Copyright egyptian-gazette
GEM readiness, Cairo Airport expansion, global partnerships By Mohamed Attia Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh el-Hefny confirmed that the ministry has raised its maximum level of readiness in preparation for the upcoming Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) opening. Speaking at a press conference for civil aviation sector editors held at Sphinx International Airport, the Minister stressed that the Ministry of Civil Aviation is harnessing all its logistical, technical, and human resources to ensure the success of this historic global event, which is receiving wide international attention. El-Hefny described the Grand Museum as “Egypt’s gift to the world,” noting that its opening represents a pivotal moment in the history of ancient Egyptian civilisation. The Minister highlighted that the airport, built near the archaeological sites in the Pyramids area, embodies a comprehensive strategy to modernise air transport infrastructure, underscoring its vital role in supporting the national economy and sustainable development, thus enhancing Egypt’s position regionally and internationally. El-Hefny added that Sphinx International Airport has been equipped to the highest standards to accommodate the expected volume of traffic associated with the GEM opening and increased tourism. He acknowledged some minor criticisms and complaints regarding transportation around the airport, noting that the Egyptian Airports Company is monitoring these issues. New models for airport management Coordination is currently underway with the Ministry of Transport to improve service for passengers and enhance the airport’s visual identity. The minister also confirmed that the Ministry is implementing a comprehensive strategic plan to develop and modernise the entire civil aviation system in Egypt, including the development of Cairo International Airport and other Egyptian airports. This plan involves preparing the infrastructure to accommodate the expected growth in passenger and cargo traffic, aligning with the Egyptian state’s aspiration to build an integrated, smart transportation network linking air, sea, and land. The Minister explained that studies for Terminal 4 at Cairo International Airport aim to increase the airport’s capacity to approximately 30 million passengers annually. The airport’s master plan also includes the establishment of an integrated cargo city with an initial capacity of one million tonnes annually, with the potential to increase to 2 million tonnes in the future, concurrent with the new terminal’s construction. The development plan also includes unifying the visual identity of Terminals 2, 3, and 4 to achieve a unified, civilised appearance, along with comprehensive infrastructure development, increasing the operational capacity of Terminals 2 and 3, and improving passenger services and traffic flow. He confirmed that the estimated cost of constructing the new Terminal 4 is approximately $3.5 billion, which will be self-financed through a partnership between the Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation and several national entities. The implementation is expected to take approximately four years. Regarding the Egyptian airport development plan, the Minister explained that the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is currently preparing detailed studies to develop 11 Egyptian airports, in preparation for offering them to international companies specialised in airport management and operation in accordance with international best practices. He stated that the mechanism being developed includes several alternatives, such as a full management and operation system or a concession. This is part of the state’s drive to involve the private sector in developing infrastructure, increasing operational efficiency and profitability, and reducing investment burdens on the state. The Ministry has begun implementing a proactive initiative to attract investors in light of intense regional competition. The initial proposal (RFQ) will be open to international companies in the coming period. The evaluation will be conducted with transparency and professionalism in co-operation with the IFC. The full timeline for the tender procedures extends from 12 to 14 months, while ensuring the preservation of the rights of both the state and investors. In another context, the Minister of Civil Aviation explained that the Ministry is implementing a plan to restructure Egyptian airspace, which includes redistributing air routes to reduce distances travelled and flight times. This initiative will contribute to reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions, and enhance Egypt’s ability to attract more air traffic passing through its airspace. Cairo Airport pioneers AI services Engineer Ayman Arab, Chairman and Managing Director of the Egyptian Company for Airports and Air Navigation, announced that Cairo International Airport is witnessing the launch of a new phase of digital services and artificial intelligence (AI). He revealed the launch of the “Ask Maryam” service, a marketing campaign aimed at utilising AI and digital transformation technologies to develop Egypt’s airport system and enhance the travel experience. He highlighted that Cairo International Airport has begun operating AI-powered screens to serve passengers, making it the first airport in the world to successfully implement this program. This is part of a comprehensive plan to develop the airport and transform it into the gateway to the new republic. The second phase is underway, involving the installation and operation of AI-powered screens using gestures to serve passengers with special needs (deaf and mute), which will also make it the first airport in the world to successfully implement this program. This phase is scheduled to begin operating next February. Screens using artificial intelligence are also being installed and operated at Sphinx Airport over the next few days in preparation for welcoming guests for the GEM opening. Sphinx Airport For his part, Pilot Wael El-Nashar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Airports Company, announced that Sphinx International Airport is ready to receive Egypt’s guests, including presidents, kings, and delegations participating in the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum early next month. El-Nashar confirmed that all preparations for the departure and arrival halls and facilities have been completed. Pharaonic-style panels for the museum have been installed, the number of flight display screens has been increased, passenger waiting areas have been developed, and services across the airport have been improved. He pointed out that these developments are part of the state’s plan to develop the aviation infrastructure with a focus on sustainability and efficiency. He explained that the airport currently serves 22 airlines.
