EgyptAir, headquartered in Cairo has signed a firm contract to buy five A330-200 wide-body aircraft with an option for an additional three.

"Expanding our fleet with the Airbus A330-200 will allow EgyptAir to continue its impressive route network growth which now numbers over 60 international destinations in over 43 countries," said Atef Abd El Hamid, chairman of EgyptAir Holding Company.

"The A330-200 aircraft with its very low costs, reliability and cabin comfort suites our expansion needs and will also fit in well with our existing fleet of Airbus aircraft."

EgyptAir currently operates a fleet, including around 30 Airbus aircraft from the A320 family, A330, A340 to A300-600 cargo variant.