EGYPTAIR

By 1933, a total of 33 male, and one female, pilots had graduated from Egypt's School of Aviation. At the same time, the Ministry of Transportation had established the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority, the mission of which would be to oversee air navigation and the country's newly established airports. In 1932, Egypt's first airline – Misr Airwork – was established, named after the Misr Bank, which took an 85 per cent participation in the airline. Following the formation of the United Arab Republic by Egypt and Syria in 1958, Misrair was renamed United Arab Airlines (UAA). Syrian Airways merged with UAA, which took over all routes and the equipment of the Syrian carrier. In the meantime, UAA had ordered its first jet aircraft (Comets). The association with Syria was ended in 1960, when the Syrian government established Syrian Arab Airways. In October 1971, following Egypt's changing its name to Arab Republic of Egypt, UAA was renamed Egyptair. This wonderfully illustrated book explores the fascinating history of Africa’s oldest airline, against the everchanging geopolitical climate.