Plaza Premium Group (PPG), a leading global airport hospitality services provider, Egypt Aviation Services (EAS) and Cairo Airport Company (CAC) have announced a strategic joint venture that will see PPG manage, operate and commercialize six lounges across various terminals at Cairo International Airport (CAI). The lounges will be rebranded as Plaza Premium Lounge by CAC and EAS.
CAC has assigned the full management of CAC VIP Lounges to a joint venture formed by EAS and PPG, which have taken over six lounges in Terminals 1, 2, 3 and the Seasonal Terminal of Cairo International Airport. A new lounge by the F Gates of Terminal 3 is also being developed.
The partnership marks the official market entry of PPG into Egypt, another important milestone in the company’s expansion in the MENA region, where it already operates lounges in 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.
“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,” said Okan Kufeci, senior VP, Europe, Middle East and Africa, PPG. “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.”
The strategic importance of Cairo International Airport serves as a gateway for tourists visiting Egypt which accounts for 80% of passenger traffic and it is also a major hub for business travellers and cargo transport across continents.
“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,” stated Magdy Ishak Azzer, chairman and CEO of Cairo Airport Company.
“The opportunities arising from the travel and tourism industry in Egypt is 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,” said General Mohamed Kamel Moustafa, chairman and managing director of Egypt Aviation Services.
The future of Egypt’s tourism sector is promising, with projections indicating the overall travel and tourism market to grow by 5.98% annually. In the first half of 2024, Egypt’s tourism sector revenues grew by 5% to US$6.6bn, 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% 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 and transit to return.