Mohamed Attia and Mohamed Abu el-Soud
Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Abbas Helmy said Egypt is always keen on building bridges of communication with African brethren and all friendly nation all over the world, for a growing and improving civil aviation sector in Africa and beyond.
In his opening remarks for the opening session of the 31st edition of an international conference for Aircraft Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) in Africa and the Middle East, which kicked off here on Monday, Abbas added his ministry had managed to face up to the challenges affecting the global civil aviation industry, thanks to the political leadership’s support.
As part of the State’s comprehensive development strategy, the ministry carried on with its improvement projects without laying off any of its employees, Helmy said during the event, hosted by EgyptAir under the sponsorship of the Civil Aviation Ministry.
As many as five new airports have been established; while other airports have seen their infrastructure upgraded to improve the quality of passenger services and enhance aviation safety and security, following the latest relevant international standards, the minister added.
In line with the State’s environmental conservation strategy, the ministry has been working on making its airports environmentally friendly, while increasing efficiency of aviation systems, Helmy said.
He added that a national airspace center had also been established to facilitate the growing air traffic at Egyptian airports.
Meanwhile, African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Secretary-General Abdérahmane Berthé thanked Egypt for hosting the conference and exhibition event, expressing hopes that it will lead to the adoption of unified African visions and frameworks that help in optimizing human resources of Africa’s civil aviation sector.
Around 400 leaders and representatives of relevant international and regional organizations, African airliners, as well as aircraft maintenance and manufacturing companies are participating in the event, along with a host of experts senior officials from the Egyptian civil aviation industry.
The African airline industry has come a long way since the first African Aviation Conference & Exhibition was launched over 30 years ago. In the early days, the focus of MRO Africa was primarily on ensuring that Africa’s fleet of mostly ageing commercial aircraft was properly maintained to ensure air safety.
On the sidelines of the conference, Helmy toured the pavilion of participating companies, topped by EgyptAir Holding Company and its affiliates.
During bilateral meetings at the expo, EgyptAir Maintenance and Engineering Co. signed four cooperation agreements with Saudi, Jordanian, Serbian, and US companies.
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