This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and additional fleet data.

EgyptAir Accepts Delivery of First Airbus A350-900, Initiating Major Fleet Overhaul

EgyptAir has officially taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-900, registered as SU-GGE, marking a significant milestone in the carrier’s modernization strategy. The handover, which took place on February 9, 2026, positions the Cairo-based airline as the first operator of the A350-900 in North Africa.

According to an official press release from Airbus, this aircraft is the first of 16 A350-900s ordered by the Egyptian flag carrier. The delivery underscores EgyptAir’s commitment to phasing out older wide-body jets while expanding its long-haul network capabilities to new destinations in North America and Asia.

Fleet Modernization and Strategic Expansion

The arrival of the A350-900 represents a pivotal shift in EgyptAir’s long-haul operations. The airline originally signed for 10 aircraft during the Dubai Airshow in November 2023, later expanding the commitment with a top-up order for six additional units. These new airframes are intended to replace the carrier’s aging Boeing 777-300ER fleet, offering improved operating economics and passenger comfort.

In a statement regarding the initial order, Yehia Zakaria, EgyptAir Holding Chairman and CEO, highlighted the flagship status of the new type:

“The A350-900 will be our flagship aircraft… adding the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft to our fleet will be instrumental in expanding our offering.”

Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer at Airbus, noted the economic advantages the aircraft brings to the airline’s network:

“The A350 is the one and only aircraft enabling EgyptAir to open up its network with benchmark economic efficiency, not to mention passenger comfort.”

Operational Deployment

EgyptAir has outlined a phased entry-into-service plan for the new fleet. Initially, the aircraft will be deployed on trunk routes to London and Paris to facilitate crew familiarization. Following this integration period, the airline plans to leverage the A350’s 9,700 nautical mile range to launch non-stop services to the U.S. West Coast and key Asian markets, including Shanghai, Beijing, and Tokyo.

Cabin Configuration and Passenger Experience

The new A350-900 features a two-class configuration designed to maximize capacity while introducing updated premium amenities. According to fleet data, the aircraft accommodates a total of 340 passengers.

• Business Class: 30 suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for all passengers and fully lie-flat beds.
• Economy Class: 310 seats featuring the “Airspace” cabin design, which includes wider seats, higher ceilings, and advanced LED ambient lighting intended to reduce jet lag.

Technological upgrades are a focal point of the new cabin. The aircraft is equipped with Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova in-flight entertainment system, providing 4K OLED screens and high-fidelity audio. Additionally, passengers across all classes will have access to USB-C fast charging ports and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity.

Environmental Performance

The transition to the A350-900 aligns with broader industry sustainability goals. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the aircraft is reported to burn 25% less fuel compared to the previous generation aircraft it replaces. This efficiency gain corresponds to a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions.

Furthermore, the A350 is recognized as the quietest aircraft in its class, possessing a noise footprint 50% smaller than older jets, a critical factor for operations at noise-sensitive airports in Europe and North America.

AirPro News Analysis: Regional Market Context

EgyptAir’s delivery secures its position as the sole active operator of the A350-900 in the North African region, a status solidified by the shifting strategies of its neighbors. While other carriers in the region had previously expressed interest in the type, market dynamics have led to cancellations and delays.

For instance, Air Algérie cancelled its order for A350-1000s in early 2025, opting instead for Airbus A330-900neos. Similarly, Tunisair cancelled its A350 commitments in 2013. Other regional orders, such as those from Libyan carriers Afriqiyah Airways and Libyan Airlines, remain stalled due to long-standing instability. Consequently, EgyptAir currently faces no direct regional competition operating this specific airframe, potentially offering it a product advantage on competitive routes connecting Africa to Europe and the Americas.

Sources:
Airbus Press Release