Airbus Africa and Middle East President: We are proud of a new phase of cooperation supporting EgyptAir's expansion in long-haul markets
Rolls-Royce Chief Customer Officer: Delivery of the first Rolls-Royce-powered A350-900 is an important milestone in the partnership with EgyptAir
Captain Dr. Sameh El-Hefny, Minister of Civil Aviation, expressed his pride in celebrating the first Airbus A350-900 joining the EgyptAir fleet, in the presence of Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister, describing it as a new bright milestone in the journey of Egyptian civil aviation. He stressed that the Prime Minister's attendance at the celebration reflects the extent of the Egyptian government's support for the aviation sector as one of the vital arteries supporting economic development, a strategic bridge linking Egypt with countries around the world and an effective tool for consolidating its regional and international standing.
El-Hefny explained that modernizing the EgyptAir fleet with the latest global aviation technology is not merely an operational addition, but a true embodiment of a comprehensive strategic vision aimed at enhancing competitiveness in line with the highest standards of safety, quality and environmental sustainability.
The Minister of Aviation noted that the state's continuous efforts to develop the civil aviation system come within an integrated development vision based on modernizing airport infrastructure, increasing capacity and raising the quality of services provided to Egypt's guests, in line with sustainable development goals and the ambitions of the "New Republic" under Egypt Vision 2030.
He also praised the close cooperation with strategic partners among major global companies, foremost among them Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Safran and Collins Aerospace, stressing that the long-standing partnership with them is a successful model of international cooperation based on mutual trust and localizing the latest technologies. He added that the fleet modernization and development of operational infrastructure Egypt is witnessing reflect an ambitious step towards building a modern and integrated civil aviation system based on operational efficiency and institutional excellence, strengthening Egypt's position as a leading regional hub for air transport.
In a related context, Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus Africa and Middle East, expressed his pride in the first A350-900 joining the EgyptAir fleet, stressing that this step marks a milestone in the long cooperation between the two sides since 1977. He explained that the aircraft is one of the most modern widebody aircraft in its class, achieving a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions compared with previous generations, with the ability to operate on up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainability goals and supporting EgyptAir's plans to expand non-stop long-haul flights.
For his part, George Abou Nasr, Chief Customer Officer at Rolls-Royce, stressed that the delivery of the first Rolls-Royce-powered A350-900 is an important milestone in the strategic partnership with EgyptAir spanning more than 5 decades, noting that the aircraft, the first of 16 new aircraft, will support expansion plans and the opening of new markets and enhance the company's ability to operate long-haul flights with high efficiency and reliability. He added that the project reflects the depth of cooperation between the teams at EgyptAir, Airbus and Rolls-Royce, explaining that the new aircraft is an engine of economic growth, a bridge linking continents and a strong message of confidence in the future of Egypt's aviation sector.
During the celebration, a documentary film was shown covering the stages of preparing the EgyptAir aircraft at the Airbus plant in the French city of Toulouse, from leaving the production line until its arrival at Cairo Airport and official entry into the company's fleet.
