EgyptAir took delivery of its first Airbus A321neo through a lease agreement with AerCap, becoming the first operator of the type in Africa. The aircraft received Egyptian registration SU-GFR.
The airplane took off yesterday from the manufacturer’s delivery centre at Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport (XFW) at 12:05 local time. It landed at Cairo International Airport (CAI), the airline’s main hub, after a four-hour flight.
Congratulations @EGYPTAIR on becoming Africa's first #A321neo operator. Soon to be joining your modern #Airbus fleet ✈️, this aircraft's high comfort #Airspace cabin will be connecting even more passengers to the Middle East, Africa and Europe in style! https://t.co/jcERJ4xURY pic.twitter.com/0LtkpR2I9a
— Airbus (@Airbus) February 27, 2023
EgyptAir, which expects to take delivery of a total of seven A321neo, opted for aircraft powered by two CFM International LEAP-1A engines and a two-class interior configuration, with 16 seats in Business Class and 166 in Economy. With the introduction of the type into commercial service, the company will increase its capacity on routes in Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
«With the addition of the A321neo, EgyptAir is demonstrating continuous ambitions to expand its Airbus fleet to meet current and future demand», the European manufacturer said in a press release.
EgyptAir currently operates twelve Airbus A220, eight A320neo, two A320ceo, four A330-200 and four A330-300. In addition, it operates twenty-eight Boeing 737-800, six 777-300 and six 787-9.
Delivery with sustainable aviation fuel
The delivery flight was conducted with a 34% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend.
According to Airbus, all of its commercial aircraft are now capable of operating on a blend of up to 50% sustainable fuel blended with fossil fuel. In this regard, the company says it aims to reach 100% utilisation by the end of this decade.
See also: Air Senegal would cancel the lease of five Airbus A220
