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