Agreement aims to boost capabilities, align with global standards, and strengthen Egypt’s role as a regional aviation hub

By Mohamed Attia
Dr. Sameh El-Hefny, Minister of Civil Aviation, witnessed the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on the sidelines of the 42nd session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) General Assembly in Montréal, Canada.
The agreement underscores Egypt’s commitment to strengthening aviation safety systems and advancing the capabilities of its civil aviation sector in line with the latest global standards.

The MoU was signed by Amr El-Sharkawy, Chairman of the ECAA, and Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security. The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation, focusing on safety oversight programs, adoption of international best practices, and capacity development to keep pace with rapid global advancements in aviation safety.
Minister El-Hefny described the MoU as a pivotal step in the Ministry’s strategy to modernize Egypt’s aviation safety system, expand partnerships with specialized international organizations, and raise the efficiency of the sector. He emphasized that this cooperation will enhance Egypt’s competitiveness at both the regional and international levels.

The Minister highlighted that the agreement aligns with Egypt’s broader vision to position itself as a leading regional aviation hub in the Middle East and Africa. This includes developing infrastructure, adopting modern technologies in safety and quality, and advancing operational systems.
“Strengthening safety and operational efficiency is a fundamental pillar of our strategy,” El-Hefny noted, adding that such partnerships will directly support the national economy and reinforce Egypt’s standing as a strategic hub for global air transport.

