In a move that’s less about sandstorms and more about jet streams, EgyptAir has lifted the veil on a brand-new order for six additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft, bringing its total commitment for the widebody workhorse to 16. And if that doesn’t spell a vote of confidence in European engineering, I don’t know what does.
Announced with the kind of corporate flourish one might expect from a state-owned airline with Pharaoh-sized ambitions, this latest deal is part of a long-term strategy to modernise EgyptAir’s fleet, boost comfort, and fuel future growth in long-haul markets. And yes, there’s a fair bit of jet fuel involved—though hopefully less of it, thanks to Airbus’ greener technology.
“We are continuously working to modernise our fleet and deliver a more comfortable and optimised travel experience,” declared Captain Ahmed Adel, EgyptAir’s Chairman and CEO, with the poised authority of a man who probably knows the inside of a flight deck better than his own living room.
“This collaboration with Airbus builds on a long-standing relationship that spans decades… Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to integrating next-generation aircraft into our fleet.”
If this sounds like the beginning of a new golden age for Egypt’s flag carrier—well, it might just be. While some airlines have tiptoed around fleet upgrades in the post-pandemic economy, EgyptAir has taken a decidedly different route: one that barrels down the runway with a clear intent to take off, fast and high.
Airbus, naturally, is just as thrilled.
“The A350 is set to be a pillar in EgyptAir’s journey,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President for Sales, whose name, I suspect, has graced more aircraft contracts than most pilots have air miles. “We look forward to these aircraft playing a pivotal role in the airline’s continued success, growth, and decarbonisation ambition.”
Decarbonisation is, of course, the word on everyone’s lips—especially at Airbus HQ in Toulouse. The A350-900 is no ordinary jetliner. It flies up to 9,700 nautical miles (around 18,000 km) without a refuelling hiccup, powered by Rolls-Royce’s next-generation engines. These engines, unlike your neighbour’s dodgy lawnmower, use 25% less fuel and churn out significantly less carbon emissions than older types.
And the cabin? Well, let’s say it’s more Paris boutique hotel than flying tin can. The A350’s Airspace cabin is light, lofty, and laced with ambient lighting—an interior designed to soothe the senses rather than assault them with beige plastic and garish carpeting.
In fact, for those keeping score in the sustainability stakes, the A350 can already operate using up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus plans to achieve 100% by 2030, which should please Greta Thunberg and give airline CEOs a little more peace of mind at night.
For EgyptAir, the timing is no accident. With international travel bouncing back faster than a boomerang in a headwind, and Egypt positioning itself as a hub between Europe, Africa and Asia, long-haul capability is a vital chess piece on the global aviation board.
The latest order also gives EgyptAir a bit of breathing room to phase out its older aircraft—many of which, though stalwart servants, have all the charm of a Soviet-era telephone exchange. In contrast, the A350 is all sleek lines and whisper-quiet performance, the sort of aircraft that practically purrs at altitude.
At the end of May 2025, Airbus had clocked more than 1,390 A350 orders from 60 customers around the world. It’s a tally that’s less “flash in the pan” and more “global aviation staple.” With this latest order, EgyptAir plants its flag firmly in that club of modern flyers, determined not to be left behind.
And let’s face it—if you’re flying from Cairo to Tokyo or New York these days, wouldn’t you prefer to do it on a smooth-riding, fuel-sipping A350 rather than something that looks like it survived a Cold War?
As EgyptAir preps for the next chapter in its airborne adventure, one thing’s certain: the skies over the Nile just got a whole lot sleeker.
By Anne Keam
