Name: Tarek Adawy
Title: General Manager, USA
Company, city: EgyptAir, New York, New York
Number of employees: 20 in New York; 9,000 in Cairo
Recent project: Opening new gateways in the United States
First job: EgyptAir ticket agent in Cairo
Little-known fact about you: I am a Backstreet Boys fan.
Your Business
What innovations or initiatives do you foresee in the industry over the next years? Air travel is undergoing significant transformation. Continued automation will streamline the passenger journey across booking, check-in, security and boarding, making travel more convenient. Advances in aircraft materials and manufacturing will reduce operating costs, which can translate to more competitive fares. These new materials and designs will also enable longer range and higher cruise speeds, improving long-haul travel times and passenger comfort.
Best career advice you’ve received: Choose a field that feeds your passion. When you love what you do, dedication and success follow naturally.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the field? Be patient and stay motivated. The aviation industry evolves constantly; embracing change and learning continuously are essential to building a lasting career.
Tarek Adawy as a Traveler
Favorite travel memory or story: Every destination has its own story, but my first visit to Japan left a lasting impression. Seeing technological advances and a culture that embraces innovation broadened my perspective and inspired optimism about the future.
One travel tip you cannot live without: Arrive early for flights. Giving yourself extra time helps manage unexpected delays and reduces travel stress.
Best advice for business travelers: Whenever possible, travel with EgyptAir for service between cities we serve. Familiarity with the carrier’s schedules and onboard products can make business travel more predictable and comfortable.
About EgyptAir
Tell us about the EgyptAir experience for premium travelers.
EgyptAir, the national carrier of Egypt, has grown steadily over more than 87 years and was an early member of IATA. Our fleet is among the newest in the industry. From New York our Boeing 777-300ER business class offers fully flat beds so passengers arrive rested and ready for meetings. Our cabin crew are trained to focus on the details that enhance the travel experience. As a member of Star Alliance, EgyptAir provides access to more than 1,000 lounges worldwide.
Last year, EgyptAir resumed flights to Moscow. What new routes are planned for the immediate future?
We are evaluating expansion within the United States, including Washington, D.C., and Chicago. In China we serve four cities and are exploring additional destinations. We also plan to add Douala, Cameroon, and Kigali, Rwanda to our network.
What can we expect from EgyptAir in the next five years?
Starting June 4 we will launch service from Washington Dulles International Airport to Cairo International Airport, operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The Dreamliner will also operate our JFK–CAI daily service beginning in early November. We expect to open more U.S. routes and continue expanding across Africa, leveraging our position as a gateway between continents.
To support growth and passenger comfort, we continually update our fleet. Currently we have 45 new aircraft on order, including Airbus A320s and A350s, Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 737s, with an option to add another 45 aircraft to that order.