By Mohamed Attia
Minister of Civil Aviation and President of the current session of the Arab Civil Aviation Organisation General Assembly Sameh El-Hefny attended the official launch ceremony for the construction of the organisation’s new headquarters in Rabat, Morocco.
The event was also attended by Moroccan Minister of Transport and Logistics Abdel-Samad Qayouh, alongside members of the organisation’s Executive Council and other key aviation officials.
This project reflects the Kingdom of Morocco’s ongoing commitment to hosting the organisation since its establishment in 1996. Fully funded by the Moroccan Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the project aims to build a modern facility that supports the organisation’s evolving programmes and responsibilities.
The new building will provide an advanced working environment designed to strengthen institutional co-operation, coordination, and the exchange of expertise among Arab nations in the field of civil aviation.
Speaking at the event, Minister El-Hefny emphasised that launching the new headquarters marks a major milestone in upgrading the organisation’s infrastructure to keep pace with rapid developments in the global aviation sector.
He noted that the modern facility will enhance the organisation’s capability to implement its initiatives, build stronger partnerships, and bolster its presence in international aviation forums.
He added that current regional and international developments make greater coordination and the sharing of Arab perspectives more important than ever.
El-Hefny also highlighted Egypt’s strong potential as a primary air transport hub, pointing to its prime geographical location, extensive airport network, and highly specialised national talent.
He outlined ongoing national projects focused on upgrading airport infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting national carriers.
These initiatives are designed to expand air connectivity, open new routes, and drive growth in tourism, trade, and investment, particularly across the African continent.
In addition, the minister accompanied by Head of the Civil Aviation Authority Navigator Sameh Fawzy, participated in the opening of the eighth edition of the Marrakech Air Show held at the Royal Air Force Schools Base under the patronage of King Mohammed VI of Morocco.
The event brought together official international delegations and major global companies in aviation, aerospace, defence, and technology.
Egypt’s participation underlines its commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and showcasing the strengths of its domestic civil aviation sector.
Addressing the Marrakech Air Show, El-Hefny noted that the fast pace of change in the industry requires continuous modernisation of technical and operational capabilities.
He identified digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and updated air navigation systems as core priorities for improving air traffic flow and overall operational efficiency, while continuing to invest in training national personnel. On the sidelines of the exhibition, the minister held bilateral meetings with the heads of delegations from Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar to discuss means to expand flight connections, and advance joint investment opportunities across the air transport sector.
