EgyptAir secures leases for five A350-900s as part of its wider 16-aircraft fleet renewal plan
November 19, 2025
EgyptAir has expanded its long-haul renewal programme with two separate lease agreements covering five Airbus A350-900s, deals that sit within the airline’s larger plan to introduce 16 aircraft of the type over the coming years.
The latest commitments were confirmed during the Dubai Airshow and follow a series of decisions by the Cairo-based carrier to reshape its widebody fleet for the next decade.
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Egyptair expands with more Airbus A350s
In the first transaction, BOC Aviation will purchase and lease back three A350-900s to EgyptAir through a mix of long-term operating and finance leases. Deliveries begin in 2025, with all aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.
BOC Aviation chief executive Steven Townend said the agreement marks the lessor’s first placement with EgyptAir and extends its presence in Africa.
A separate deal with Macquarie AirFinance covers an additional two A350-900s, signed during the air show’s second day. These aircraft will arrive in 2026 under a sale-and-leaseback arrangement that provides EgyptAir with flexible financing as it prepares for a major expansion of its long-haul network.
Part of a wider A350 acquisition strategy
Both lease deals feed into EgyptAir’s broader A350 programme. The airline has steadily increased its orders for the type, converting options and adding new commitments until reaching 16 firm A350-900s, a fleet that will eventually replace its ageing Boeing 777-300ERs.
EgyptAir expects to begin phasing out the 777s from late 2026, by which point the first seven A350s should be in service. Airbus’ latest delivery schedule shows one aircraft arriving in December 2025, six in 2026, three in 2030, and the remaining six between 2030 and 2033.
The airline also intends to grow frequencies on its US routes to daily operations by early 2027, a task that will be supported by the A350’s range and operating economics.
Speaking after the signing, EgyptAir chairman Captain Ahmed Adel said the new leases align with the airline’s long-term fleet plan.
The A350-900, he noted, supports the carrier’s intention to renew widebody aircraft while maintaining financial flexibility.
Macquarie’s chief executive, Eamonn Payne, described the A350 as a strong asset within the EMEA region, particularly for operators looking to modernise long-haul fleets.
How the A350 fits into EgyptAir’s fleet
EgyptAir currently operates a mixed widebody fleet of A330-200s, A330-300s, 777-300ERs and 787-9s, and has been shifting gradually toward newer, more efficient aircraft.
The A350-900’s long-range performance (up to 9,700 nautical miles) allows the airline to pursue new international markets while reducing fuel burn and emissions by around 25% compared with previous-generation types.
The carrier’s long-term plan involves simplifying its widebody operations around the 787 and A350, although it continues to field a diverse mix of aircraft. Its narrowbody fleet is similarly varied, with A320neos, A321neos, Boeing 737-800s and 737 MAX 8s all in service or on order.
Strengthening partnerships and regional presence
Both lessors framed their agreements with EgyptAir as the beginning or continuation of long-term partnerships. BOC Aviation highlighted the deal as its first transaction with the airline, while Macquarie noted the importance of expanding its regional portfolio.
Airbus, which has worked with EgyptAir for decades, said the airline’s increased A350 commitment reflects confidence in the type as a platform for future growth and decarbonisation goals.
With the combined lease agreements now in place and deliveries beginning from this year’s end, EgyptAir is setting up one of the largest A350 fleets in the Middle East and Africa, along with Ethiopian Airlines, which ordered six additional A350-900s at the Airshow.
