By Mohamed Attia
Egyptian Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh El-Hefny, reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to advancing air safety systems and adopting modern technologies during the 35th Regional Conference of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA).
Speaking at the event, he stressed Egypt’s pivotal role in supporting aviation safety and integrating the latest studies and innovations to foster regional co-operation, particularly within Africa. The conference, he added, offers a valuable opportunity to exchange expertise and discuss challenges facing the aviation industry.
El-Hefny highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence in enhancing air traffic management, noting Egypt’s dedication to developing systems that ensure safer skies and greater integration across the continent.
Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, emphasised that the future of aviation safety hinges on the strength of human capital.
He noted that aviation is a vital global industry, with over 4.5 billion passengers traveling annually, and in Africa alone, it supports 7.7 million jobs and contributes $63 billion to GDP. Keyamo called for continuous investment in training air traffic controllers to meet the rising demands of the sector, focusing on capacity building, innovation, and inclusivity.
Ayman Fawzy Arab, Chairman of the Egyptian Airports and Air Navigation Holding Company, praised IFATCA’s efforts in organising the conference and underlined the importance of continuously upgrading communication and air traffic management systems in Egypt.
He pointed out recent developments, including updates to voice communication systems, VHF radio systems, and voice recording systems, as well as improvements to airport transmission equipment.
Arab also stressed that air traffic controllers are the backbone of aviation safety, requiring precision and high-level skills, which have been demonstrated in managing Egypt’s airspace, particularly during recent periods of heightened activity.
IFATCA President Ahmed Abba emphasised the conference as a crucial platform for collaboration, addressing challenges faced by air traffic controllers and air traffic management systems across the region. He reiterated the Organisation’s mission to promote and protect the role of air traffic control.
Capt. Mohamed Abdel Moneim, Chairman of the Egyptian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association, spoke about the importance of continuous efforts to build future safety capabilities and seek innovative, sustainable solutions for airspace management.
The opening session of the conference was attended by several key figures, including Capt. Amr El-Sharkawy, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority; Ayman Arab, Chairman of the Egyptian Airports Company; Yehia Zakaria, Chairman of EgyptAir Holding Company; Capt. Ezzat Metwally, Head of the Egyptian Aviation Academy; and Capt. Ehab Mohy El-Din, Head of the National Air Navigation Services Company, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and its affiliates.
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