Own Star

Star Alliance has honoured Egyptian Aviation Minister Ahmed Shafiq for his role in ensuring the success of civil aviation in Egypt, a procedure that is unprecedented

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In a special ceremony held on Monday, Jaan Albrecht, CEO Star Alliance praised Shafiq's "foresight, determination and professionalism with which you have led your administration." This has enabled Egypt to become a global leader in aviation, "with particular strengths in Africa and the Middle East," stated Albrecht in an honouring speech. "Examples of this are your national carrier EgyptAir, which has undergone an exemplary transformation, culminating in joining Star Alliance in 2008, and the new Terminal 3 at Cairo Airport, which will further strengthen its position as the leading aviation hub in Northern Africa."

Albrecht went to say that Star Alliance had found its home in Egypt as the Egyptian travelling public had quickly realised the additional value that the alliance was bringing to each individual passenger.

"You have laid this vision out to me at our very first meeting. I have a dream, you said, that in building the future of our country and of this part of the world we can learn from the mistakes of others, collect the brightest ideas and create a well functioning system according to the highest standards. I know that all the CEO's of our Alliance join me in wishing that more government leaders in the world should have such a visionary approach and even more importantly, the thrust and the convincing skills to lead everybody in the same direction."

"Cairo has become the northern "entry door" to a vast continent, Africa. And what a modern "entry door" it will be. Not without the guiding hand of our guest of honour."

As a token of appreciation, the minister was handed the registration certificate for his "own" Star -- "Ahmed Shafiq" located at telescopic coordinates RA 22h 29m 58s D71, 28' in the Cepheus Constellation as defined by the International Star Registry.

"On behalf of the Boad of Star Alliance, on behalf of more that 400,000 employees and on behalf of millions of passengers who will benefit from your restless efforts, it is my pleasure to award you with a star, which from today will carry your name. And in order to help you guide the aviation industry for many years to come, please accept this sextant, used for many years to navigate by the stars."

Honouring a governmental official by the Star Alliance is an unprecedented act which has never occurred to any of the 22 member airlines in the alliance. Justifying the act, Albrecht told Al-Ahram Weekly that the member airlines agreed that what had been achieved with the Egyptian membership -- upgrading the national carrier and providing unique infrastructures in all aviation aspects -- all these had never happened before with any other membership.

"Not with such professionalism, efficiency and not in such a short time," Albrecht explained.

At present, 10 star alliance member carriers fly to Africa offering more than 4,600 flights a week to 77 cities in 36 of the continents' 53 countries.

"We are looking forward to locating the member carriers serving Cairo at the new terminal TB3 which is due to open this spring," Albrecht added.