The Egyptian Minister of Civil Aviation held a series of high-level meetings with senior executives from major international companies specialising in airport management and operations, during a brief visit to the Paris Air Show. The engagements formed part of Egypt’s broader strategy to strengthen international partnerships, enhance operational efficiency, modernise infrastructure, and elevate service standards across its aviation sector.
Supporting Vision 2030 Through Global Collaboration
The discussions focused on joint cooperation opportunities in key areas such as digitisation, smart operations, environmental sustainability, and knowledge exchange. These efforts are aligned with Egypt’s Vision 2030, which aims to position the country’s airports as advanced regional hubs adopting the latest global operational standards.
Engagement with Groupe ADP
The Minister met with Philippe Pascal, CEO of Groupe ADP, and Christelle de Robillard, the group’s Chief Financial Officer and Director of Strategy and Development. Discussions centred on potential collaboration in the development of Cairo International Airport, with Groupe ADP’s expertise in airport design, management, and operations highlighted as a foundation for applying international sustainability and clean energy standards. Groupe ADP affirmed its interest in a close partnership to provide sustainable, innovative solutions aligned with Egypt’s strategic ambitions in the aviation sector.
Airports of Rome and Infrastructure Development
An expanded meeting was held with representatives from the Airports of Rome (ADR) Group, focusing on the group’s experience managing Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. Discussions included prospects for cooperation in enhancing the infrastructure and operational efficiency of Egyptian airports. ADR officials expressed readiness to explore partnership opportunities in Egypt and to contribute to sustainable development within the country’s air transport sector by sharing their operational expertise.
Dialogue with Royal Schiphol Group
The Minister also met with a delegation from the Royal Schiphol Group, operator of Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam and several other European airports. Topics of cooperation included smart management, digitisation, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The group highlighted Egypt’s strategic geographic position and development aspirations as key factors for meaningful collaboration in improving airport performance and implementing modern aviation management practices.
Cooperation with TAV Airports
Further discussions were held with Serkan Kaptan, CEO of TAV Airports. The meeting reviewed opportunities for cooperation in the operation and maintenance of Egyptian airports, the establishment of a specialised training academy for national workforce development, localisation of airport management digital systems, and the enhancement of duty-free and commercial services. TAV Airports noted the strong investment potential in Egypt’s airport sector and its interest in building long-term strategic partnerships focused on service improvement and operational excellence.
Public-Private Partnerships and Next Steps
At the conclusion of the meetings, the Minister of Civil Aviation underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in the management, operation, and development of Egyptian airports. In collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the strategic advisor to the Ministry, plans are underway to offer select Egyptian airports to the private sector before the end of the year. Hurghada International Airport is expected to be the first of these projects.
The Ministry is currently implementing a comprehensive national strategy focused on airport development through international partnerships, technology transfer, and local capacity building. The approach is designed to improve the passenger experience, enhance operational efficiency, and increase the competitiveness of Egyptian airports at both regional and international levels.
International aviation companies have been invited to conduct site visits in Egypt to assess investment opportunities and review proposed development projects. The state has reiterated its commitment to attracting high-quality investment in the aviation sector, with a focus on ensuring economic viability and supporting sustainable development.
