By Mohamed Attia
Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh el-Hefny officially opened the 38th IATA Ground Handling Conference in Cairo.
He emphasised that the aviation industry has become a major driver of the global economy, with ground handling services acting as the essential backbone of airport operational efficiency. To keep up with rapid global travel growth, the Minister stated that Egypt is accelerating its digital transformation, adopting artificial intelligence, and upgrading its automated equipment, while continuing to value its workforce as the core of the system’s success.
El-Hefny is actively rolling out a comprehensive plan to modernise infrastructure, boost ground handling capabilities, expand clean energy use, and train personnel.
Hosting this prominent international event for the first time in 17 years highlights renewed global confidence in Egypt’s aviation progress.
The strategy aims to strengthen the sector’s readiness and solidify the country’s position as a competitive regional and international hub.
Chairman of EgyptAir Holding Company Pilot Ahmed Adel shared that EgyptAir is actively upgrading its ground services system as part of a comprehensive development plan.
As one of the region’s oldest airlines and an active member of IATA, the company is introducing the latest smart technologies and modern equipment to increase operational efficiency and elevate service quality.
He noted that continuous investment in human capital and safety remains essential for keeping pace with rapid global advancements.
IATA executives highlighted Egypt’s strong potential to achieve growth rates that exceed the global average.
Long-term forecasts show that air travel demand in the Egyptian market is expected to grow by 3.4 per cent annually until 2050, with the potential to reach 3.8 per cent in a high-growth scenario. Experts noted that maximising these opportunities will require continuous airport development, better cost efficiency, and strong progress in environmental sustainability, particularly through the production of sustainable aviation fuel.
Industry experts at the conference agreed that the future of global ground handling rests on standardising operational procedures, modernising ground support equipment, and accelerating digitalisation.
Leaders commended Egypt’s operational resilience in managing regional challenges through these methods.
By bringing together over 850 top decision-makers, experts, and equipment manufacturers, the event serves as a premier international platform to exchange expertise and develop practical solutions that will shape the future of air transport and logistics.
