Egypt’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched the country’s first national feasibility study for the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Union.
The study’s initiation was marked by a two-day workshop opened by Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El Hefny. The project, operating under the ACT-SAF programme, aims to establish a national roadmap to adhere to the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and ICAO’s target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions in international aviation by 2050.
Following the workshop, ICAO experts will remain in Egypt for 10 days to collect and analyse data with national authorities to draft the technical feasibility study and the subsequent roadmap.
El Hefny stated that the feasibility study aims to build a national industry, diversify aviation energy sources, and lower carbon emissions. The study will assess national capabilities, identify investment opportunities, and formulate a framework for private sector participation and cooperation with financial institutions.
The minister noted that Egypt possesses the geographic location, renewable energy and green hydrogen expansion, and upgraded aviation infrastructure to act as a regional hub for SAF production.
He added that the ministry submitted its second national action plan to ICAO in 2025. The plan included 25 measures, such as improving air traffic management, operational efficiency, and airport infrastructure. According to the ministry, these measures resulted in Cairo International and Hurghada International airports receiving the Airports Council International (ACI) environment and sustainability award for 2025, while Alexandria International Airport was recognised by ICAO-Africa for its green infrastructure and recycling initiatives.
The workshop was attended by Maria Gonzalez, ICAO ACT-SAF project coordinator; Jacoba van Dijk, technical advisor; and Farah Mismar, International Air Transport Association (IATA) representative, alongside other EU and ICAO officials.
Egyptian participants included Reem Oraby, alternate delegate to ICAO; Pilot Karim Gamil, ACT-SAF national focal point and advisor to the Civil Aviation Authority President; Navigator Ahmed Sokkar, Vice President of the authority for Airport Safety and Air Navigation; Dr Pilot Mohamed Salah, Vice President for Aviation Safety; Salma El-Tahhan, Head of the Central Administration for Air Transport; and Pilot Ahmed Matar, Assistant President of the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation.
The event also drew representatives from the ministries of petroleum, industry, environment, agriculture, and tourism. Additional participants included the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Suez Canal Economic Zone, the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality, the Waste Management Regulatory Authority, and the Agricultural Research Centre.
Representatives from EgyptAir Holding, the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation, and various operating airlines were present, alongside multiple petroleum refining companies, Citadel Capital, ECARO, Biodiesel Misr, and the Egyptian Company for Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Biofuels (ESAF).
