EgyptAir Celebrates 91 Years of Service: A Look Back at Its History, Achievements, and Future

EgyptAir, the national flag carrier of Egypt, Celebrates 91 Years of Service, marking nearly a century of service in the aviation industry. As one of the world’s oldest airlines, the seventh carrier globally, EgyptAir has an impressive history and has experienced numerous significant events throughout its existence. In this article, we’ll explore some facts about the airline, delve into its history, and discuss some of the most notable incidents it has encountered.

The Early Days and Expansion

From its establishment in 1932, EgyptAir has experienced several transformations, including name changes, mergers, and expansions. The airline began commercial operations in August 1933 with the Spartan Cruiser, flying from Cairo to Alexandria.

The name Misr Airlines changed to MisrAir, in 1946, and 10 Beechcraft were purchased, adding American technology to the fleet. By 1949, MisrAir bought 10 Vickers Vikings.

And in 1960, it merged with Syrian Airlines, forming United Arab Airlines (UAA). UAA enhanced the fleet with Comet 4-c jets, becoming the first carrier in the Middle East to use these jets. In 1968, UAA introduced the Boeing 707-320c to manage growing international traffic and operate longer routes, becoming the first airline in the Middle East to fly Boeing 707s.

MisrAir and Syrian Airlines split, In 1971, resulting in the new identity of EgyptAir.

In July 2002, the company became a holding company with eight subsidiaries, providing a comprehensive range of air transport services including:

• EGYPTAIR AIRLINES
• EGYPTAIR DUTY FREE
• EGYPTAIR MAINTENANCE & ENGINEERING
• EGYPTAIR GROUND SERVICES
• EGYPTAIR IN-FLIGHT SERVICES
• EGYPTAIR MEDICAL SERVICES
• EGYPTAIR SUPPLEMENTARY INDUSTRIES
• EGYPTAIR CARGO

Membership in the Star Alliance Network

In July 2008, EgyptAir joined the Star Alliance network, the largest airline alliance in the world. This membership allowed the airline to offer its customers better flight connections and more comfortable travel experiences. EgyptAir’s unique position as the only North African and Middle Eastern-based member of the network has further solidified its standing in the aviation industry.

Notable Facts about EgyptAir

1. EgyptAir was the first Middle Eastern and African airline to use jet aircraft, starting with the Comet 4B in 1960.
2. The airline has an all-Airbus and Boeing fleet, featuring models such as the Airbus A320, A330, A220, and Boeing 777, 737, and 787 Dreamliner.
3. EgyptAir’s main hub is at Cairo International Airport, with secondary hubs in Alexandria and Sharm El Sheikh.
4. EgyptAir Plus, the airline’s frequent flyer program, offers passengers the chance to earn miles and enjoy benefits like priority boarding and lounge access.

Significant Incidents in EgyptAir’s History

1. EgyptAir Flight 648 (1985): This flight from Athens to Cairo was hijacked by terrorists. Egyptian commandos stormed the plane in Malta, resulting in the death of 60 passengers and crew members.
2. EgyptAir Flight 990 (1999): This flight crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, killing all 217 people on board. The crash’s cause remains disputed, with the U.S. NTSB citing co-pilot actions and Egyptian authorities blaming mechanical failure.
3. EgyptAir Flight 804 (2016): This flight from Paris to Cairo crashed into the Mediterranean Sea, claiming the lives of all 66 passengers and crew. The crash’s cause is still uncertain, with technical issues and terrorism considered as possible factors. Read more about this incident

As EgyptAir Celebrates 91 Years of Service, it is a testament to the airline’s resilience and determination to provide world-class service to its passengers. With a rich history and numerous achievements under its belt, EgyptAir remains a prominent player in the aviation industry. Here’s to many more years!

Have you ever flown with EgyptAir? Share your experiences in the comments section below!

Youssef Yahya

Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’

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