Egyptair's current short to medium haul fleet consists of 12 Airbus A320s, 4 Airbus A321s, and 8 737s, half next generation 800s, the others older 500s. The A321s were delivered in '96, '97 with the rest of the single aisle aircraft delivered in the early '90s. Recent news indicated the airline considering renewal of the above fleet, or part of it; however, orders have not been made and aircraft have not been selected. The chairman was quoted saying "It all depends on availability and deals from the manufacturers."
Efforts are still being made to meet the requirements for Star Alliance membership and are nearing conclusion . The joining ceremony is planned in Cairo in July 08 .
"We are in the process to present our new brand very soon on one of our aircraft. No later than May we will show our new colors," said the chairman, "The brand will reflect the 'spirit of Egypt' and the carrier's effort to make Cairo the principal gateway to Africa and points in the Middle East." He indicated the livery change being a necessity to portray Egyptair as a new quality carrier.
I have flown on Egyptair's Boeing and Airbus longhaul and shorthaul fleets. Their A343s are rather ordinary, falling under the same quality as Gulf Air's. The 777s are truly impressive and actually very spacious and have in flight camera. I flew one on a deomestic route and was able to observe the desert below and the take-off roll, or part of it as far as I remember. The A320s appear a bit worn while the 738 I flew on was still rather fresh. Hopefully this fleet expansion will rid them of the older aircraft and maintain a young, well conditioned fleet. Also the new livery is well due.
Efforts are still being made to meet the requirements for Star Alliance membership and are nearing conclusion . The joining ceremony is planned in Cairo in July 08 .
"We are in the process to present our new brand very soon on one of our aircraft. No later than May we will show our new colors," said the chairman, "The brand will reflect the 'spirit of Egypt' and the carrier's effort to make Cairo the principal gateway to Africa and points in the Middle East." He indicated the livery change being a necessity to portray Egyptair as a new quality carrier.
I have flown on Egyptair's Boeing and Airbus longhaul and shorthaul fleets. Their A343s are rather ordinary, falling under the same quality as Gulf Air's. The 777s are truly impressive and actually very spacious and have in flight camera. I flew one on a deomestic route and was able to observe the desert below and the take-off roll, or part of it as far as I remember. The A320s appear a bit worn while the 738 I flew on was still rather fresh. Hopefully this fleet expansion will rid them of the older aircraft and maintain a young, well conditioned fleet. Also the new livery is well due.
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