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Hong Kong-based airport hospitality services provider Plaza Premium Group (PPG), together with Egypt Aviation Services (EAS) and Cairo Airport Company (CAC), announced a strategic joint venture.
Under this collaboration, PPG will manage, operate, and commercialise six lounges across various terminals at Cairo International Airport (CAI), leveraging PPG’s global expertise in creating award-winning airport hospitality experiences.
All six lounges will be rebranded as Plaza Premium Lounge by CAC and EAS.
CAC assigned the full management of CAC VIP Lounges to the joint venture formed between EAS and PPG, who have taken over six Lounges in Terminals 1, 2, 3, as well as the Seasonal Terminal of the Cairo International Airport.
Furthermore, a new lounge by the F Gates of Terminal 3 is being developed.
Okan Kufeci, PPG’s senior vice-president for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, said of the new venture: “This unprecedented partnership with Egyptian Aviation Services (EAS), and Cairo Airport Company opens up exciting opportunities for our first entry into the Egyptian market through this strategic partnership, bringing our global standards and expertise in delivering award-winning airport hospitality experiences to Cairo. We are committed to our mission of making travel better for all passengers flying through Cairo International Airport with our portfolio of Plaza Premium Lounges.”
A new market
This landmark partnership marks the official market entry of PPG into Egypt, another important milestone in the company’s expansion in the MENA region, alongside its recent expansions into other key markets in the region, such as Saudi Arabia, Kenya and Abu Dhabi.
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is a pivotal hub for air travel in Egypt and the broader region, playing a significant role in the country’s economy and connectivity.
It is the busiest airport in the country and Africa, handling 26.4 million passengers in 2023 and has non-stop passenger flights scheduled to 125 destinations in 62 countries.
The strategic importance of Cairo International Airport is that it serves as a gateway for tourists visiting Egypt which accounts for 80 percent of passenger traffic and it is also a major hub for business travellers and cargo transport across continents.
CAC chair and CEO Magdy Isak Azzer said: “Egypt represents a burgeoning market in global tourism, with Cairo International Airport being a key hub, connecting travellers to Egypt and across Africa and the MENA region. We are committed to enhancing the airport experience and supporting Egypt’s vision in becoming a premier global destination. Therefore, we are pleased to forge a joint venture with Plaza Premium Group in collaboration with the Egyptian Airport Services to embark on a new era of world-class airport hospitality.”
EAS’ chair and managing director Mohamed Kamel Moustafa added: “The opportunities arising from the travel and tourism industry in Egypt are growing exponentially, driven by increased passenger traffic, new routes and expanded capacity among leading airlines. We are pleased to collaborate with PPG in amplifying Egypt’s reputation as a global aviation hub by optimizing passenger experiences and services in the multiple airport lounges within the Cairo International Airport.”
A promising sector
The future of Egypt’s tourism sector is promising, with projections indicating the overall travel and tourism market to grow by 5.98 percent annually.
In the first half of 2024, Egypt’s tourism sector revenues grew by 5 percent to $6.6 billion, compared to $6.3 billion in the same period of 2023.
The country aims to reach 30 million tourists by 2028 and to increase airport capacity by 50 percent by 2030.
With PPG’s extensive presence in its key source markets including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other fast-emerging markets, especially China, its world-class airport hospitality services will be able to cater to travellers from departure, transit, to return.
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