By Mohamed Attia
EgyptAir is pressing ahead with its modernisation and expansion efforts, aiming to boost its market share locally and compete with international carriers in Egypt. The national airline is set to receive its first Airbus A350 by the end of this year, as part of a deal for 10 aircraft. It is also working to introduce 18 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with deliveries expected to be completed by 2026.
Beyond fleet expansion, EgyptAir is aligning with European Union aviation regulations by adapting to the REFUEL E directive and negotiating with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) providers. The airline has secured an offer from Sky NRG, backed by Microsoft, covering up to 70% of SAF costs.
Strengthening digital services, customer engagement
EgyptAir has upgraded its website and frequent flyer program while expanding its call center operations. Currently covering Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the service is set to extend to the United States, Canada, France, the UK, Kuwait, and Jordan to increase revenue from foreign currency sources.
The airline is also actively forming partnerships with major corporations to attract new customers and boost its market share amid growing competition in Egypt’s aviation sector.
A strategic expansion plan
EgyptAir’s long-term growth strategy, running until 2028, seeks to position Cairo International Airport as a key hub connecting Africa with the rest of the world. The airline plans to launch new routes across Europe, the Middle East, the Far East, North America, and Africa, targeting key tourism markets.
By 2028, EgyptAir aims to handle 22 million international passengers annually–double the 11 million recorded in the 2023/24 financial year. To achieve this, the airline is increasing its European destinations from 25 to 33, its Middle Eastern routes from 19 to 25, and its Asian destinations from 9 to 17. North American services will also expand from 4 to 9 destinations, while African routes will grow from 26 to 30. The airline’s fleet is expected to reach 97 aircraft.
Advancing maintenance, technical capabilities
EgyptAir’s maintenance division is expanding its aircraft servicing capacity through the construction of Hangar 9000, which will include a dedicated aircraft painting facility. The company is also upgrading its repair workshops, modernising tools and equipment, and expanding daily maintenance stations across Africa and the Middle East.
Investing in human capital is another priority, with intensive training programmes in line with international aviation standards. Engineers and technicians are being trained to service new aircraft models, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, while recruitment efforts are underway to support the growing fleet.
Enhancing catering, cargo operations
EgyptAir’s catering services aim to produce 60,000 meals daily over the next three years to meet the airline’s expanding operations. The company is also working on infrastructure improvements, including new storage facilities and the renewal of equipment at its Cairo, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh facilities.
Meanwhile, EgyptAir Cargo is operating 20 weekly freighter flights to European airports during peak agricultural export seasons. The company has also introduced competitive shipping rates to maximise Egypt’s export opportunities.
A fleet expansion plan is in motion, with two Airbus A330-200P2F freighters set to join operations, increasing daily cargo capacity from 740 to 1,180 tons. EgyptAir Cargo is also investing in digitalisation, implementing AI-driven customer service tools and upgrading cargo management systems to improve efficiency and streamline bookings and tracking.
As EgyptAir pushes forward with its modernisation strategy, the airline is looking to cement its position as a leading player in the region’s aviation industry, enhancing its global connectivity and service offerings.
