EgyptAir's contract with SMBC Aviation Capital covers 18 aircraft of the same type on a lease basis
EgyptAir has received from Boeing its first B737-8 MAX aircraft, under a strategic lease agreement covering 18 aircraft from SMBC Aviation Capital, making it the first 737 MAX in EgyptAir's fleet.
For his part, Captain Ahmed Adel, Chairman and Chief Executive Managing Director of EgyptAir Holding Company, stressed that the relationship between EgyptAir and Boeing goes back many years and reflects a well-established partnership based on mutual trust and continuous cooperation in supporting development and modernization plans.
Adel added that receiving the first Boeing B737-8 MAX is a pivotal step in the company's strategy to modernize its fleet, noting that bringing this type into service strengthens EgyptAir's ability to offer a more distinctive and comfortable travel experience to its customers, as well as achieving higher operational efficiency.
Adel explained that the advanced technology and low environmental footprint of these aircraft support the company's vision for sustainable growth and confirm its commitment to maintaining a modern, advanced fleet connecting Egypt with all parts of the world.
He stated that the addition of 18 B737-8 MAX aircraft, alongside the 30 Boeing 737-800s in the company's fleet, achieves a high degree of commonality and operational efficiency, as the new aircraft offers fuel efficiency and cuts emissions by up to 20% compared with previous types.
The company is set to operate the new aircraft on short- and medium-haul flights, as part of its continuous fleet development program, to a number of regional and international destinations including Paris, Brussels, Istanbul and Vienna.
In a related context, Barry Flannery, Chief Commercial Officer of SMBC Aviation Capital, said: "We are proud to contribute to EgyptAir's development journey by delivering our first B737-8 MAX aircraft, a step that embodies the carrier's firm commitment to modernizing its fleet. This achievement reflects the depth of our strategic partnership with Boeing and confirms our dedication to providing EgyptAir with the latest aircraft that ensure the highest levels of operational efficiency and take the passenger experience to new horizons."
He added that passengers on EgyptAir's 737 MAX aircraft will enjoy a new level of comfort thanks to the Boeing Sky Interior design, featuring advanced LED lighting, larger windows and more space in the overhead bins.
Commenting, Anbessie Yitbarek, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Africa at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: "Delivering the first 737 MAX to EgyptAir is an important step toward achieving the company's development goals and the start of a new era for Egypt's national carrier, as the new aircraft provides the efficiency, range and comfort airlines need on their development journey. We welcome EgyptAir as an operator of this modern type, and this delivery is the result of a partnership spanning 60 years."
It is worth noting that an EgyptAir delegation headed by Ayman Thabet, Head of the Planning Sector at EgyptAir Holding Company, traveled to Boeing's factory in Seattle in the United States to receive the aircraft, where Boeing held a celebration to mark the delivery to EgyptAir.
EgyptAir is one of the largest and oldest operators of the 737 family in Africa, with operations dating back to 1975. The company also continues to operate 5 Boeing 777s and 8 787 Dreamliners.
