Egyptair has signed an agreement with AerCap Holdings at the Dubai Airshow 2017 for the long-term operating lease of six Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

“The 787 Dreamliner has built a reputation for reliability, operational efficiency and passenger comfort,” said Safwat Musallam, chairman and CEO of Egyptair Holding Company. “We look forward to the 787 becoming an integral part of Egyptair’s fleet as we progress our modernization and network expansion plans.”

According to AerCap, the aircraft are from its existing order book with Boeing. The planes will be powered by Rolls-Royce engines and are scheduled to be delivered in 2019.

“AerCap is extremely proud to have been selected by Egyptair to support their widebody fleet renewal programme,” said Angus Kelly, CEO of AerCap. “Egyptair has been in business for 85 years and these transactions represent an important milestone in the future development of the airline. These new-generation Boeing aircraft will enhance Egyptair’s widebody fleet for many years to come. We thank our friends and partners at Egyptair for the confidence they have placed in AerCap and we look forward to working with the Egyptair and Boeing teams as these aircraft deliver.”

Egyptair’s current fleet already includes 737-800s and 777-300ERs.

“We are pleased that Egyptair has chosen the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to power their growth and fleet modernization,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of global sales and market at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Egyptair joins the growing 787 family, now with nearly 70 customers from around the world who will benefit from the airplane’s market-leading efficiency, reliability and comfort.”

AerCap has a total of 116 787 aircraft owned and on order.