The Egyptian national carrier will receive the first of the long-haul aircraft on lease in January 2010, with the other plane to be delivered later that year. The airline also has options on a further two of the US manufacturer’s long-range carriers, which if exercised, would see these planes delivered in 2010.

The carriers will have a new business class seating arrangement intended to bring service on EgyptAir up to international standards, with 49 fully flat beds.

EgyptAir currently has a fleet of 53 aircraft. It has 32 planes on order plus the two options.