The Presidency – Egypt Daily News
The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, stated that upon the arrival of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at Cairo International Airport from Abu Dhabi, UAE, the President viewed the newest aircraft joining the EgyptAir fleet, Airbus A350. The Minister of Civil Aviation, Pilot Sameh El-Hafny, said the aircraft represents a significant leap in modernizing the fleet and enhancing the company’s capabilities in serving passengers, in accordance with the highest international standards. This comes within the framework of the state’s plan to develop the civil aviation sector and support Egypt’s position as a leading regional center in the field of air transport.
EgyptAir Takes Delivery of First Airbus A350, Marking a New Era for Its Long-Haul Fleet
EgyptAir has officially taken delivery of its first Airbus A350, marking a significant milestone in the national carrier’s long-term fleet modernization strategy. The aircraft, an A350-900 registered SU-GGE, was handed over on 9 February 2026 at Airbus’s delivery center in Toulouse-Blagnac before operating its inaugural ferry flight to Cairo under flight number MSR3350.
The delivery represents the first of sixteen A350-900 widebody aircraft ordered by EgyptAir. The initial commitment was made during the Dubai Air Show in November 2023, when the airline placed an order for ten aircraft. This was later expanded at the Paris Air Show in June 2025, where EgyptAir converted six purchase options into firm orders. According to the airline, all A350s are scheduled for delivery by 2033.
The introduction of the A350 is expected to play a central role in renewing EgyptAir’s long-haul fleet while supporting capacity growth amid rising demand for international air travel. The aircraft is known for its advanced aerodynamics, composite structure, and fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, offering lower operating costs and reduced emissions compared to previous-generation widebody jets. These characteristics align with the airline’s stated goals of improving efficiency and enhancing passenger comfort on medium- and long-haul routes.
Industry analysts view the move as part of a broader trend among full-service carriers in Africa and the Middle East toward modern, fuel-efficient aircraft capable of serving both established intercontinental routes and emerging markets. For EgyptAir, the A350 is expected to complement its existing widebody fleet and strengthen Cairo’s role as a regional hub connecting Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America.
As of early 2026, EgyptAir’s fleet includes eight Airbus A320neo aircraft, seven A321neos, five A330-200s, four A330-300s, 30 Boeing 737-800s, five Boeing 777-300ERs, and eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The arrival of the A350 adds a new generation widebody type to the fleet, positioned between the 787 and the larger 777 in terms of capacity and range.
Beyond its A350 program, EgyptAir is also advancing its narrowbody expansion plans. The airline has secured a lease agreement with Air Lease Corporation for eighteen Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with the first unit expected to be delivered in the coming weeks. These aircraft are intended to support short- and medium-haul network growth while gradually replacing older models.
Together, the A350 acquisition and the incoming 737-8s underscore EgyptAir’s commitment to fleet renewal, operational efficiency, and long-term growth, as the carrier positions itself to compete more effectively in an increasingly dynamic global aviation market.
