EgyptAir Cargo resumes flights to US after 8-year hiatus

EgyptAir Cargo has started once again flights to the US, signaling the end of an eight-year halt. Minister of Civil Aviation, Mohamed Abbas Helmy, made the announcement, further outlining that the ministry gave top priority in implementing security measures to ensure all individuals, facilities, and flights are secured at the highest level.An inspection by a delegation from the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lasted for about a week, as they reviewed the security procedures at Cairo International Airport and on-board EgyptAir flights. The delegation lauded Egypt's commitment to international safety and security standards. Helmy welcomed the TSA delegation's visit to Cairo International Airport, which impacted the decision to lift the suspension on EgyptAir Cargo flights.On the other hand, continuous training is being given to the security staff inside various workplaces, with internationally accepted standards being maintained. The suspension of goods shipment on passenger planes was instituted in November 2015 due to security measures taken by most countries towards Egypt, following the downing of a Russian passenger plane. The air transport agreement between Egypt and the USA was signed in 1964, making it one of the oldest agreements in effect. The halt in air freight traffic was instituted over eight years ago, when its peak reached 7,300 tons annually.