This official visit to the United Kingdom aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Egypt and the UK in aviation-related areas of mutual interest, including technology, infrastructure, maintenance services, and other air transport issues.

This visit aligns with the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s broader strategy to enhance international cooperation, attract foreign investment, and position Egypt as a leading aviation hub. It supports Egypt’s Vision 2030 for the sector's development.

Ambassador Sherif Kamel, Egypt’s Ambassador to the UK, hosted the session, which was moderated by Karim Rafaat, Chairman of NGAGE. Key participants included Magid Elmenshawy, Vice Chairman of the British Egyptian Business Association (BEBA); Dr. Mohannad Khaled, Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce (EBCC) ; and Chris Dane from Baker Tilly.

More than 85 business leaders and investors from major British aviation companies also attended.

Dr. Elhefny emphasised that such meetings provide an ideal platform for exchanging insights and fostering partnerships in aviation, investment, and technology, which pave the way for sectoral growth in alignment with global standards. He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation, particularly in civil aviation. He also highlighted the historical ties between Egypt and the UK as a foundation for developing air transport as a key collaboration area.

He noted that the Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation is currently working on strategic projects to improve Egyptian airports. These include plans to expand Cairo International Airport to become a regional hub and increase EgyptAir’s fleet to 97 aircraft by 2028, despite the challenges facing the global aviation industry.

The Minister reiterated the government’s support for private sector participation by providing private airlines various incentives and facilities to enhance their market competitiveness. He also emphasised Egypt’s commitment to expanding Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services through EgyptAir Maintenance & Engineering Company, which is set to use advanced technologies to grow globally.

He added that the Cairo Air Cargo City project aims to position Egypt as a regional hub for air cargo and trade to reinforce its strategic role in Africa and the Middle East.

And there are plans for a comprehensive strategic study on targeted airport investments, with an international consultancy firm assessing airports suitable for private sector management. The initiative aims to improve management efficiency, service quality, and investment appeal, which reinforces Egypt’s commitment to global aviation partnerships. The Ministry also intends to expand annual airport capacity to 100 million passengers by 2030, with projections estimating 50.5 million passengers by the end of 2025. These numbers reflect significant progress toward this goal.

During the session, Aiman Arab, Chairman of the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation, highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming Egyptian airports into world-class aviation hubs. He outlined the company’s efforts to modernise airport infrastructure, implement advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and biometric systems, and strengthen international partnerships to ensure operational excellence.

He added that Cairo International Airport is set to become Africa’s ‘primary hub’ for long-haul travel, which is part of Egypt’s broader strategy to enhance its regional and international aviation standing. The holding company will also host global aviation conferences and exhibitions to enhance Egypt’s positioning in the international aviation sector.

Organised by Business France in partnership with KLM Engineering and Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M), the French Pavilion will showcase innovations from around 20 French companies, including global industry leaders and specialised SMEs driving advancements in the aerospace aftermarket sector.

Key trends fuelling UAE and the region Aviation aftermarket growth

The UAE's commercial aviation aftermarket is undergoing significant expansion, driven by increasing air traffic, aging fleets, and advancements in technology. In 2024, over 1 million air movements were recorded, marking a 10.3% year-on-year growth, which has heightened demand for aftermarket services.

The industry is embracing transformative trends, such as big data and digitalisation, to optimise supply chains and improve operational efficiency. In line with the UAE’s green initiatives, including its target of converting 30% of public sector vehicles to electric by 2030, the aviation sector is exploring eco-friendly aftermarket solutions. Furthermore, the growing adoption of narrow-body aircraft, fuelled by the rise of low-cost carriers, is reshaping the regional aviation landscape.

The Middle East MRO market is thriving, with its value reaching $9.56 billion in 2024 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.06% through 2029. The UAE is a key driver of this growth, solidifying its position as a strategic MRO hub. Dubai International Airport’s role as a global long-haul hub is instrumental, with the local MRO market projected to hit $3.39 billion by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 2.2%.

French MRO in the Middle East

France’s MRO sector is a global benchmark for excellence, with an impressive annual growth rate of 6.9% (CAGR). French companies are renowned for their innovation and expertise across the MRO value chain, encompassing engine maintenance, component repair, online servicing, and engineering solutions.

