EgyptAir Welcomes First Airbus A350-900, Pioneering North Africa
EgyptAir proudly took delivery of its first Airbus A350-900 on February 9, 2026. This marked the airline as the launch operator of this advanced widebody aircraft in North Africa. It also became the second airline on the African continent to operate the type, following Ethiopian Airlines.
The delivery signifies the start of a 16-aircraft order that will bolster EgyptAir’s long-haul fleet modernization and network expansion. The airline has plans to deploy the A350 on new non-stop routes to key destinations. These include the US West Coast and North Asia from its Cairo hub. By the end of 2026, seven A350s are expected to be delivered. The airline also plans to begin retiring its five Boeing 777-300ERs from late 2026 as more A350s enter service.
The aircraft boasts a two-class configuration with 30 Business Class suites offering direct aisle access and 310 Economy Class seats. This results in a total capacity of 340 passengers. The A350-900 is equipped with Airbus’s latest-generation Airspace cabin. This is designed to enhance the long-haul experience through:
- Improved ergonomics
- Enhanced air quality
- Larger windows
- Greater comfort
The A350-900 can fly up to 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 kilometers) non-stop. It offers 25% better fuel efficiency and CO₂ emission reductions compared to previous-generation aircraft. By January 2026, the A350 family had secured over 1,500 orders from 67 customers worldwide.
Source: Airbus Newsroom