EgyptAir has taken delivery of its first Airbus A220 aircraft. The aircraft was handed over to representatives of the airline at Airbus' Canadian plant in Montreal. The delivery marks the first of 12 A220s destined to arrive with the Egyptian flag carrier.

Just 2 weeks ago the first Airbus A220 destined for EgyptAir took its first flight. Now, 14 days later, the ceremonial keys to the aircraft have been handed over. However, the aircraft won't have a relaxed welcome to Cairo. Indeed, Airbus states that the airline intends to operate the aircraft in the coming days.

12 A220s on order

EgyptAir has 12 Airbus A220-300 on order from Airbus. To be constructed in Montreal, Canada, the aircraft are due to replace the carrier's 10 E170 aircraft used for regional operations. However, EgyptAir could also expand its regional network with the Airbus A220. While the airline has 12 firm orders for the aircraft, it also has options for a further 12 in place.

With a 2-3 layout, the Airbus A220 is aimed at the 100-150 seat aircraft market. EgyptAir's Airbus A220 aircraft will be equipped with 140 seats. This will be made up of 15 premium economy seats complimented by 125 standard economy seats.

Airbus A220, EgyptAir, First A220
With the resumption of daily flights, EgyptAir is requesting for passengers with previous reservations to communicate with authorized airline agents to resume their travel plans. Photo: Airbus

Of the cabin, Philippe Balducci, the CEO of Airbus Canada Limited Partnership said.

"We look forward to seeing their passengers enjoy the experience of travelling on board the A220‘s bright, spacious and modern cabin”.

However, some airlines plan to use the aircraft exclusively. One of these is airBaltic who's CEO was kind enough to show us around their A220 which was present at the Paris Air Show earlier this year.

Why is the Airbus A220 built in Canada?

You may be thinking "Hmm, if Airbus is European, why is the A220 built in Canada?". The answer is actually fairly simple. The Airbus A220 started off life as the Bombardier C-Series. The Airbus A220-100 and A220-300 were the CS100 and CS300 respectively.

Airbus A220, EgyptAir, First A220
The airline needs to pay for loans it took out. Photo: Airbus

Back in 2017, Airbus agreed to acquire a majority stake of 50.01% in the C-Series program. The CEO of Airbus at the time, Tom Enders, said,

"This is a win-win for everybody! The C Series, with its state-of-the-art design and great economics, is a great fit with our existing single-aisle aircraft family and rapidly extends our product offering into a fast growing market sector."

As a result, the same factory kept producing the same aircraft, however, instead of turning out Bombardier C-Series aircraft, they now produce Airbus A220 aircraft. As a result of the successful partnership, Air Canada is to link Airbus in Montreal with Airbus in Toulouse.

Would you fly on EgyptAir's Airbus A220? Let us know in the comments!