Global leaders such as Safran, Thales, AFI KLM E&M, Satys Aerospace, and Dassault Aviation are showcasing France’s capabilities, reinforcing its position as a key partner for the Middle East’s aviation needs.

Strategic French Emirati collaborations further underscore this synergy. Partnerships like Mubadala and Safran in maintenance and manufacturing, and ExecuJet MRO Services with Satys Aerospace, exemplify this dynamic relationship.

Tailored French Solutions for the Middle East

At the French Pavilion, Business France and its partner AFI KLM E&M are bringing together an excellent delegation whether global leaders or specialised SMEs that will present a diverse range of innovative solutions, from online maintenance platforms to advanced repair technologies and cabin refurbishments.

Pierre Teboul, senior vice president commercial at AFI KLM E&M, highlights this collaboration: “For three years, our partnership with Business France at the French Pavilion has reflected a solid and lasting relationship built on trust. We are delighted to collaborate once again this year to highlight the excellence and innovation of French expertise in the aviation sector in the Middle East. Together, we have forged strategic ties to support the growth of this dynamic industry, with a shared ambition for modernisation and sustainability. We are proud to contribute to showcasing French know-how in this key region.”

The leased aircraft marks a significant milestone for Riyadh Air and will serve as a technical spare and training asset.

This leased aircraft is in addition to Riyadh Air’s original order of 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. It will be utilised over the coming months for pilot and crew training, as well as to support the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) process with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). Once operational readiness is achieved, the aircraft will serve as a technical spare to ensure smooth operations when Riyadh Air begins service in 2025.

The portfolio includes components for widely operated aircraft models such as the 737NG, A320 Family, A330/340, Boeing 777, Embraer E-Jet, and various Quick Engine Change (QEC) kits. Among the inventory is an overhauled A330 Enhanced landing-gear shipset with top-tier traceability, ensuring seamless support for AerSale’s customer requirements.

The strategic transaction supports AerSale’s ability to meet the growing needs of its global customer base while bolstering Sanad’s strategy of fostering industry partnerships and optimising its diversified component portfolio for long-term growth.

Additionally, the agreement strengthens Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) synergies between AerSale and Sanad, enabling both organisations to address evolving customer needs and develop innovative solutions for the aviation industry. By leveraging their shared expertise and complementary strengths, AerSale and Sanad are well-positioned to further their mutual objectives and deliver value to their customers worldwide.

"This acquisition positions AerSale to better meet the needs of our global customers by expanding our inventory of top-quality parts for the most widely operated commercial aircraft," said Gary Jones, chief operating officer at AerSale. "We are excited to collaborate with Sanad Group to explore new opportunities for MRO expansion and continued innovation within the aviation industry."

Kashish Kohli, Sanad Group chief financial officer, and SVP of the Sanad Leasing Division, remarked: “This sale to AerSale is a testament to Sanad’s commitment to aligning with global industry leaders and delivering value-driven solutions for the aviation industry. The transaction reflects our continued focus on the delivery of Sanad’s strategy. By partnering with AerSale, we are creating new avenues for collaboration that will drive mutual growth and innovation. We look forward to building on this relationship and serving the evolving needs of the global aviation industry.”

The partnership represents the largest ULD digitalisation programme undertaken by an airline. Qatar Airways Cargo will leverage Unilode’s advanced ULD digitalisation capabilities to gain data-driven insights and real-time visibility into ULD locations, sensory data, and asset utilisation rates. Through Unilode’s digital technologies Qatar Airways Cargo will continue to strengthen its position to be at the forefront when it comes to streamlining operations, optimising resources, increasing revenue opportunities, and boosting performance.

The partnership with Qatar Airways Cargo will make sure Unilode’s tag and reader network is further extended to cover the carriage of ULDs on the airline’s global passenger and cargo network. The tag and reader network will be supported by E-ULD, Unilode’s in-house developed mobile app and web portal that enables real-time visibility, and tracking, of ULDs. Unilode’s Enterprise Data Warehouse and customer portal, which provide the airline with enhanced data analytics to improve ULD utilisation and further reduce costs.

