The Ministry of Tourism has appointed an international consultant to advise on the establishment of the USD100 million company that will be owned by public and private sector investors and will operate in the tourism sector, said Minister of Tourism Hisham Zazou. Among targeted shareholders are international airline operators. The consultant’s findings will be reported within two months, the article added. Plans include the acquisition of a local charter airline to bolster tourism and strengthen safety oversight as establishment of a new company will take longer (nearly two years). The Ministry is in talks with the Ministry of Aviation to acquire Smart Airlines or Air Cairo, both charter airlines, but is awaiting approval from the companies’ boards. The ministry has also been seeking out additional deals with low cost airlines such as easyJet to extend routes to Egypt, the article added. (Al Borsa)