The Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation (EHCAAN) has launched the first interactive virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence in Egyptian airports, named “Maryam,” in cooperation with Orange Egypt.
The launch event was attended by Eng. Aiman Arab, Chairman of the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation, Mr. Hisham Mahran, CEO and Managing Director of Orange Egypt, and Mr. Magdy Ishak, Chairman of Cairo Airport Company. The event took place at Cairo International Airport. This milestone initiative is part of EHCAAN’s comprehensive program to modernize the passenger experiences and enhance digital services across Egyptian airports.
Through modern smart interactive devices (SID) distributed throughout the airport, passengers and visitors will be able to receive instant answers to any inquiries related to flight information and schedules, travel and arrival procedures, locations of facilities and services inside the airport, as well as information on transportation, taxis and limousines, directions, and nearby tourist areas.
With the ability to communicate in both Arabic and English, “Maryam” acts as an intelligent digital companion, designed to simplify and enrich the airport travel experience.
The introduction of “Ask Maryam” is part of EHCAAN’s integrated digital transformation strategy, which aims to deliver a new generation of smart airport solutions. This initiative aligns with Egypt’s national digital transformation agenda and reinforces Cairo International Airport’s position as a leading regional airport that meets global service standards.
Orange Egypt serves as a strategic technology partner to EHCAAN and supports its digital ecosystem by providing free wireless internet (Wi-Fi), charging stations for electronic devices, and dedicated technical support kiosks at Cairo International Airport.
Eng. Aiman Arab, Chairman of the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation (EHCAAN), stated, “The launch of ‘Ask Maryam’ at Cairo International Airport is a milestone in our journey toward full digital transformation.”
“This initiative reflects our commitment to adopting cutting-edge smart solutions that enhance the passenger experience and strengthen the global competitiveness of Egyptian airports. We are already working on rolling out this service across other Egyptian airports, starting with Sphinx International Airport in time for the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum,” Arab continued.
He also noted that this initiative comes in line with the directives of the Minister of Civil Aviation, Dr. Sameh Al-Hefny, to transform Egyptian airports into fully integrated digital operating hubs in accordance with the latest international standards in airport management and operations, affirming that the project represents the beginning of a new era for Egyptian civil aviation based on innovation and modern technology across all service and operational aspects.
Mr. Hesham Mahran, CEO and Managing Director of Orange Egypt, said, “Orange Egypt is pleased to be a strategic partner for the ‘Ask Maryam’ project at Cairo International Airport, supporting the efforts of the Egyptian government and EHCAAN to enhance the travel experience at one of the most vital airports in the region.”
He added, “Through this partnership, we aim to reinforce Cairo Airport’s position as a modern regional hub that meets global standards in service quality and reflects Orange Egypt’s commitment to delivering state-of-the-art technological solutions.”
