INTERVIEW: SITA backs Egypt's aviation future with new Cairo tech hub: MEA president - Economy

Al-Ahram Weekly

14-05-2025

SITA, the global IT provider for the air transport industry, has inaugurated its first Command Center in the Middle East and Africa, establishing a strategic presence in Cairo.
The new Cairo Command Center (SCC) joins the company's global network of hubs alongside those in Montreal and Singapore.
The facility offers 24/7 real-time monitoring of networks, infrastructure, and applications, ensuring uninterrupted support for airports, airlines, and governments worldwide.
Egypt's Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh El-Hefny, and SITA's President for the Middle East & Africa, Selim Bouri, attended the inauguration.
Speaking to Ahram Online, Bouri explained how the Cairo hub reflects SITA's commitment to the region and aligns with Egypt's broader strategy to involve the private sector in managing 11 of its airports.
'This is only our third global Command Center,' Bouri said. 'Cairo was chosen because of its strategic location, growing aviation market, and deep talent pool.' Why Cairo?
Bouri explained that a mix of strategic, logistical, and economic considerations shaped the decision to establish the SCC in Egypt.
'Egypt's unique position at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East makes it an ideal location for supporting a rapidly growing aviation market in the region," he stated. 'The country's long history as a major player in the global aviation sector, coupled with its burgeoning tech industry, made Cairo a prime candidate for this high-tech facility.'
Some of those factors included:
Skilled Workforce: Egypt's tech sector has produced a highly educated workforce, especially in IT, with multilingual capabilities in Arabic, English, and French—ideal for international aviation support.
Geographic Advantage: Cairo offers excellent regional connectivity across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, helping SITA deliver faster, more efficient services.
Established Presence: SITA has operated in Egypt for over 70 years, making it a natural base to expand its regional operations.
Supportive Policy Environment: The Egyptian government's push to modernise aviation infrastructure and encourage foreign investment also played a key role. 'The Minister of Civil Aviation himself is a technology advocate,' Bouri noted.
Egypt's aviation growth
Bouri told Ahram Online that Egypt's aviation sector is growing rapidly, with Middle East and North Africa (MENA) passenger numbers expected to double in the next five years. This growth is straining current infrastructure and increasing the demand for more innovative, tech-enabled solutions.
'SITA's Cairo Command Center is designed to meet these needs—providing real-time support, improving safety, and enhancing the passenger experience,' he said. As national carrier EgyptAir and other regional airlines expand, SITA's technology will address congestion and operational inefficiencies at major airports.
Private Sector Partnerships
Bouri also discussed Egypt's strategy to upgrade airport infrastructure through public-private partnerships (PPPs), calling it a 'critical step' toward faster investment, better decision-making, and technological modernisation.
'Maintaining and upgrading a large number of airports is costly,' he said. 'By allowing private investors to take a stake in airport management, Egypt hopes to alleviate the strain on public funds and expedite the implementation of new technologies. SITA's experience with similar models around the world has made it an ideal partner for such initiatives.'
He emphasized that SITA's global experience with PPPs and its use of a 'concession model', which allows co-financing and long-term partnerships, make it well-positioned to support Egypt and others in the region.
AI at the airport
Bouri discussed the role of artificial intelligence and said SITA is leading the integration of AI in airport systems to improve operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction.
'AI helps us predict passenger flows, optimise staffing, and manage resources more effectively,' he said, citing Toronto Pearson International Airport as a success story. AI has reduced wait times by aligning staffing levels with real-time demand.
SITA plans to roll out similar AI-driven systems in MENA airports, where passenger volumes are rapidly increasing.
'The ability to predict and manage passenger flow will be crucial for maintaining a smooth and efficient airport experience, especially during peak travel times,' Bouri said.
Challenges and opportunities
While acknowledging the region's political and economic challenges, Bouri described them as opportunities for innovation.
'Aviation can be a powerful driver of growth and job creation. With airport expansion across Egypt and the wider region, there's a strong demand for advanced solutions.'
He added that SITA is uniquely placed to integrate technology into critical infrastructure, from baggage handling and immigration systems to airside operations.
A long-term commitment
Bouri concluded with a firm message: 'Our new Cairo center reinforces SITA's long-term commitment to Egypt and the EMEA region. We're here to help reshape the aviation landscape with smart, scalable technologies.'
SITA will continue working with airlines, airport operators, and governments to future-proof infrastructure and deliver seamless passenger experiences. 'The goal is simple: ensure the region's airports are ready for what's next.'
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