EGYPTAIR is in "advanced discussions" with Airbus to acquire six additional A350 aircraft, according to Captain Ahmed Adel, the airline's CEO. These planes are intended to expand EGYPTAIR's network and replace its Boeing 777s. The airline already has orders for 10 Airbus A350-900s from a deal signed at the Dubai Airshow in November 2023. The first of these deliveries is expected in December.
The potential new order could be announced at the Paris Air Show this week. While there has been speculation about this deal, Captain Adel confirmed that the possibility is real but did not specify when it might be finalized. This expansion aims to boost EGYPTAIR's fleet and enable new route additions.
The primary purpose of acquiring more A350s is to replace the aging Boeing 777 fleet, which comprises five Boeing 777-300ERs with an average age of 14.6 years. Due to delivery delays, EGYPTAIR extended leases on these aircraft by 18 months until November 2026. By then, the airline expects to have received seven or eight A350s.