EgyptAir Airlines chairman: The new model reduces operating costs by 8%
By Akram Medhat
EgyptAir's fourth B737-800NG aircraft arrived at Cairo International Airport in the early hours of this morning on flight MS3330 from the Boeing factory in Seattle, United States, to join the company's fleet, becoming the 64th aircraft in the fleet following the replacement and modernization plan, and the 24th of the same model.
Safwat Mosallam, chairman of EgyptAir Holding Company, said that although this model is not the only one in the Boeing 737 family, which includes several short-, medium- and long-haul models, it was chosen on the basis of numerous studies that sought to reconcile customers' wishes to enjoy their travel experience on the company's routes with the needs of the various markets EgyptAir covers, and the model has proven successful and won customers' approval with the operation of the previous three aircraft.
In manufacturing this model, Boeing took into account the “Boeing Sky Interior” principle, so that through the enlarged windows passengers feel as if they are part of the sky, in addition to a better seat design. In this regard, EgyptAir made some modifications to the seats so that they became more spacious for passengers, along with multiple entertainment options.
Captain Sherif Ezzat, chairman of EgyptAir Airlines, explained that on the marketing side, this model helps achieve a balance between regularly increasing frequencies on its busiest medium-haul destinations and establishing a presence in other markets it seeks to cover.
He added that this model is in line with the company's plan to cut its expenses, reducing fuel consumption by 6% compared with the same model currently in the company's fleet, maintenance costs by 20% and operating costs by 8%.
EgyptAir's ownership of 24 aircraft of this model, in addition to the 5 aircraft being received under the deal before the end of this year, also achieves fleet harmony and therefore greater profitability, as flight crews, engineers and technicians are already familiar with operating this model and its technical aspects, having gained experience working on it.
It is worth noting that production of this model began in 1998, and it underwent many modifications until reaching its current, most complete form. It is the most widespread model among the world's major airlines, with Boeing having contracted to build nearly 7,118 B737-800NG aircraft since production began.
