Egyptian Minister of Civil Aviation Hossam Kamal said EgyptAir is about to finalise a deal to purchase eight new Boeing B737-800 airplanes. The airline will sign the contract with BOC Aviation Company in the next few days, according to a statement by the ministry.

Kamal said the government attaches great importance to the modernisation of EgyptAir’s fleet and improving the level of service offered to clients to be able to compete with global companies. The deal is part of the airline’s development and modernisation plan until 2025.

EgyptAir owns 20 Boeing planes that began operation in 2006, 2009, and 2012. The Boeing 737-800 is considered the most selling model in the world. It is a medium-range aircraft, which operates for flights to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.