
African Pilot Magazine:
Aircraft

Gogo Galileo HDX Connectivity Option Now Available on Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3
Textron Aviation now offers the Gogo Galileo HDX connectivity option on the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3, delivering global low earth orbit high-speed internet, advanced Garmin avionics, and exceptional performance for business jet passengers and pilots.

Avincis Marks 10 Years of Operations in Mozambique
Avincis celebrates 10 years of offshore helicopter operations in Mozambique, expanding its Leonardo AW139 fleet and supporting key energy projects like Eni’s Coral South FLNG with over 1,000 flight hours in 2024.

FL Technics Becomes Official Channel Partner of Honeywell Aerospace Technologies
FL Technics has been appointed as an official Honeywell Aerospace Technologies channel partner, allowing the company to deliver Honeywell engines and APU products with OEM-certified installation and support for business and general aviation customers worldwide.

Wet Vs. Dry Aircraft Washing: All You Need to Know About Aircraft Cleaning Types
Discover the differences between wet and dry aircraft washing, including water usage, efficiency, and environmental considerations. Learn when to use each method and how robotic systems improve aviation cleaning operations.

Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique Issues Tender for Short-Term Wet Lease of Five Aircraft
Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique invites bids for the short-term wet lease of five aircraft. Submission deadline: 22 August 2025.

FLYGABON Receives First ATR 42-600, Becomes Africa’s Youngest Fleet
FLYGABON has taken delivery of its first ATR 42-600, completing its fleet modernisation and confirming a second aircraft for 2026 delivery.

Airbus Expands its Footprint in Africa with a New Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg
Airbus opens a new Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg, reinforcing its nearly 50-year partnership with Africa’s aviation sector and expanding support for regional operators.

Gabriel Semelas Reaffirms Airbus Commitment to Africa as New Support Centre Opens in Johannesburg
Airbus opens a new Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg as Gabriel Semelas highlights the company’s long-term commitment to Africa’s aviation, defence, and innovation sectors.

Africa’s First H125 Virtual Reality Simulator Enhances Pilot Training in Southern Africa
Airbus Helicopters installs Africa’s first H125 virtual reality simulator in Johannesburg to support advanced pilot training and improve regional aviation safety.

FAA Study Led by Embry-Riddle Warns of Drone Risks to Aircraft
An FAA-backed study by Embry-Riddle warns that drones are often flown above 400 feet, raising safety risks near manned aircraft and heliports.

TotalEnergies, a Pioneer in Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Committed to the Decarbonisation of Air Transport
Total Energies is advancing sustainable aviation by expanding its SAF production across Europe and partnering with key industry players like Airbus and Safran. With plans to produce over 500,000 tonnes of SAF annually by 2028, the company is leading efforts to decarbonise air transport and meet future regulatory mandates.

TAAG Angola Airlines Advances Fleet Modernisation with US EXIM Bank Support
TAAG Angola Airlines advances its fleet modernisation with $297M EXIM Bank financing for Boeing 787-10 aircraft and GE engines, boosting efficiency and sustainability.

AIAAN Cargo Terminal Receives Qatar Airways Cargo Aircraft for the First Time
Qatar Airways Cargo makes its first landing at AIAAN, delivering 97 tonnes of oil industry cargo from Shanghai, strengthening Angola's logistics hub.

Vaisala Next-Generation Helideck Monitoring Software To Optimise Offshore Operations
Discover Vaisala’s next-generation Elements Helideck Monitoring Software, now featuring lidar wind profiling, lightning detection, and real-time forecasting to enhance offshore safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Insect Season: An Overlooked Threat to Aircraft Efficiency
Insect buildup on aircraft surfaces during warmer months can raise fuel consumption by up to 4.4%. Discover how robotic cleaning is helping airlines combat this hidden threat.

Cirrus Invests $13M to Expand Grand Forks Manufacturing Facility
Cirrus is investing $13 million to expand its Grand Forks facility by 30,000 sq ft, supporting increased production of the SR Series and Vision Jet, with new jobs and capabilities coming by 2026.

VoltAero’s HPU 210 Hybrid Power Unit
VoltAero unveils its HPU 210 hybrid power unit at EAA AirVenture, opening reservations for light aircraft propulsion slots. First U.S. appearance announced.

ATS Continues Growth Through Q2 With Expansion of Client Base and Regulatory Approvals
ATS Group continues its 2025 growth with new regulatory approvals, key leadership appointments, and international maintenance agreements with Ethiopian Airlines and AJet, strengthening its presence across the Middle East and Africa.

AIC 18.19 Task Team Update 6
The AIC 18.19 Task Team has filed an urgent interdict after SACAA failed to respond to concerns over changes to engine regulations. The move follows missed deadlines, a lack of consultation, and growing concern for general aviation safety and sustainability in South Africa.
Rotortrade: Shifting Landscape of Helicopter Sales
Following the release of the Rotortrade Global Helicopter Market Report 2024–2025, CEO Philippe Lubrano shares insights on financing trends, fleet shortages, and global expansion strategies as demand outpaces supply across regions like Africa and South America.

PBS Unveils Its Most Powerful Jet Engine to Date, the TJ200
PBS GROUP has unveiled its most powerful jet engine to date, the PBS TJ200, at the Paris Air Show. Designed for high-performance unmanned systems and marine applications, the TJ200 features advanced FADEC control, seawater resistance, and a compact footprint, marking a major innovation in aerospace propulsion.

Avia Solutions Group to Complete One of the World’s First Boeing 777-300ER Passenger-to-Freighter Conversions
Avia Solutions Group, through AviaAM Leasing, is completing one of the world’s first Boeing 777-300ER passenger-to-freighter conversions in partnership with Mammoth Freighters, marking a significant milestone in the global cargo aviation market.

TBO Increase to 3600 Hours or 6 Years for the Silent-7 MT Propeller Series
MT-Propeller has increased the TBO of its Silent-7 propeller series to 3,600 hours or 6 years, following outstanding inspection results. This upgrade highlights the durability and performance of MT's 7-bladed composite propellers, used on aircraft such as the Pilatus PC-12 and King Air 350.

Engineered Fluids Partners With Dovetail Electric Aviation to Develop Immersion-Cooled Batteries for Electric Aircraft
Engineered Fluids and Dovetail Electric Aviation collaborate to develop an advanced immersion-cooled battery system for electric aircraft, using AmpCool technology to improve safety, performance, and thermal stability in zero-emission aviation.

AELF Completes $31 Million Financing With Absa Bank Group
AELF secures $31 million in financing with Absa Bank Group for an A330-300 leased to South African Airways, expanding its aviation finance portfolio.
ECT Aviation Launches Time-Critical Cargo Routes with the BN2T-4S Islander
ECT Aviation launches high-frequency cargo routes to North Africa using the BN2T-4S Islander, targeting underserved regions with STOL capabilities.

Air Algérie Places Major Order for 16 New ATR 72-600s
Air Algérie orders 16 ATR 72-600s and Africa’s first ATR 72-600 simulator, strengthening regional connectivity and pilot training capacity in Algeria.

VÆRIDION and AURA AERO Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance Electric Flight
VÆRIDION and AURA AERO have announced a strategic partnership at the Paris Air Show to accelerate the development of electric conventional take-off and landing (eCTOL) aircraft. The collaboration aims to advance sustainable aviation technologies and support the transition to zero-emission regional flight in Europe.
