also be more green. Greater passenger yields often lead to revenue used to increase unique differentiating perks and amenities for the airline. It would be great to see this as the industry standard, as well as see the A380 start to consider 11 across styles to keep the program alive.