The Egyptian investigative committee ended the first phase of wreckage collection of the crashed Russian aeroplane in Sinai on Monday.
The committee said in a statement on Monday that the second phase will begin by determining the parts that will require investigation by experts.
A group of international experts from Russia, Germany, Ireland, France, and the United States arrived last August and started to inspect the wreckage, which was transferred to Cairo International airport.
The committee, which was formed by the Egyptian government 11 months ago, said that the third stage will include taking samples to be analysed by the Ministry of Scientific Research, in preparation for releasing a report.
The investigation hopes to find the trigger of the crash.
Egyptian and Russian delegations in the field of transportation, naval services, and prosecution have been exchanging visits since the crash. Egyptian-Russian bilateral relations have witnessed a boost over the past few years following the signing of several agreements, including military and commercial agreements.
The Russian aeroplane was en route to St. Petersburg when it was downed just 30 minutes after takeoff from Sharm El-Sheikh airport, killing all 224 passengers and crew members onboard, the majority of whom were Russians.
Two weeks after the crash, the Islamic State (IS) claimed to have used a drink-can bomb to bring down the plane.
As a result of the crash, the United Kingdom and Germany suspended their direct flights to Sharm El-Sheikh as well. In June, the Russian ministry of transport said that Egypt had not updated them with any aviation security measures.
Egyptian tourism was hit hard following the crash of the Russian aeroplane. Russia, Germany, and the United Kingdom suspended their direct flights to Sharm El-Sheikh’s airport following the crash, citing safety concerns.
