National carrier EgyptAir said this week it took the delivery of its 50th airplane – a next-generation 737-800 from Boeing. The 737 is the 17th of 20 ordered by the airline between 2005 and 2009.

Boeing said it had reached a major milestone with this new delivery, which also marked the 45-year partnership between Boeing and the Egyptian carrier.

Since receiving its first Boeing airplane – a 707 – in 1968, EgyptAir’s fleet has expanded to include 17 737s and 11 777s, said a top official.

“Boeing has played a pivotal role in our growth plan,” remarked Hussein Massoud, chairman and CEO of EgyptAir Holding Company.

“We are extremely satisfied with the Next-Generation 737, which has earned an excellent reputation for reliability and operational efficiency, and has the range that allows us to expand our network further into Africa, Europe and the other medium-haul destinations,' he stated.

'Moreover, the 777-300ER is extremely popular with our customers and we see direct benefits due to the airplane’s exceptional fuel efficiency, seat-mile costs and economics, in addition to the luxury and comfort of the interior cabin,' he added.

Marty Bentrott, vice president of sales for Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said, “Boeing truly values its long relationship with EgyptAir.

“The Middle East has been a high growth market and EgyptAir is well positioned for the recovery of the demand for air travel in the Egyptian market with its fleet modernization,' he noted.-TradeArabia News Service