By Mohamed Attia
Chairman and Managing Director of EgyptAir Holding Company Pilot Ahmed Adel has affirmed the national carrier’s commitment to a robust expansion and modernisation strategy designed to significantly increase operational rates and expand its global footprint.
This strategic push is directly supported by the Egyptian government’s investment plan for airport development, including the forthcoming construction of Terminal 4 at Cairo International Airport, which promises to enhance the capacity of Egyptian airports and benefit both the national economy and EgyptAir.
This commitment to growth and overcoming challenges facing the air transport industry was highlighted during Pilot Adel’s participation in the 58th General Assembly meeting of the Arab Air Carriers Organisation (AACO) in Rabat, Morocco, where he also participated in a panel discussion titled “Strategic Challenges in the Air Transport Industry,” engaging with industry peers like the CEOs of Air Arabia Group, Flydubai, and Airlines for Europe.
A central pillar of the modernisation plan is the acquisition of 34 new aircraft, finalising a major deal that includes state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900s and Boeing 737 MAX models.
Alongside this substantial fleet upgrade, EgyptAir is investing in the refurbishment of several existing aircraft, ensuring the overall fleet is ready to deliver an enhanced passenger experience. Furthermore, the company is actively working to expand its network, with a strategic focus on penetrating the North American market by planning new routes to Los Angeles and Chicago, while simultaneously increasing flight frequencies to its existing high-yield markets globally .
Adel elaborated on the multi-faceted strategy to improve the customer journey during an interview with Breaking Travel News at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025. He noted that the company’s growth is well-timed, coinciding with a significant tourism revival in Egypt following the opening of the world’s most important museum, which is driving up visitor numbers.
To elevate the travel experience, EgyptAir is undertaking significant investments in in-flight services, the development of premium lounges at Cairo Airport, and the introduction of cutting-edge technologies, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation, to provide a smoother and more seamless experience for all customers.
The airline’s ambitious plans were vigorously advanced by a high-level EgyptAir delegation, headed by Pilot Adel, at the WTM London, one of the world’s most important international exhibitions.
The delegation, which included key executives such as Pilot Sherif Khalil, Assistant Chairman, and Pilot Mohamed Alian, Chairman of EgyptAir Airlines, held a series of impactful meetings aimed at strengthening co-operation and increasing EgyptAir’s presence across international destinations. This included a meeting with Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy to enhance joint promotional efforts for Egyptian tourist destinations, and discussions with Ali Salem, Chairman of Sharjah Airport, regarding increased flight numbers between Cairo and Sharjah.
Commercially, the delegation met with the Saudi Tourism Authority to discuss boosting flight frequency between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and with Birmingham International Airport to explore opening a new flight route to meet growing demand between Egypt and the UK.
Finally, EgyptAir’s strategic intent extends into global marketing and operational efficiency. The delegation met with representatives of West Ham United Football Club to discuss a potential sponsorship, aligning with the company’s plans to expand its global sports sponsorship and marketing reach.
They also met with the British company Aeroservices to explore enhanced co-operation in vital areas such as the provision of aircraft spare parts, supply chains, and aircraft maintenance, ensuring the optimal and reliable operation of EgyptAir’s rapidly modernising fleet.
