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Home » AIRLINE NEWS » EgyptAir Announces Lease Extensions, Aircraft Refurbishments, And New Widebody And Narrowbody Deliveries As It Targets Growth In Both Passenger And Cargo Markets Through The End Of The Decade Sunday, June 1, 2025EgyptAir is undertaking a sweeping modernization and expansion strategy to secure its long-term growth across both passenger and cargo segments, announcing lease extensions for its Boeing 777s, comprehensive cabin refurbishments for key aircraft types, and the scheduled arrival of next-generation widebody and narrowbody jets through 2030—moves aimed at bridging current fleet gaps, enhancing service quality, and meeting rising demand across its global network.EgyptAir has decided to extend the lease on its five Boeing 777-300ER aircraft by 18 months, keeping them in operation until November 2026. The decision ensures the airline retains long-haul capacity as it prepares for the arrival of a new generation of aircraft, beginning with the Airbus A350-900 later this year. The lease extension aligns with EgyptAir’s strategy to bridge a critical transition period while upgrading its fleet and onboard experience.The airline plans to receive the first of ten A350-900 aircraft from Airbus in December. Six additional deliveries are scheduled throughout 2026. Although EgyptAir has secured options for six more of the same type, it has yet to announce whether it will exercise those options. These aircraft will replace older widebody jets and enhance the airline’s ability to operate long-range routes with greater fuel efficiency and modern passenger amenities.In parallel with these fleet upgrades, EgyptAir has launched a broad-scale interior refurbishment program to modernize the cabins of its current aircraft. This initiative includes 19 Boeing 737-800s and two Airbus A330-200s. The first of the 737-800s will enter the hangar for refurbishment in June, and the entire reconfiguration process is expected to conclude by the end of 2026. These single-aisle aircraft will receive new seats, updated inflight entertainment systems, and increased seating capacity. The new configuration adds 16 seats per aircraft, increasing total capacity from 144 to 160. In addition to enhancing passenger comfort, each refurbished 737-800 will shed approximately 140 kilograms, contributing to improved operational efficiency and fuel savings.EgyptAir has also received board approval to refurbish two of its remaining four Airbus A330-200s. These aircraft will be reconfigured to mirror the cabin design of the incoming A350s, offering a consistent onboard product across its long-haul fleet. The refurbishment work will begin in the second half of 2025. Once completed, these A330-200s will continue to serve high-density international routes until the A350s fully phase in.Meanwhile, the airline will convert the other two A330-200s in its fleet into freighters. Scheduled for conversion in September and November, these aircraft will be modified in Dresden, Germany, by a specialized maintenance and conversion provider. Upon completion, EgyptAir’s cargo division will operate five widebody freighters, all based on the A330-200 platform. The expansion of its freighter fleet underscores the airline’s intent to tap into the growing demand for air cargo capacity, especially in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.On the narrowbody front, EgyptAir is preparing to introduce a fleet of Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. Starting in January 2026, the airline will receive the first of 18 units, all sourced through lease agreements. Seven additional deliveries are scheduled to follow later that year. The MAX aircraft will gradually replace older 737s and introduce greater range, reduced emissions, and improved fuel economy. These jets will play a critical role in supporting EgyptAir’s short-haul and regional operations, especially on routes linking Egypt with Gulf countries, Africa, and Europe.By 2030, EgyptAir expects its total fleet size to reach 97 aircraft. This growth reflects a combination of new aircraft deliveries, selective lease extensions, and strategic investments in aircraft refurbishment. The airline aims to enhance service quality and reduce unit operating costs while remaining flexible enough to adapt to shifts in travel demand.The simultaneous modernization of both narrowbody and widebody aircraft indicates a focused push to remain competitive. While many carriers rely on full fleet replacement strategies, EgyptAir has taken a hybrid approach—balancing the addition of new aircraft with upgrades to existing ones. This strategy allows the airline to maintain its service footprint and deliver a consistent passenger experience during the transition.Furthermore, the investment in cabin upgrades demonstrates a commitment to improving the passenger journey, not just fleet metrics. By retrofitting older aircraft with advanced seating and entertainment options, the airline will offer a more uniform product across aircraft types. Passengers will benefit from newer technology and improved comfort, regardless of whether they fly on a refurbished 737, a retrofitted A330, or a brand-new A350.EgyptAir’s cargo division is also poised for a significant boost. The conversion of two A330-200s into freighters will nearly double the current widebody freighter fleet. This expansion comes at a time when air cargo remains a vital revenue stream amid fluctuating passenger demand. The move enhances EgyptAir’s ability to transport larger volumes of cargo over longer distances, meeting the growing needs of exporters, freight forwarders, and e-commerce companies.EgyptAir is advancing an ambitious fleet strategy—including lease extensions, cabin refurbishments, and new aircraft deliveries—to boost capacity, modernize its operations, and drive sustained growth in both passenger and cargo markets through the end of the decade.Overall, EgyptAir is executing a measured yet ambitious growth plan that reflects both current realities and long-term opportunities. By extending the service life of key aircraft, refurbishing existing fleets, and welcoming next-generation models, the airline is reinforcing its operational resilience. The updates position EgyptAir to compete in an increasingly demanding global aviation landscape while continuing to serve as Egypt’s flagship carrier.Tags: 737 MAX, A330 freighter, airbus a350, aircraft leasing, Aircraft Refurbishment, airline modernization, Airline News, aviation strategy, boeing 777, EGYPTAIR, fleet expansion, travel industry, Travel News
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