EgyptAir converts 777 order to boost its 737 fleet

EgyptAir announced today that it has converted a previous order for two Boeing 777s into an order for an additional eight Boeing 737-800s. The airline currently has seven 737-800s in operation and it is taking delivery of an additional five 737-800s this year. The airline currently has five 777s in its fleet and is scheduled to receive six 777-300ERs beginning next year.

"As a Star Alliance member, operating from a newly opened ultra-modern, international terminal at Cairo International Airport, we are pursuing a fleet plan that allows us to expand our regional markets and offer those passengers extensive international routing options," said EgyptAir Chairman Capt. Tawfik Assy. "We've found the 737 performs exceptionally well in maintaining our scheduled flights to and from Cairo and that the 777 is unmatched in efficiency on our long-haul flights to our international destinations."

EgyptAir joined the Star Alliance in July 2008. The carrier has been focused on increasing the utilization of Cairo International Airport as a key regional hub for both passenger and air freight operations.

"EgyptAir's deployment of the 737 and 777 to meet its fleet growth plans shows how Boeing's product strategy is built upon providing unmatched reliability and efficiency across the product line," said Marty Bentrott, vice president of Sales for the Middle East, Central and South Asia. "Our airplanes are engineered to perform numerous types of missions within their size class, and EgyptAir has done a remarkable job utilizing these airplanes, while streamlining its operations and bringing passengers notably improved services."