EGYPT. Plaza Premium Group (PPG), Egypt Aviation Services (EAS) and Cairo Airport Company (CAC) have announced a strategic joint venture.
Under this collaboration, airport hospitality services provider PPG will manage, operate and commercialise six lounges across various terminals at Cairo International Airport, leveraging the company’s global expertise in creating airport hospitality experiences. 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 between EAS and PPG. This entity has taken over six lounges in Terminals 1, 2, 3 and Cairo International Airport’s Seasonal Terminal. Additionally, a new lounge by Terminal 3 F Gates is being developed.
This landmark partnership marks the official market entry of PPG into Egypt, another important milestone in the company’s expansion in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region. Other expansions in the region include Saudi Arabia, Kenya and Abu Dhabi.
PPG described Cairo International Airport as 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, serving 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 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,” stated PPG Senior Vice President-Europe, Middle East and Africa Okan Kufeci.
“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.”
PPG said Cairo International Airport has great strategic importance, serving as a gateway for tourists visiting Egypt (it serves 80% of the country’s air passenger traffic) while also representing 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,” said Cairo Airport Company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Magdy Ishak Azzer.
“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.”
“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,” commented Egypt Aviation Services Chairman and Managing Director General Mohamed Kamel Moustafa.
“We are pleased to collaborate with PPG in amplifying Egypt’s reputation as a global aviation hub by optimising passenger experiences and services in the multiple airport lounges within Cairo International Airport.”
The future of Egypt’s tourism sector is promising, with projections indicating the overall travel and tourism market to grow by +5.98% annually, PPG noted. In the first half of 2024, Egypt’s tourism sector revenues grew by +5% to US$6.6 billion.
The country aims to reach 30 million tourists by 2028 and to increase airport capacity +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, transit, to return,” PPG concluded.