Qatar Airways Cargo’s chief officer cargo, Mark Drusch said: “We are excited to join forces with Unilode to embark on this groundbreaking transformative digital journey. Our shared vision for ULD digitalisation and innovation will undoubtedly set new benchmarks in the air cargo industry for operational excellence, enabling us to elevate our customer experience and further optimise our resources. By implementing Unilode’s innovative digital solutions, we are able to allocate ULDs more effectively across our vast network of destinations and this, in turn, will increase asset utilisation, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly operation.”

Unilode's, chief executive officer, Ross Marino added: “Our collaboration with Qatar Airways Cargo represents a major digital milestone in the industry. This reinforces our commitment to our digital journey and providing our customers with technology-based solutions for their fleet or as part of our full-service ULD management solutions.

With this partnership, we are confident it will reshape ULD digitalisation across the industry and contribute to a more connected, efficient, and sustainable aviation ecosystem. With Qatar Airways Cargo as our partner, we look forward to working together on developing and enhancing our digital solutions further.”

President of ExecuJet MRO Services, Graeme Duckworth, says this is the first time ExecuJet MRO Services has become an ASC for Safan Power Units. The impetus for the move was the entry-into-service of Dassault’s new large-cabin, long-range Falcon 6X, he says.

ExecuJet MRO Services’ workscope on Safran APUs includes: line maintenance, component removal and replacement, trouble-shooting as well as removal and replacement of the auxiliary power unit if required.

It has invested in tooling and spare parts for the Safran APU (model SPU150) and sent five engineers to Safran’s facility in Toulouse for specialised training.

Starting with the arrival of the first aircraft in February and spanning a dozen years, both the airline’s Boeing 787-9s and -10s will receive the MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) specialist’s proven Total Component Support (TCS).

In addition, Lufthansa Technik will support Angola Airlines with an Aircraft Production Inspection Program (APIP), which does not only cover the new-built 787s, but also the Airbus A220 fleet the carrier is currently building up.

The TCS will grant the Luanda-based airline access to the worldwide spare parts pool of Lufthansa Technik, through which it will increase the availability of components for its Dreamliner fleet and leverage significant cost-benefits. The respective contract does not only cover classic component MRO services, but also an AOG (Aircraft On Ground) support as well as various parts-pooling and logistics work scopes. The close cooperation between the two companies will enable the airline to maximize efficiency in its technical operations.

Lufthansa Technik conducts this service not only for the aforementioned 787 fleet, but also for Angola Airlines’ new Airbus A220 fleet, of which the first aircraft was received in September.

“With no less than two modern aircraft types joining our fleet at nearly the same time, we are happy to rely on the renowned engineering expertise and the wealth of experience only Lufthansa Technik’s experts can provide,” said Nelson Oliveira, CEO and Accountable Manager at TAAG Angola Airlines. “With their strong support, we are looking forward to a quick ramp- up of our new 787 and A220 operations. Our partners’ reliable component support will moreover ensure a smooth 787 Dreamliner operation from day one.”

The semester will include 50 students pursuing a career in aircraft maintenance engineering in addition to returning students who bring valuable experience and a strong foundation that enriches the learning environment for the new students.

The academy has offered campaigns to support the education of its students, including discounts for early registrants, as well as 25 full scholarships funded by the Technical and Vocational Skills Development Commission (TVSDC). This program continues to attract young talents from all over the Kingdom into joining a growing field, aligning with Joramco Academy’s goals of supporting young talents and decreasing unemployment rates in Jordan.

Chief executive officer, Fraser Currie, said: “We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our new and returning students for this academic year at Joramco Academy. It marks a new beginning at our state-of-the-art academy, which is an important step in our expansion plans and vision, as we continue to drive excellence in the aviation industry.”

Chief people & performance officer, Hana Ibsais, added: “The start of every academic year is something we are always proud of. For newcomers, it is the beginning of four years of exceptional education, while returning students will benefit from a familiar environment that fosters talent and cultivates growth. Our program provides a golden career opportunity upon graduation, and we eagerly anticipate the students’ success in the future.”