By Mohamed Attia
Egypt’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has unveiled a comprehensive development plan for the Egyptian Aviation Academy, aimed at modernising its training fleet, enhancing technical capacity, and aligning academic programmemes with international standards.
Under the directives of Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El-Hefny, the plan will be implemented by the academy’s holding company, chaired by Captain Ezzat Metwally Ibrahim. It includes the addition of six new aircraft – five Cessna 172s and one multi-role Beechcraft Baron aircraft. Furthermore, five existing Cessna 172s will undergo upgrades to boost engine power, install fuel-efficient systems, and replace analog dashboards with digital screens.
Another key aspect of the plan is raising the efficiency of 20 aircraft at the academy’s Workshop No. 7, ensuring they meet the highest standards of aviation training.
To enhance technical expertise, the academy will send maintenance engineers to the United States to obtain the FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license, allowing them to perform maintenance on aircraft with US registration (N-reg). This initiative will also enable the academy’s maintenance division to offer services to third-party operators.
In parallel, the academy is seeking membership in Egypt’s Supreme Council of Technological Universities and working toward accreditation from Kuwait’s National Bureau for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance. This would pave the way for attracting international students and securing official recognition of graduates in Gulf countries, thereby improving employment prospects.
The ministry is also focused on modernising the Specialised Studies Faculty’s laboratories, many of which have never been upgraded before. The practical component of aviation education makes up 60% of training, and the updated labs are expected to significantly enhance learning outcomes.
Last month, Minister El-Hefny attended the graduation ceremony of Class 86 of the Air Traffic Control Faculty, commending the graduates for their dedication to a field that demands precision and responsibility. He underscored the need for perseverance and continuous learning amid rapid technological changes in global aviation.
He praised the academy for its role in preparing young professionals through a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. “Air traffic control is a cornerstone of aviation safety, and I am proud of the high-calibre graduates we’re seeing today,” El-Hefny said, congratulating both the students and their families.
Academy head Captain Ezzat Metwally highlighted the institution’s commitment to staying abreast of global aviation advancements. Meanwhile, Medhat Abdallah, Dean of the Air Traffic Control Faculty, said the academy offers training programmemes in air traffic control, flight information, aviation transport, and communication operations – all in line with ICAO standards.
