By Mohamed Attia
MINISTER of Civil Aviation, Dr Samah El-Hefny, has inaugurated a new regional command centre in Cairo for the global aviation IT firm SITA — the first of its kind in the Middle East and Africa.
The launch ceremony was attended by Salim Bouri, SITA’s President for the Middle East, Africa and Turkey, alongside senior officials from EgyptAir, including Chairman Ahmed Adel, Vice Chairman Sherif Khalil, and Chief Information Officer Yasser Omran.
Speaking at the event, Minister Hefny described the opening as a strategic milestone for Egypt’s aviation sector and digital infrastructure. He said the centre, which began operations in September 2024, demonstrates SITA’s confidence in Egypt’s investment climate and represents a significant investment in local talent.
The new hub is expected to offer specialised employment opportunities and foster collaboration with universities to prepare a new generation of aviation IT specialists. “The Ministry of Civil Aviation is committed to strengthening public-private partnerships that support Egypt’s vision as a regional leader in digital innovation,” El-Hefny said.
He praised the long-standing collaboration between EgyptAir and SITA, highlighting the deployment of advanced digital solutions such as SITA Connect Go, which provides agile and responsive infrastructure, and Community DCS, which enhances departure processes and operational efficiency.
El-Hefny added that digital transformation and technological development are top government priorities under the directives of Egypt’s political leadership. He reaffirmed that Egypt is well-positioned to serve as a regional and global hub for aviation innovation.
The Minister also emphasised the government’s commitment to creating a secure and attractive investment environment, encouraging global firms like SITA to expand their footprint in Egypt — a move he said exemplifies successful international partnerships in the aviation sector.
