Egypt national carrier plans more Africa destinations

Cairo – EgyptAir, the first airline in the Middle East and the seventh oldest in the world has just turned 75 and used the milestone to announce ambitious plans to expand its network into Africa. It was established on 7 May 1932 and started operations in July 1933 in association with the Airwork Company under the name Misr Airwork. The carrier's name changed to Misr Air in 1949, then United Arab Airlines during the union between Egypt and Syria. In 1971, the carrier became EgyptAir. It is one of the 10 biggest airlines in the world, employing 25,000 people.

According to Atef Abdel-Hamid, EgyptAir Holding Company chairman, the airline is set to launch three new destinations this summer. "We will launch a service to the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, to the Portuguese capital Lisbon and to the Chinese city of Gonzo by June," he said. He added that the airline would focus on the Middle East, Africa and Asia with a few key destinations in the United States and Canada.

"Ten new destinations are scheduled," he added, "including Warsaw, Prague, Belgrade, Dar es Salaam, Dakar, Lusaka, Washington, Chicago, Toronto and Shanghai." Four years ago, the airline dropped 14 international routes due to losses.

Optimistic

Abdel-Hamid appeared optimistic about the near future when Cairo International Airport (CIA), the primary hub for EgyptAir, turns into a regional hub. CIA is currently undergoing major redevelopment, including constructing a new Terminal Building 3 (TB3) which would raise the airport's capacity from nine million to 20 million passengers per annum.

"EgyptAir, as a potential Star Alliance member, will move with alliance members to operate from the new terminal. This will provide passengers and airlines with state-of-the art services and facilities," he explained. TB3 is due to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2008. Two of the gates at TB3 will be equipped to handle the Airbus A380.

"To join one of the world's big alliances is a major achievement. It is also essential to survive," he explained. He also indicated that EgyptAir will launch a regional jet division next June. The new subsidiary, called EgyptAir Express, will operate a fleet of six small jets mainly for domestic destinations. The carrier has already purchased six EMB 170 planes with a further six on option.

"It will start with two domestic destinations, Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada, then later on Aswan, Luxor, Abu Simbel and Alexandria," he explained.