In a move that blends technology, travel, and hospitality, the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation (EHCAAN), in cooperation with Orange Egypt, has unveiled Maryam—an AI-powered interactive virtual assistant designed to guide and assist travelers at Cairo International Airport.

This marks a significant step forward in Egypt’s broader digital transformation agenda—and a sign that the country’s aviation sector is gearing up for a smarter, more connected passenger experience.

A New Kind of Airport Assistant

Maryam isn’t your typical chatbot or static information kiosk. She’s an intelligent, bilingual (Arabic and English) built to interact naturally with travelers. Whether you’re looking for flight schedules, departure gates, baggage claim information, or transportation options, Maryam is ready to help.

The assistant is powered through Smart Interactive Devices (SID) placed strategically across the airport. Passengers and visitors can access real-time information about flights, facilities, and airport services, as well as details about transport links, taxis, limousines, and even nearby tourist attractions.

In essence, Maryam turns information desks into digital companions—designed to simplify, personalize, and enrich the travel experience from check-in to takeoff.

“Ask Maryam”: A Step Toward a Smarter Airport

According to Eng. Aiman Arab, Chairman of EHCAAN, the project represents “a milestone in our journey toward full digital transformation.”

EHCAAN’s partnership with Orange Egypt brings together aviation management and telecom expertise — a collaboration that fits perfectly within Egypt’s national digital transformation strategy. This initiative isn’t just about modernizing airports; it’s about reimagining the traveler’s journey as seamless, connected, and intuitive.

The company has also confirmed plans to roll out Maryam’s services across other Egyptian airports, starting with Sphinx International Airport, which is set to play a central role during the upcoming Grand Egyptian Museum opening.

Smart Airport Solutions Take Flight

Smart airports are no longer futuristic concepts—they’re a competitive necessity. EHCAAN’s introduction of Maryam signals a move toward data-driven, customer-centric infrastructure, where AI becomes an integral part of the travel ecosystem.

Airports are increasingly adopting AI-powered assistants to handle routine queries, reduce staff workload, and improve efficiency. Similar solutions can already be found in Heathrow Airport’s “Heathrow AI”, Singapore Changi’s “iChangi Concierge”, and Dubai International Airport’s “Salem”—each designed to provide tailored information, streamline navigation, and manage high passenger volumes.

What makes Maryam noteworthy is her regional context. While Gulf and Asian airports have led the AI charge, Egypt’s move positions North Africa on the global smart airport map. By integrating AI at one of the busiest airports in Africa, Egypt is sending a clear signal: digital transformation in aviation isn’t limited to global hubs—it’s becoming a universal standard.

Beyond Convenience: Why This Matters

AI assistants like Maryam are more than digital novelties. They represent a shift in how travelers interact with infrastructure—from static to conversational, from manual to intuitive.

The potential impact extends beyond the terminal walls:

• Operational efficiency improves as AI systems reduce queue times and information bottlenecks.
• Customer satisfaction rises with 24/7 support and accurate, personalized assistance.
• Data analytics provide real-time insights into traveler behavior, helping airports anticipate needs and optimize resources.

According to a SITA Air Transport IT Insights Report (2024), nearly 80% of global airports are investing in AI and automation technologies to enhance passenger experience and streamline operations. Cairo’s new initiative directly aligns with this global momentum.

Orange Egypt’s Role in the Digital Transformation

Partnering with Orange Egypt gives EHCAAN a technological advantage. Orange’s AI and telecom infrastructure ensure the assistant runs on a secure, high-speed network, essential for real-time responsiveness.

This collaboration also highlights a growing synergy between telecom operators and the aviation industry—a relationship that’s becoming increasingly important as both sectors embrace digital ecosystems and customer experience as strategic differentiators.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Egyptian Airports

With Maryam paving the way, EHCAAN’s roadmap includes scaling smart technologies across multiple touchpoints — from biometric boarding gates to real-time data dashboards for airport management.

Once implemented across other airports like Sphinx and Borg El Arab, travelers could see a consistent digital experience throughout Egypt’s aviation network. This consistency is key for positioning Egyptian airports as regional leaders in smart infrastructure and passenger engagement.

A Broader Perspective: AI and the Global Airport Race

Globally, AI-driven assistants have become a cornerstone of next-generation airport design. For example, Doha’s Hamad International Airport uses AI-powered service robots for passenger queries, while Heathrow is exploring AI-driven wayfinding tools integrated with mobile apps.

Maryam’s launch puts Egypt in the same conversation — not as a follower, but as an innovator in regional smart airport adoption. It also complements other national digital initiatives like the Egypt Vision 2030, which emphasizes technology-led service delivery and smarter public infrastructure.

Conclusion: Egypt’s Smart Leap into the Future

Maryam is more than an AI assistant — she’s a symbol of Egypt’s technological ambitions. By humanizing digital interaction and embedding intelligence into the passenger journey, EHCAAN is transforming how travelers experience Cairo International Airport.

In a market where Dubai, Singapore, and Doha have long set the pace, Egypt’s step toward AI-driven airports reflects both confidence and foresight. If implemented successfully across the network, Maryam could become the benchmark for smart airport innovation in Africa and the Middle East—proving that technology, when designed with empathy and intelligence, can make travel not just faster, but truly smarter.