This article summarizes reporting by Aerospace Global News.

Egypt Takes Delivery of Controversial Boeing 747-8 Presidential Aircraft

On December 11, 2025, the Egyptian government officially accepted delivery of a Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, registered as SU-EGY. According to reporting by Aerospace Global News, the massive aircraft arrived in Cairo from Hamburg, Germany, marking the conclusion of a multi-year modification program. The delivery signifies a major upgrade for the Egyptian presidency’s air transport capabilities, replacing an aging fleet with the “Queen of the Skies.”

The arrival of the jet has drawn significant attention not only for its technical grandeur but also for the financial debate surrounding its acquisition. As detailed in reports by Aerospace Global News and data from flight tracking services, the aircraft underwent extensive VIP outfitting at Lufthansa Technik before its final handover. While the jet offers state-of-the-art capabilities, the timing of the purchase, amidst severe national economic challenges, has sparked public discourse.

From “White Tail” to Flying Palace

The history of SU-EGY is unique among presidential aircraft. Data cited by aviation analysts indicates that the airframe was originally manufactured in 2011 for Lufthansa but was never delivered, classifying it as a “white tail”, a built but unsold aircraft. It spent nearly a decade in storage in the Mojave Desert before the Egyptian government purchased it in 2021.

According to flight data verified by FlightRadar24, the aircraft flew under the callsign EGY2 during its delivery flight from Hamburg (HAM) to Cairo (CAI). The transition from a stored commercial airliner to a head-of-state transport involved over four years of work. Aerospace Global News notes that Lufthansa Technik performed the modifications, which reportedly include a custom VIP interior and the installation of military-grade defense and communication systems.

The Cost Controversy

A significant discrepancy exists regarding the financial footprint of the new presidential flagship. International aviation analysts and media outlets have estimated the total value of the project to be approximately $500 million. This figure typically accounts for the purchase of the airframe combined with the high costs of VIP interiors and defensive suites.

However, government officials have contested these estimates. Egyptian MP Mostafa Bakry publicly stated that the aircraft cost $240 million. Context provided by industry experts suggests this lower figure likely refers only to the “green” (empty) airframe, which was likely purchased at a discount due to its age and unsold status.

Economic Context

The criticism surrounding the acquisition is deeply rooted in Egypt’s economic reality between 2021 and 2025. During the modification period, the Egyptian Pound (EGP) suffered a massive devaluation against the US Dollar, moving from approximately 15.7 EGP/USD in 2022 to roughly 50.8 EGP/USD by 2025. Furthermore, inflation rates peaked at over 35% in 2023, placing a heavy burden on the population.

“Critics argue that spending half a billion dollars on a presidential jet is unjustifiable while the nation relies on IMF loans…”

, Summary of public sentiment via Web Search Data

Technical Upgrades and Capabilities

The Boeing 747-8 represents a generational leap over the outgoing flagship, an Airbus A340-200 (SU-GGG) that has been in service since the mid-1990s. The new aircraft offers significantly greater range, size, and defensive capabilities.

Comparison: SU-EGY vs. SU-GGG

• Aircraft Type: The new Boeing 747-8 is the longest commercial airliner ever built, offering approximately 4,700 square feet of cabin space. The outgoing A340-200 is a standard widebody with considerably less volume.
• Range: The 747-8 boasts a range of over 8,000 nautical miles, allowing for non-stop global reach, compared to the roughly 7,500 nautical miles of the older Airbus.
• Engines: Powered by four General Electric GEnx-2B engines, the 747-8 is more fuel-efficient than the A340’s older CFM56 engines.
• Defense: While specific details remain classified, the new jet is equipped with modern active missile countermeasures, such as Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM), designed to jam heat-seeking missiles.

AirPro News Analysis

While the optics of purchasing a jumbo jet during an economic crisis are challenging, the operational logic behind selecting the 747-8 is grounded in specific aviation realities. Head-of-state transport often requires four engines for maximum redundancy and safety, a configuration that is becoming rare in modern aviation. With the Airbus A380 out of production and the A340 fleet aging rapidly, the 747-8 remains one of the few viable options for a VVIP aircraft of this magnitude.

