Lung transplantation has been a standard treatment option for patients with end-stage lung disease. However, the demand for donor lungs exceeds the poor of available organs, resulting in considerable waiting list mortality. Among all the useful methods so far, ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) has been considered a useful technique in lung transplantation, which helps prolong donor lung preservation and repair donor lung injuries. Current studies have demonstrated EVLP can evaluate the donor lung function continuously and provide platform for pharmaceutical or even gene therapy. Moreover, EVLP improves the function of marginal donor lungs and increases the quantity of lungs meeting the transplant criteria, which could extend the donor pool. This article reviews the clinical application and research progress of EVLP in lung transplantation.