Egypt’s national airline made its maiden domestic flight between Cairo and Alexandria on this day in 1933, marking a milestone in the country’s civil aviation history.
The airline, founded under a royal decree on May 7, 1932, was established through the efforts of Misr Bank, created by Egyptian businessman Talaat Harb. It operated under the Arabic name Egyptian Air Lines Company and the English name Misr Airwork.
The founding agreement stipulated that Egyptians should hold at least 60 per cent of the company’s shares. Its initial capital was set at 20,000 Egyptian pounds, making the airline Egyptian-owned from its earliest days.
The company received its first two aircraft, De Havilland Dragons, each capable of carrying four passengers, at Almaza Airport in June 1933. Its early routes included Alexandria and Marsa Matrouh.
Later that year, in October, Egypt also welcomed its first woman aviator, Lotfia El Nadi, who obtained her private pilot’s licence.
