Strengthening Aviation Collaboration at Marrakech Air Show
Dr. Samah Hefny, the Egyptian Minister of Civil Aviation, actively participated in the opening of the eighth edition of the Marrakech International Air Show, which took place from October 7 to 10, 2026, at the Royal Air Force Academy in Marrakech. This prestigious event was held under the auspices of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco and attracted a wide array of official delegations, along with major international companies and institutions involved in aviation, space, defense, and advanced technologies. Accompanying Minister Hefny was Captain Samah Fawzy, the head of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority.
The Egyptian participation underscores the Ministry's commitment to enhancing Egypt's presence in specialized international forums, allowing the country to stay updated on the latest developments and technologies in the aviation industry. Moreover, it provided a vital platform to explore collaboration opportunities in investment, showcasing the strengths and capabilities of Egypt's civil aviation sector.
Fostering International Partnerships and Innovations
During the event, Minister Hefny held bilateral meetings with heads of delegations from Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. These discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in civil aviation, exchanging expertise, and supporting air connectivity, while also exploring investment partnerships that would strengthen bilateral relations and mutual interests in air transport.
Dr. Hefny emphasized that the rapid advancements in the aviation sector necessitate ongoing development of operational and technological capabilities, alongside fostering international cooperation and learning from global experiences. He highlighted the importance of forging new partnerships in technology, operations, and service development, which would contribute to enhancing the efficiency of the sector and adapting to the swift changes within the industry.
The Minister noted that Egypt possesses several attributes that bolster its position as a significant air transport hub, including its strategic geographic location, extensive network of airports, and specialized national expertise. He pointed out ongoing efforts to develop infrastructure, improve airport efficiency, and enhance operational capabilities, in addition to supporting national airlines, to expand air connectivity while serving existing markets and opening new ones, thereby boosting tourism, trade, and investment.
Furthermore, he mentioned that updating air navigation systems, embracing digital transformation, and leveraging artificial intelligence applications are central to the plans for developing the aviation sector, aiming to improve operational efficiency, enhance services, and ensure smoother air traffic flow, all while investing in training national personnel to meet modern technological demands.
Dr. Hefny reiterated that Egypt's prominent position in civil aviation and its network of airports offer significant opportunities to expand air connectivity with regional and international markets, particularly in Africa, which supports integration and opens new avenues for investments in the aviation sector and its related services. He pointed out that participation in the Marrakech Air Show serves as a crucial platform for decision-makers, leading companies, and specialized institutions to engage, explore the latest solutions and technologies, and identify potential areas of collaboration that align with the sector's development plans.
The eighth edition of the Marrakech International Air Show features approximately 200 exhibitors from 27 countries, alongside high-level official delegations, bringing together civil and military aviation, space, defense, and advanced technologies sectors. The event includes aerial displays, a static aircraft exhibition, and professional meetings among companies, government entities, investors, and official delegations, as well as activities showcasing the latest innovations and technologies in aviation, space, and defense, providing an international platform to discuss cooperation, partnership, investment opportunities, and the future growth of these industries.
As reported by gate.ahram.org.eg.
