AVEX 2010 seemingly could not attract more contracts than the number it hit in 2008. Only five contracts were signed during this year's event. Boeing manufacturers and Cairo-based Midwest Airlines announced an order for one Next- Generation 737-800. The order which was announced at AVEX was previously attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website. Midwest Airlines, a charter operator, currently operates two leased 737-800s, with a third scheduled for delivery in early 2011. "Our decision to further expand our fleet of 737s is based on the airplane's proven efficiencies," said Magdeldin Refaat, general manager, Midwest Airlines. "The 737-800 is ideally suited to our operational requirements allowing us to connect markets in Northern Europe to Upper Egypt all year round without payload restrictions. Additionally, the 737 gives us a competitive edge in the charter market with the lowest seat-mile cost compared to similar airplanes." Midwest Airlines passengers will enjoy the all-new 737 Boeing Sky Interior; the modern, sculpted sidewalls, windows and larger stow bins are standard with the new interior. "There are very good reasons for the Next- Generation 737's tremendous success," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The Next-Generation 737's ability to deliver outstanding, dependable operational and financial performance across the widest range of missions continues to build our customers' outstanding confidence in and demand for the 737." Smart Aviation and Canada's Bombardier manufacturer signed a contract to purchase two new Turbo fan aircraft, Dash8-Q400. According to Emad Salam, vice-president of Smart Aviation, the plane which seats 74 passengers will be operated to serve domestic routes on a cheapest rates base. "The contract also includes purchasing three more aircraft during two years at the same prices. Salam indicated that the total value of the deal stood at $42 million for the two aircraft. EgyptAir Ground Services company signed two contracts to provide services at Egyptian airports for two airliners,. Rolls-Royce and EgyptAir Engineering and technical maintenance signed a $350 million contract to provide Total Care services to the sister airline's fleet of A330s. According to Captain Alaa Ashour, EgyptAir chairman, the contract reflected the importance of the programme to control expenditures. "This programme provides technical support to Trent700 engines, which are the only ones designed for the A330 aircraft," Ashour commented.
