Ahmed Shafik

Egyptian aviation pioneer who revolutionized air travel in Africa through affordable services

Ahmed Shafik (1928–2012) was an Egyptian aviation entrepreneur and founder of EgyptAir, one of Africa's leading airlines. His vision transformed air travel from a luxury for the elite into an accessible mode of transportation for the masses. Shafik's career began in the 1950s when he joined Egypt's civil aviation authority, later becoming Minister of Civil Aviation in 1969. During his tenure, he modernized Egypt's air infrastructure and expanded domestic and international routes.

In 1972, Shafik founded the Middle East Airlines Company (MEA), which later evolved into EgyptAir. He introduced cost-effective pricing strategies and innovative services like the 'Sky Chef' concept, making air travel affordable for working-class Egyptians. His policies reduced ticket prices by over 50% in some routes, enabling millions to travel domestically and internationally for the first time.

Shafik's legacy is evident in Egypt's current aviation leadership. He established the first aviation university in Africa and pioneered partnerships with European airlines to share safety standards. His memoir 《My Life in the Sky》 details his transformative strategies. Today, EgyptAir operates over 200 destinations globally, a testament to his vision of democratizing air travel.