Cairo: Global aviation tech provider SITA officially launched on Tuesday its first regional command centre for the Middle East and Africa in Cairo, marking a significant step in Egypt's initiative to become a hub for digital transformation in air transport.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the move aligns with the country's national strategy to attract tech investment and expand its role in smart infrastructure across key sectors. The centre began operating in September 2024. Today's official inauguration was attended by Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El-Hefny and SITA's President for the Middle East and Africa (MEA), Selim Bouri.
Minister El-Hefny stated during the launch that the centre reflects growing confidence in Egypt's investment climate and bolsters the country's ambition to become a regional leader in aviation technology.
The Cairo centre is set to manage advanced IT systems for airports, airlines, and border control agencies across the region. It includes platforms such as SITA Connect Go for flexible connectivity and Community DCS, which is designed to streamline airline departure processes.
El Bouri explained that Cairo was selected for its strategic location, skilled talent pool, and supportive investment climate. He noted that this development is not just a milestone in SITA's long-standing relationship with Egypt but also an investment in the future of digital aviation across the region.
The launch reinforces SITA's historic ties with Egypt, dating back to 1954. The company is also collaborating with Egyptian universities to train the next generation of tech talent and plans to deepen its collaboration with EgyptAir and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Egypt has prioritized digital transformation and smart infrastructure, offering incentives to global firms and investing in aviation modernization to position itself as a key link between Africa, Europe, and Asia.
SITA operates in over 200 countries and supports more than 2,500 clients in the air transport sector, including 70 governments. The new Cairo facility is expected to play a central role in delivering digital services and real-time operational support to customers across the Middle East and Africa.