By Mohamed Attia
Chairman of the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation Ayman Fawzy Arab and Secretary General of Airports Council International (ACI) Africa Ali El-Tounsi conducted on Sunday an inspection tour of the Sharm el-Sheikh International Convention Centre to review logistical and technical preparations for hosting the ACI World WAGA 2027 Annual General Meeting.
The meeting is considered the aviation industry’s premier global event bringing together ACI’s regional bodies, industry leaders, decision-makers and international experts to discuss the future of airports and global co-operation.
The two officials also inspected final preparations for the ACI Africa Regional Office in Cairo, which is scheduled to open this year as the Council’s first regional office on the African continent.
For his part, Ayman Arab said the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s support was instrumental in securing Egypt’s successful bid to host the ACI World WAGA 2027 General Assembly in Sharm el-Sheikh, reflecting Egypt’s growing influence within ACI and reinforcing international confidence in the country’s civil aviation sector and airports.
He added that the Holding Company, in coordination with the Ministry, is intensifying preparations for the event, which will feature ACI board meetings, plenary sessions, high-level forums and an international exhibition showcasing the latest airport and aviation technologies.
He noted that Sharm el-Sheikh’s advanced infrastructure makes it an ideal venue and strengthens Egypt’s position as a global conference destination.
Arab described the establishment of the ACI Africa Regional Office in Cairo as a strategic step that reinforces Egypt’s leadership role in Africa.
He explained that the project was pursued over the past 18 months in coordination with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Social Solidarity, the Ministry of Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs, and the Prime Minister’s Office.
The regional office has been registered as a foreign non-governmental organisation and will be headquartered at the Ministry of Civil Aviation, placing Cairo among leading cities hosting major international aviation organisations.
Meanwhile, El-Tounsi praised the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Holding Company for their achievements, describing Egypt as a strategic partner capable of leading continental initiatives in sustainability, human resources development and airport cooperation.
He said the new regional office will make Cairo a key hub for coordination, training and aviation development across North Africa.
