Egypt to expand civil aviation presence in Africa

The Egyptian government is planning to expand its civil aviation presence in Africa using Egyptair Holding as a vehicle. Over the last few weeks Egyptair Holding has signed agreements with the governments of Cameroon, Ghana, Sudan and South Sudan to support those countries in (re)starting their national carriers.

In Cameroon, Egyptair will support troubled Camair-co with aircraft and technical support. In return, Egyptair will get a large block of the shares in the airline.

Ghana also signed an agreement with Egyptair and here the plan is that Egyptair will own up to 70% of the new national carrier Ghana Airways. It will supply the new company with eight aircraft; four widebodies and four narrowbodies.

In Sudan, Egyptair Holding is eyeing a stake of 49% in Sudan Airways and will supply the carrier with four narrowbody aircraft.

In neighbouring South Sudan, Egyptair Holding will deploy Air Cairo, which is expected to sign a strategic partnership with South Sudan Supreme Airlines. Again, the idea is to support the airline with aircraft and expertise.

Egyptair Holding is also looking in an ambitious expansion plan for Air Cairo, which is now planning to grow its fleet of A320neos to 19 by 2024. So far, the airline has signed lease-agreements for three, which will all be delivered between now and November next year. Air Cairo has also added a single A320 this month and will also add four ERJ170s from mother Egyptair. The new aircraft will be used on an increased route network out of secondary airports in Egypt to destinations in Africa, Europe and the Middle-East.

Photo by Jennifer Schuld