The flotation of the Egyptian pound augmented air carrier EgyptAir's already significant losses to more than LE15 billion, said Civil Aviation Minister Sherif Fathy. However, he added, the company was able to add nine new airplanes to its fleet, despite the difficult circumstances. The minister highlighted the company’s steadfastness after the downing of the Russian plane over the Sinai peninsula in 2015. In response to demands on increasing flights to New Valley, the minister said: “There are huge economic developments in New Valley. The minister refuted conspiracies that aim to prevent the return direct Russian flights to Egypt: “Airport safety protocols and the return of Russian tourism are small issues in comparison to Egyptian-Russian ties."

Source: Egypt Independent March 29, 2017 10:07 UTC