
African Pilot Magazine:
Aircraft

The Value of Helicopters in Flood Response
Flood disasters reveal the unique value of helicopters in humanitarian response, medical evacuation and access when roads, power and communications fail.

Africa Leads Global Aviation Growth, but Structural Constraints Continue to Undermine Sustainability
African aviation leads global passenger and cargo growth, but profitability, high costs, safety gaps and policy failures continue to undermine sustainability.

Tecnam Announces the P2008JC NG
Tecnam introduces the P2008JC NG, a CS-23 certified trainer combining hybrid construction, fuel-injected efficiency and modern avionics for flight schools.

Advancing Helicopter Emergency Medical Services in Africa
Africa’s first HEMS Symposium examines emergency medical helicopter operations, training, governance, and Airbus Helicopters’ role in advancing care by air.

Boeing: Africa’s Rising Passenger Air Traffic will spur Region’s Fleet to more than Double by 2044
Boeing forecasts 6% annual passenger traffic growth in Africa, with the region’s commercial aircraft fleet set to more than double by 2044.

Angola’s Aviation Reforms Show Progress
Angola’s aviation sector is undergoing structural reform, strengthened oversight and major infrastructure upgrades that support improved safety and continental connectivity.

Rotortrade Delivers Two Airbus H145 D3 Helicopters to SAF Helicopters
Rotortrade has delivered two Airbus H145 D3 helicopters to SAF Hélicoptères for EMS operations in Catalonia, completing a time-sensitive acquisition and delivery process within two months.

Hi Fly Achieves Another First: Airbus A330 Lands in Antarctica
Hi Fly has completed the first-ever Airbus A330 landing in Antarctica at Wolf’s Fang Runway, marking a new milestone in polar aviation and expanding sustainable long-range operations.

EgyptAir Maintenance & Engineering Invests in Operational Excellence with Boeing Tailored Parts Package
EgyptAir Maintenance & Engineering has signed a Tailored Parts Package agreement with Boeing to secure reliable, cost-efficient access to critical spare parts, improving MRO operations and fleet availability.

Kenya Airways boosts 787 fleet reliability with Boeing Airplane Health Management
Kenya Airways has extended its agreement with Boeing to use the Airplane Health Management system, enhancing predictive maintenance and improving fleet reliability for its 787 Dreamliner operations.

Air Turbulence: Why Awareness and Communication Are Now Critical to Safety
Global air turbulence-related injuries are rising. This article highlights why turbulence is difficult to predict and outlines key mitigation strategies for pilots, crew, and passengers.

Airlink Unveiled Skybucks-Liveried ERJ135 from New Polokwane Paint Facility
Airlink has rolled out its first Skybucks-liveried ERJ135 from its new Polokwane paint facility, with the aircraft entering service after an 18-day repaint completed by a six-person team.

Belgian Defense Selects PC-7 MKX for Its Basic Flight Training
Belgium has selected the Pilatus PC-7 MKX Training System for its new basic flight training solution, ordering 18 aircraft with a fully integrated ground-based training system under a 20-year service contract.

New Super-Midsize Gulfstream G300 Takes Flight
Gulfstream’s new G300 has completed its first flight, officially launching the aircraft’s test programme and setting a new benchmark in the super-midsize segment with advanced technology, long range and a spacious cabin.

Embraer Develops Artificial Intelligence Solution to Increase Data-Driven Operational Efficiency
Embraer and Aquarela Analytics have developed Smart Planning, an AI-based solution that improves inventory management, enhances supply chain integration and increases data-driven operational efficiency.

Opinion Piece: Building Africa’s Next Industrial Frontier, The Role of Sustainable Aviation Fuels
Boeing’s Henok Teferra Shawl outlines how sustainable aviation fuel production can reduce costs for African airlines, create skilled jobs and build competitive local industries while supporting aviation decarbonisation.

Botswana Eyes Aviation Expansion to Support Economic Transformation Agenda
Botswana is prioritising aviation modernisation to boost tourism, trade and investment under its Economic Transformation Programme, with new cargo, PPP and infrastructure initiatives shaping long-term growth.

Airbus Updates 2025 Commercial Aircraft Delivery Target, Maintains Financial Guidance
Airbus has revised its 2025 delivery target to around 790 commercial aircraft due to a supplier quality issue affecting A320 Family fuselage panels while maintaining its financial outlook for the year.

Airbus Update On A320 Family Precautionary Fleet Action
Airbus has issued an update on precautionary measures for the A320 Family fleet following data corruption risks linked to solar radiation, with operators instructed to implement protective actions.

ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa Strengthens its Regional Presence with Renewed US FAA and African Approvals
ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa has renewed its FAA and multiple African civil aviation approvals, reinforcing its position as Africa’s largest business aviation MRO and expanding capabilities at Lanseria International Airport.

Mozambique Launches Public Consultation on 20-Year Civil Aviation Master Plan as Government Targets Systemic Reform
Mozambique has opened public consultations on its Civil Aviation Master Plan 2026–2045, with government calling for systemic reform to address infrastructure gaps, market dysfunction and long-standing aviation sector challenges.

Business Aviation Reaches a Higher Plateau: The Findings of the 2025–2029 Global Jet Forecast
The 2025–2029 business jet market forecast shows steady growth in new and pre-owned aircraft. Explore global trends, rising heavy jet demand, and Africa’s aviation outlook.

Mozambique Outlines LAM Restructuring Measures as Government Addresses Parliament
Mozambique’s Government outlines LAM restructuring measures, new shareholder structure, fleet acquisition plans and aviation sector reforms aimed at reducing costs, improving efficiency and expanding market openness.
Zambia Flying Doctor Service Issues Tender for Aircraft Repairs and Spare Parts under Two-Year Framework Agreement
The Zambia Flying Doctor Service has issued a tender for aircraft repairs, spare parts, tools and equipment under a two-year Framework Agreement, supporting maintenance of its fixed-wing and rotary fleet. Submission deadline: 9 December 2025.
Boeing: New Supply Model Means Faster Delivery of Aircraft Parts
Boeing and the US Defence Logistics Agency trial a new Rapid Delivery Release model that shortens proposal-to-award cycles and accelerates delivery of critical aircraft parts.

Bell 505 Achieves Over 700 Flight Hours with Blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Bell and Safran Helicopter Engines report more than 700 flight hours on blended SAF with the Bell 505, demonstrating strong engine operability and advancing sustainable helicopter operations.

Embraer Celebrates Delivery of 1,700th Ipanema Cropduster
Embraer delivers its 1,700th Ipanema cropduster, an ethanol-powered aircraft with 60 percent market share, known for high productivity, precision spraying and low operating costs.

Morocco Orders Ten Airbus H225M Helicopters
Morocco has ordered ten Airbus H225M helicopters to replace its ageing Puma fleet and enhance combat search and rescue capability. The agreement includes support services and strengthens Airbus’s growing footprint in Morocco.


