Yeah I know Lil' Pilot which is why I said SV has already taken the 'plunge'

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The problem with Egyptair is the amount of bureaucracy and red tape. I mean this order for regional jets was first announced in NOVEMBER 2002 (yes, November 2002) and now almost 2 and a half years later and decision is yet to be made. Now compare that with SV who announced their intention to order regional jets in October 2004...
As much as I hope this order will be announced tomorrow (as mutt has already said) I am extremely doubtful it will happen...I hope I'm wrong though.
Here is an extract from an article from Al-Ahram newspaper (Egypt's largest newspaper):
" We are close to signing a purchase contract of four small jets to expand our fleet and reinforce our regional and local abilities," explained Abdel-Hameed (Egyptair chairman). The airplanes, scheduled to begin operations in the summer, are to be purchased through AirCairo, which is 60 per cent owned by EgyptAir.
According to the EgyptAir chairman, the current fleet does not allow for a flexible performance on both the regional and local markets, as it consists only of medium and wide aircraft.
"The new 50-seat jets are suitable for domestic trips and can also perform successfully on short-range regional flights," he explained."
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2005/735/ec4.htm
It is interesting to note they plan to start flying the jets this summer!
I guess we will have to wait and see