Egypt’s flagship airline EgyptAir says that its first flight to Washington DC using its new Dreamliner B787-9 took off on Monday evening.

The flight is part of a plan by the airline to establish direct trips between the two capitals using its new Dreamliner fleet.

“We have been looking forward to this day…where we, as EgyptAir, are able to connect the US capital with Cairo through direct flights.”

“This service is the newest in terms of our strategic expansions towards the US. We are confident that this move will contribute to boosting touristic, trade, and cultural relations between the two capitals,” said Ahmed Adel, the chairman of EgyptAir Holding.

EgyptAir is currently operating the new route three times a week – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – to Washington DC's Dulles International Airport, with the aim of making the trip daily in the near future.

The airline already operates daily flights to New York with its Boeing B777-300 jets, according to the statement.

The Dreamliner B787-9 features multiple hi-tech facilities and holds 309 seats, 30 of which, the ‘Super Diamond Full Flat Bed Seats’ in business class, provide passengers with more privacy.

The aircraft is also equipped with WIFI and mobile phone connectivity, as well as wider personal screens.

The new route comes as part of EgyptAir’s plan to add more strategic points to its network and introduce up to 45 new aircraft to its fleet, according to a previous statement by the airline.