EgyptAir holding company, owner of Egypt's flag carrier, will purchase 12 Boeing 737/800 planes worth 850 million dollars to meet the potentially growing flow of passengers, the official MENA news agency reported Friday.

Boeing was awarded the contract after the US aircraft manufacturer offered several advantages, an official of the company said, without elaborating.

Under the deal, the planes will be received as of mid-2006 until late 2007, said the official, adding the 157-seat aircraft will be used for flying to European and Middle East cities.

Source: Xinhua