Cairo highlights efforts to promote green aviation at African Union meeting

By Mohamed Attia

Egyptian representatives showcased the country’s strides in sustainable aviation at a technical working group meeting of the African Union in Addis Ababa. The event brought together experts and officials from across the continent to discuss accelerating the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), low-carbon aviation fuel (LCAF), and clean energy solutions for the aviation sector in Africa.

Captain Karim Gamal, Advisor to the Chairman of Egypt’s Civil Aviation Authority, presented Egypt’s initiatives to raise awareness about biofuel usage. This includes pioneering flights powered by sustainable biofuel as a practical demonstration. He highlighted Egypt’s commitment to green transformation under the directives of Civil Aviation Minister Samih Al-Hifnawi, focusing on modernising infrastructure and integrating advanced technologies to bolster the sector’s capabilities regionally and globally.

Gamal also emphasised Egypt’s broader efforts in green development, including the creation of 14 smart cities as part of a larger plan to establish 37 new urban centres. Alamein New City was highlighted as a model of balancing economic, environmental, and social sustainability.

Gamal reaffirmed Egypt’s leadership in Africa and the Middle East in green aviation, sustainable urban development, and renewable energy. He stressed the country’s commitment to striking a balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

Engineer Abdel Ghafar El-Sayed, Egypt’s representative on ICAO’s Environmental Protection Committee, addressed the challenges and opportunities in producing sustainable biofuels. He underscored the importance of securing funding for innovative projects, enhancing local expertise through training, and adopting advanced technologies to improve production efficiency.

The meeting underscored the need for a robust policy framework in Africa to align with global standards, supporting the continent’s transition to greener aviation practices. Egypt’s active participation in these initiatives reflects its commitment to sustainable development and its role as a regional leader in the aviation sector’s green transformation.