Cairo’s tech rise takes flight as SITA opens regional aviation hub

In a move that cements Cairo’s growing status as a regional technology and aviation center, global air transport IT provider SITA has launched its third global Command Center in the Egyptian capital. This milestone not only marks a strategic investment by the company but also reflects Egypt’s broader ambitions to modernize its aviation sector and become a pivotal player in air travel infrastructure across Africa and the Middle East.

A global player plants deeper roots in Egypt

For over 70 years, SITA has maintained a presence in Egypt, providing critical IT solutions to airlines, airports, and government agencies. Now, with the launch of the Cairo Command Center—joining similar hubs in Montreal and Singapore—the company is doubling down on Egypt as a regional operations base.

This new facility provides 24/7 monitoring of critical aviation systems, helping ensure uninterrupted service for the global travel network. From infrastructure and network oversight to real-time support for airport operations, the center is designed to enhance safety, reliability, and responsiveness across international flight routes.

Selim Bouri, SITA’s President for the Middle East and Africa, emphasized that Egypt’s geographic location, growing aviation sector, and abundance of skilled tech professionals made Cairo the natural choice for the new center.

Strategic location and tech-savvy workforce

Egypt’s aviation and technology credentials have made it an increasingly attractive hub for multinationals. As air traffic across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) accelerates, with passenger numbers expected to double in the next five years, proximity to key markets is essential.

Cairo offers direct air links to Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Gulf, putting it at the crossroads of continents and commerce. This regional connectivity, combined with a tech-savvy workforce fluent in Arabic, English, and French, positions the country as a natural bridge between Africa, the Middle East, and the wider world.

Additionally, Egypt’s expanding digital economy and a strong pipeline of computer science and engineering graduates have enabled it to develop a robust local talent base capable of supporting high-tech global operations.

Aviation as a growth engine

The aviation industry is often a bellwether for broader economic health. In Egypt’s case, the sector is becoming a growth engine in its own right. In 2024, EgyptAir announced record tourism traffic, and the government has steadily pushed forward with plans to modernize airport infrastructure through public-private partnerships (PPPs).

Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El-Hefny has voiced strong support for tech-enabled modernization, aligning with national objectives to increase foreign investment, reduce the state’s operational burden, and improve the quality of service at public facilities.

SITA’s involvement supports this strategy. The company brings decades of experience working with PPP models globally, and its concession-based approach—where it shares both risk and investment with host governments—is considered a sustainable blueprint for infrastructure development.

Artificial intelligence meets airport efficiency

One of the standout features of the new Command Center is its embrace of artificial intelligence. As airports grow more complex and passenger expectations evolve, real-time data and predictive analytics are becoming vital.

AI-driven systems can anticipate passenger traffic surges, optimize check-in and security staff deployment, and manage airport resources more efficiently. These capabilities are already being tested in major global airports like Toronto Pearson, where AI has significantly reduced wait times and enhanced passenger flow.

Egypt’s airports—particularly Cairo International and the new capital’s planned airport facilities—stand to benefit immensely from such advancements, especially as tourism recovers and regional travel expands.

Balancing innovation with resilience

While SITA is optimistic about the region’s aviation future, Bouri acknowledged the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions and economic fluctuations. Yet, he framed these as catalysts for innovation rather than constraints.

“In times of uncertainty, building smarter systems that can adapt quickly becomes even more critical,” Bouri noted. From improving baggage handling to digitizing immigration services, SITA aims to embed technology into the heart of aviation operations across Egypt.

A long-term commitment to Egypt’s aviation future

The Cairo Command Center is more than a new office—it’s a declaration of confidence in Egypt’s long-term potential. By positioning Cairo as a digital nerve center for aviation in the Middle East and Africa, SITA is helping chart a new course for the country’s role in global air travel.

This investment dovetails with Egypt’s Vision 2030, which includes major upgrades to transport infrastructure and a focus on high-tech, high-value sectors. As part of this vision, Egypt is not just seeking to move people and goods more efficiently—it’s aiming to move up the global value chain.

With projects like the new Suez Canal Economic Zone and the Grand Egyptian Museum expected to boost both business and leisure travel, the need for smart aviation infrastructure has never been greater. The Cairo Command Center places Egypt at the center of that transformation.

Conclusion: Taking off into a tech-enabled future

SITA’s latest investment in Egypt is more than symbolic—it’s strategic. At a time when aviation is under pressure to evolve, Cairo is stepping forward as a future-ready hub capable of supporting the industry’s digital transformation.

For Egyptian policymakers, tech entrepreneurs, and the traveling public, the message is clear: the country’s aviation sector is not just recovering—it’s reinventing itself for the next era of global connectivity.