By Mohamed Attia
Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El-Hefny has conducted extensive engagements at the Egypt International Air and Space Exhibition 2024, holding key meetings with international aviation leaders.
In a significant move, El-Hefny met with Colgate Aoura, Boeing’s President for the Middle East, and Omar Arikat, the company’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Middle East and North Africa. Discussions centered on enhancing strategic partnerships in the aviation sector, in line with Egypt’s economic development goals and the government’s push to attract private sector participation through long-term collaborations with major global firms.
During the talks, El-Hefny emphasised the importance of leveraging Boeing’s global expertise to advance Egypt’s civil aviation sector. He also highlighted Egypt’s plans to adopt the latest technological innovations while utilising a highly skilled local workforce.
Aoura praised Egypt’s efforts to develop its aviation sector and expressed Boeing’s interest in expanding its activities in the Egyptian market, recognising the country’s strategic geographic position as a regional and international hub.
In another crucial meeting, El-Hefny met with a high-ranking British delegation, including John Humphrey, the UK Trade Minister for Africa, and Gareth Bayley, the UK Ambassador to Egypt. They discussed bolstering bilateral co-operation in civil aviation, with a focus on upgrading Egypt’s airport infrastructure and exploring investment opportunities for British companies in airport management and operations.
The talks also addressed challenges facing foreign investors in Egypt’s aviation sector, with both sides agreeing on the need to create a more investment-friendly environment. Discussions extended to environmental sustainability and reducing carbon footprints at Egyptian airports in line with global sustainable development goals.
El-Hefny expressed Egypt’s appreciation for the UK’s support and the ongoing collaboration between the two nations. The British delegation commended Egypt’s efforts to enhance aviation security measures, especially those applied to flights bound for the UK, affirming that bilateral co-operation is on the right track.
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