Egyptair takes delivery of first Airbus A330S

It will use the aircraft on routes to Europe and within the Middle East.

Each aircraft seats 24 passengers in business class and 244 in economy, and is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700s.

"The Airbus A330-200 is by far the top of the aircraft pyramid in the 250 seat class, with a passenger-pleasing cabin, attractive economics, and cost-saving modern technology," says Egyptair Holding Company Chairman General Atef Abdel Hamid Mostafa. "Egyptair will also benefit from the cockpit commonality that the A330 shares with the A320s, A321s and A340s already in its fleet, helping it to be more efficient."

The A330-200 offers optimum cabin comfort in its class, reflecting the commitment to this that is found in all Airbus aircraft. And like all the passenger aircraft that Airbus produces today, it features many modern technology features at no extra charge - such as advanced fuel-saving aerodynamics, including winglets, widespread weight-saving carbonfibre composites, and pilot and maintenance-friendly fly-by-wire controls and centralised maintenance.

"In adding the Airbus A330-200 to its fleet, Egyptair joins an increasingly large and successful group of carriers that are flying this modern aircraft, as well as building on the 25 years of partnership that exists between our companies," says Airbus President and CEO Noël Forgeard.

Egyptair was Airbus' first customer in the Arab world, and remains one of its largest customers in the Middle East.

The A330-200 is renowned for being the most efficient aircraft in its class, combining the lowest operating costs with highly efficient cargo capabilities that enhance airline profitability through freight operations.

The A330/A340 family is the preferred airline choice in medium to long-range aircraft, with more than 800 orders from over 60 customers to its credit. It is the acknowledged leader of its class in both orders and customers.

Airbus is the only manufacturer offering airlines an entirely modern family from 100 seats all the way up to 555 seats, and is unique in offering cockpit commonality throughout all of the passenger aircraft that it produces today. Airbus aircraft have almost 5,000 orders to their credit, and some 260 customers and operators around the world. They are supported 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by a global network of spares, training and support centres. Airbus is an EADS joint Company with BAE Systems.