Saturday, August 7, 2010

EgyptAir eyes more presence in Africa

Egypt Air is seeking to extend its network in Africa and is looking for partners in the central or western regions of the continent with which it can cooperate, Chairman and CEO Hussein Massoud told ATW.

MS is evaluating several options, including potentially basing aircraft together with Star Alliance partner South African Airways and even starting a new airline. The new airline or joint aircraft base could be ready for operation as early as next year, Massoud said.

He believes it is possible for MS to open one or two new destinations in Africa every year (ATW Daily News, Oct. 16, 2009). It currently serves 16 destinations in Africa (excluding Egypt) and will add Lusaka this fall.

Massoud confirmed that the MS fleet is expected to grow from 66 to 72 aircraft by the end of 2013 or early 2014. The carrier is already planning its future fleet through 2020. “Early next year it will be clear" which type of aircraft it will purchase for its future fleet, he said, declining to give details on how many aircraft will comprise a new order.

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