Opposition sources in Egypt claim that the president's office has issued an order to the media in the country not to report the purchase of a new aircraft that will serve it in the course of its duty, due to public sensitivity. Reports of the purchase of a B747-8 aircraft began a few weeks ago in opposition newspapers but did not receive any official approval and in recent days began to be published in the media outside Egypt.

The cost of purchasing this plane is about $400 million and al-Sisi's desire to keep the purchase modest comes at a time when he and senior officials are calling on Egypt to continue donating to the "Long Live Egypt" fund, which is based on public donations and is intended to fund national projects.

Two private jets serve the Presidential Institution in Egypt and according to some reports one of the jets has been in service since 1995 and therefore needs to be replaced.

Image: Reuters