Furthermore, purchasing a “white tail” airframe was likely a strategic financial decision. Acquiring a factory-fresh widebody jet can take years on a waiting list and cost significantly more than an airframe that has been sitting in storage. By purchasing an existing asset, the Egyptian government likely secured the airframe at a fraction of the list price, even if the subsequent interior modifications remained expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Egypt replace the Airbus A340?
The A340-200 is approximately 30 years old. Maintaining older aircraft becomes increasingly expensive and difficult due to the scarcity of spare parts. Reliability is paramount for presidential transport.

What is a “white tail” aircraft?
A “white tail” refers to an aircraft that has been built by the manufacturer but not delivered to a customer. In this case, the 747-8 was built for Lufthansa in 2011 but was not taken up, sitting in storage until Egypt purchased it.

What will happen to the old plane?
The Airbus A340-200 (SU-GGG) is expected to enter retirement or be sold, as it has been replaced as the primary transport for President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

Sources: Aerospace Global News, Simple Flying, Middle East Eye, FlightRadar24

This article is based on an official press release from Daher.

Daher Kodiak 900 Secures Brazilian Certification, Targeting Agribusiness Sector

Daher has announced that its Kodiak 900 utility turboprop has received airworthiness certification from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). Confirmed on December 11, 2025, this regulatory approval allows the French manufacturers to commence deliveries in one of the world’s largest general aviation markets.

The certification marks a significant expansion for Daher in South America. According to the company, the Kodiak 900 is positioned to serve Brazil’s robust agricultural, mining, and public safety sectors, offering a faster and larger complement to the existing Kodiak 100. To support this expansion, Daher recently established a new office in São Paulo, signaling a direct commitment to local support for its TBM and Kodiak fleets.

Strategic Expansion in Brazil

Brazil represents a critical environment for utility aircraft due to its vast territory and reliance on unpaved infrastructure. In its announcement, Daher noted that the certification enables the Kodiak 900 to operate across the country’s diverse landscape, from remote backcountry strips to developed urban centers.

Nicolas Chabbert, the CEO of Daher’s Aircraft Division, emphasized the strategic importance of this approval in a company statement:

“With Brazil’s airworthiness certification, the Kodiak 900 now joins our Kodiak 100 to meet the country’s full scope of transportation needs.”

The manufacturer has set ambitious growth targets for the region. With the introduction of the Kodiak 900, Daher aims to double its annual sales in Brazil, projecting an increase from approximately three units to six or seven units per year. This growth is expected to be driven by the agribusiness sector, which requires rugged aircraft capable of connecting remote farms with commercial hubs.

Technical Capabilities and Performance

The Kodiak 900 is designed as a “stretched” evolution of the Kodiak 100, bridging the gap between Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) bush planes and faster business turboprops. According to technical specifications released by Daher, the aircraft features a fuselage extension of 3.9 feet, resulting in a cabin volume of 309 cubic feet, approximately 20% larger than its predecessor.

Performance metrics highlighted by the manufacturer include:

• Engine: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-140A delivering 900 shaft horsepower (SHP).
• Speed: A cruise speed of 210 KTAS, making it roughly 36 knots faster than the Kodiak 100.
• Range: A maximum range of 1,129 nautical miles.
• Efficiency: A claimed 9% reduction in specific fuel consumption compared to competitors, burning approximately 58 gallons per hour.

Despite its increased size and speed, the aircraft retains the rugged characteristics necessary for Brazilian operations. Paulo Olenscki, Executive Director of Daher’s Brazilian operation, highlighted the aircraft’s landing gear design:

“Equipped with a robust fixed landing gear, the Kodiak 900 and Kodiak 100 are designed to operate from off-airport sites ranging from remote backcountry strips to grass and gravel runways.”

AirPro News Analysis

The entry of the Kodiak 900 into the Brazilian market places it in direct competition with the Cessna Grand Caravan EX, a dominant platform in the region. Our analysis suggests that Daher is positioning the Kodiak 900 as a premium alternative for owner-operators who prioritize speed over maximum bulk volume.

While the Cessna Caravan offers a slightly larger cabin volume (exceeding 340 cubic feet), the Kodiak 900’s 210 KTAS cruise speed offers a significant time-saving advantage over the Caravan’s ~185 KTAS. This speed differential is likely to appeal to corporate transport operators and wealthy agricultural owners who need to cover Brazil’s significant distances efficiently.

