Egyptian airline EgyptAir contracted with the U.S.-based Boeing Corporate to purchase nine Next-Generation 737-800s jets with cost estimated at 9 billion Egyptian pounds (US$864 million), the Egyptian firm announced Wednesday. Boeing has recently stated that Emirati Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) is set to finance eight of the agreed upon airplanes. The deal coincides with 50 years of partnership between Boeing and EgyptAir that began with an order for a 707 in 1966 as the second placed its first 737 order in 1975. Chairman and CEO of EgyptAir, Safwat Musallam said that "The Next-Generation 737-800s have earned an excellent reputation for reliability, performance and cost efficiency and has added tremendous value to our operations" . "The addition of several more of this airplane will definitely enable us to continue with our plans to introduce modern, efficient aircraft on our short to medium haul destination network.", the chairman added. Egyptair currently operates 20 737-800NGs and when the nine airplanes on order have been delivered will comprise the largest single-aisle aircraft type in its fleet. The airline also has six 777-300ERs and two 777-200ERs. Egyptair forecast significant growth of their total fleet by 2026. On other hand, Managing Director of DAE, Khalifa AlDaboos clarified that DAE is looking forward to a mutually rewarding long-term relationship with Egyptair and to supporting Egyptair's fleet ambitions. Meanwhile, Marty Bentrott, vice president of Sales for Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes stated that " this order is an endorsement of Egyptair's confidence in the 737 and we hope to continue our long-time partnership with the airline as it further grows and strengthens its operations". The 737-800 is the best-selling version of the successful Next-Generation 737 family. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency and economic performance, the 737-800 is selected by leading carriers throughout the world because it provides operators the flexibility to serve a wide range of markets. The operating benefits will carry over to the future 737 MAX, the first of which is scheduled for delivery in 2017.
