- Egypt and France Sign Technical Civil Aviation Agreement
A bilateral agreement was signed on 17 June 2025 in Paris to enhance cooperation in civil aviation, covering training, air safety, security, sustainability, and airport development. - Focus on Strategic Sector Development
The agreement aligns with Egypt’s national directive to strengthen global partnerships and position the country as a regional aviation hub through international best practices. - Partnership with Airbus Strengthened
Ongoing collaboration includes fleet acquisition, technical training, and maintenance support, with EgyptAir and Air Cairo operating extensive Airbus fleets. - Private Sector Participation in Airports
Egypt plans to open several airports to private sector involvement by end-2025, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), with opportunities for French companies in infrastructure development. - Proposal for Aircraft Spare Parts Manufacturing
Egypt has proposed the creation of a specialised spare parts manufacturing centre in collaboration with Airbus to support technology transfer and regional industry localisation.
Egypt and France have formalised a new phase of collaboration in civil aviation with the signing of a technical arrangements agreement between the Egyptian Minister of Civil Aviation and the French Minister of State for Transport. The agreement was signed at the Ministry of Transport in Paris, during the Egyptian delegation’s participation in the recently held Paris Air Show.
Strategic Framework for Bilateral Aviation Development
The agreement aims to enhance cooperation between Egypt and France across multiple aspects of civil aviation, including training, air safety, aviation security, sustainability, and airport development. It reflects a broader commitment by both governments to deepen bilateral relations, particularly in sectors of strategic importance such as aviation. The initiative is in line with directives from Egypt’s political leadership to strengthen international partnerships and support the country’s ambition to become a leading regional air transport hub.
The signing was attended by senior officials from both countries, including the Egyptian Ambassador to France, the Permanent Undersecretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, and representatives from relevant government departments.
Enhancing Technical and Technological Exchange
According to Egypt’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, the agreement represents a significant advancement in efforts to develop the country’s aviation sector. The ministry is currently pursuing a comprehensive strategy that includes the expansion of technical and technological collaboration with international partners. The agreement with France is viewed as particularly valuable due to the latter’s extensive experience in the air transport industry.
The new framework facilitates greater cooperation not only in regulatory and operational areas but also in areas such as civil aviation training and sustainability. The agreement is expected to bring tangible benefits by aligning operational standards with international best practices and strengthening institutional capabilities.
Ongoing Partnerships with the French Aviation Sector
Egypt’s civil aviation sector maintains long-standing relationships with French aviation entities, most notably Airbus. EgyptAir, one of the region’s earliest adopters of Airbus aircraft, has progressively expanded its fleet with successive models, including the recent acquisition of the A350. The cooperation between Egypt and Airbus also encompasses maintenance services and technical training programmes aimed at improving operational efficiency and strengthening local technical expertise.
Air Cairo, another key Egyptian carrier, currently operates a fleet of over 29 Airbus aircraft, underscoring the depth of the partnership and continued mutual confidence between the two parties.
Future Projects and Private Sector Participation
In line with ongoing reforms and the broader strategic vision for sustainable aviation growth, Egypt is preparing to open several of its airports to private sector participation. The process, which will begin at the end of 2025, is being developed in coordination with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Discussions during the bilateral meeting included the potential role of French companies in infrastructure development projects related to airport management and operations.
Further cooperation was explored through a proposal by Egypt to establish a specialised centre for the manufacture of aircraft spare parts in partnership with Airbus. This initiative aims to support local manufacturing, transfer of technology, and regional industry localisation. The French side expressed a positive response to the proposal and committed to supporting its implementation.
Invitation to El Alamein International Air Show 2026
Concluding the meeting, the Egyptian Minister of Civil Aviation extended an invitation to the French Minister of State for Transport to attend the El Alamein International Air Show, scheduled for 2026. The exhibition is positioned as a significant platform for showcasing innovation in aviation technologies and enhancing cooperation among global aviation stakeholders.
Both parties reaffirmed their intention to strengthen bilateral cooperation and contribute jointly to addressing global challenges in the aviation sector.