However, potential buyers should note a key operational distinction regarding water access. While the Kodiak 100 is a proven floatplane widely used in the Amazon river network, the Kodiak 900 is currently marketed primarily for land-based operations. Operators requiring amphibious capabilities for river landings may still find the Kodiak 100 or the Caravan to be the more immediate fit until float options for the 900 are standardized.

Sources

Sources: Daher Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.

Linfox Becomes First Australian Customer for Airbus H160

Linfox, Australia’s largest privately-owned logistics company, has officially signed a purchase agreement for an Airbus H160, marking the first order for this next-generation helicopter in the Australian market. Announced on December 10, 2025, the deal represents a significant milestone for Airbus as it introduces its medium-twin rotorcraft to the region’s competitive corporate aviation sector.

According to the official press release from Airbus, the order follows a comprehensive four-week demonstration tour across Australia. During this campaign, the H160 logged over 2,000 kilometers and completed more than 60 flights, showcasing its capabilities to local operators. The aircraft will be managed by Linfox’s corporate flight department, which handles travel requirements for the company’s executives and the Fox family.

A Strategic Shift in Fleet Operations

The acquisition signals a notable shift in fleet strategy for the logistics giant. While Linfox has historically operated helicopters from rival manufacturers, this agreement establishes a new partnership with Airbus. Lindsay Fox, the founder of Linfox, emphasized the importance of trust and performance in this decision.

“We’re excited to take delivery of the Airbus H160. It is our first aircraft with Airbus and we look forward to a long relationship with such a trusted company that has a proven record of performance, safety and reliability.”

Lindsay Fox, Founder of Linfox, via Airbus Press Release

Olivier Michalon, EVP Global Business at Airbus Helicopters, noted the significance of securing a high-profile launch customer in the region.

“We’re truly honoured by Linfox’s endorsement of the H160’s capabilities… This first order marks an important milestone for Airbus in Australia. We look forward to seeing the H160 take flight in the country soon.”

Olivier Michalon, EVP Global Business at Airbus Helicopters

AirPro News Analysis: Breaking the Monopoly

The selection of the H160 by Linfox is a strategic conquest for Airbus in a market segment long dominated by the Leonardo AW139. Historical fleet data indicates that Linfox has traditionally favored Leonardo (formerly AgustaWestland) platforms for its corporate transport needs, with previous aircraft often bearing the registration VH-FOX.

By securing an order from one of Australia’s most prominent aviation and logistics families, who also own Avalon and Essendon Fields airports, Airbus has effectively validated the H160 as a viable contender against the incumbent “gold standard” in the 6-ton class. We believe this move may encourage other high-net-worth individuals and corporate operators in the Asia-Pacific region to re-evaluate their fleet replacement strategies, particularly as sustainability becomes a higher priority.

Technical Specifications and Sustainability

The H160 brings several technological advancements to the Australian market, specifically designed to address noise, fuel efficiency, and pilot workload. According to Airbus technical data, the aircraft features “Blue Edge” rotor blades with a distinctive hockey-stick shape, which reduce noise levels by 50% (a 3dB drop) compared to previous generation helicopters. This reduction is critical for operations near urban centers and noise-sensitive airports.

Powering the aircraft are two Safran Arrano 1A turboshaft engines. These engines contribute to a 15% reduction in fuel consumption, aligning with broader corporate sustainability goals. For Linfox, which has outlined its “Leading the Way 2025” sustainability targets, the H160’s efficiency and compatibility with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) likely played a decisive role in the procurement process.

The flight deck is equipped with the Helionix avionics suite, which includes four multifunction displays and “flight envelope protection.” This system is designed to prevent pilots from exceeding the aircraft’s safe operating limits, enhancing safety during complex missions or adverse weather conditions common in Australian coastal operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Linfox H160 be delivered?

While a specific delivery date was not explicitly stated in the December 10 announcement, standard industry lead times suggest a likely delivery in 2026.

What is the range of the Airbus H160?

The H160 has a range of approximately 475 nautical miles (880 km) with standard fuel tanks, making it suitable for inter-city corporate travel across Australia.

How many passengers can the H160 carry?

The aircraft can be configured for up to 12 passengers, though corporate VIP configurations, such as the one likely ordered by Linfox, typically seat between 4 and 8 passengers in a high-comfort layout.

Sources

• Airbus Press Release
• Linfox Corporate Website