EgyptAir receives fifth Airbus A320Neo as airports reopen

EgyptAir receives fifth Airbus A320Neo as airports reopen

EgyptAir says it has received its fifth Airbus A320Neo from France amid the gradual reopening of air traffic at all airports starting Wednesday.

Roshdy Zakaria, chairman of the national carrier, said the sixth jet of the same model would arrive next week out of a total eight A320Neo jets contracted by EgyptAir, as well as seven other A321Neo jets set to join the carrier's fleet later.

Zakaria said that EgyptAir is committed to its plan to modernise its fleet despite challenges seen by the sector globally due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With the operation of the newly-received aircraft, EgyptAir becomes the first company to operate both the Airbus A320Neo and Airbus A220 modern aircraft in its fleet in the Middle East and Africa.

Bringing all the standards of comfort and incorporating new engine choices, aerodynamic improvements, and the latest cabin features, the A320Neo Family will offer up to 20 percent savings in fuel burn per seat by 2020, two tons of additional payload, and 500 nautical miles of more range.

Its operating costs are lower, along with a nearly 50 percent reduction in engine noise and NOx emissions 50 percent below the current industry standard.

Wednesday's announcement came as Egypt,