Deal marks Egyptian carrier’s first direct A320neo purchase and builds on its fleet of leased Airbus jets.
Egyptian carrier Air Cairo has placed a firm order with Airbus for 15 A320neo aircraft.
The carrier has a fleet of around 45 aircraft, including several leased A320neos, but this deal marks its first direct purchase of the variant.
Air Cairo has selected the CFM International Leap-1A engine to power the aircraft. The engine manufacturer says the agreement covers the 15 firm aircraft and options on 15 more, plus spare powerplants – potentially a supply of over 60 engines.
It received its first CFM International Leap-1A-powered A320neo, leased from ICBC Leasing, in April 2021, and currently operates 20 alongside older A320s fitted with the CFM56.
Air Cairo aims to increase its fleet to more than 130 aircraft by 2034. It also operates Embraer 190s and ATR 72-600s.
“This agreement marks a natural next step in Air Cairo’s growth,” says the carrier’s chief executive Hussein Sherif. “Combining owned aircraft with our leased fleet gives us greater operational flexibility and financial efficiency as we scale up.”
Airbus executive vice-president commercial aircraft sales Benoit de Saint-Exupery adds: “This commitment highlights the strength of our partnership and Air Cairo’s confidence in the A320neo to expand connectivity between Egypt and key international destinations.”
Details on delivery dates have not been disclosed.
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