
African Pilot Magazine:
Aircraft

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.

Emirates to Roll Out Next Phase of Fleet Retrofit Programme, with 111 Aircraft Set for Next-Level Enhancements
Emirates begins the next phase of its major fleet retrofit, upgrading 111 aircraft with new cabins, advanced entertainment, and Starlink connectivity.

Buraq Air to Become New Airbus Customer with a Commitment for 10 A320neo Family
Buraq Air has signed an MoU for 10 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, supporting the airline’s fleet modernisation and strengthening its partnership with Medsky Airways.

Milan Aircraft Unveils Project for First Truly Practical Electric Trainer Aircraft
Milan Aircraft unveils its clean-sheet electric trainer, offering practical range, modern design, and a major step forward in sustainable pilot training.

JEKTA and Tahseen Sign LOI to Collaborate on and Assess Potential for Amphibious Operations in the GCC
JEKTA and Tahseen Aviation sign an LOI to explore sustainable amphibious aviation operations across the GCC, Africa and Asia.

Air Côte d’Ivoire Orders Four Embraer E175s to Boost Regional Connectivity
Air Côte d’Ivoire has ordered four Embraer E175 aircraft with eight additional purchase rights, supporting fleet modernisation, regional expansion and improved connectivity through the Abidjan hub. Deliveries begin in 2027.

Ethiopian Airlines Leases Two ATR 72-600 for Air Congo Operations
Ethiopian Airlines will lease two new ATR 72-600 aircraft for Air Congo, strengthening regional connectivity in the DRC and expanding ATR’s footprint in Africa. Deliveries begin February 2026.

Ethiopian Airlines Commits to Order 11 Boeing 737 MAX Airplanes
Ethiopian Airlines has committed to purchase 11 additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, strengthening its African hub, expanding regional and international routes, and reinforcing its long-standing partnership with Boeing.

Embraer and Airlink Expand Partnership with Component Pool Program for E2 Jets
Embraer and Airlink have expanded their partnership with a Component Pool Program agreement covering ten new E195-E2 jets, extending support to 78 aircraft and enhancing operational reliability.

IATA and Oliver Wyman Sound the Alarm on Reviving the Commercial Aircraft Supply Chain
IATA and Oliver Wyman expose $11 billion in costs from global aircraft supply chain delays, urging collaboration, transparency, and industry reform.

ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa Completes ADS-B Installations on Various Business Jets
ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa has completed ADS-B upgrades across several business jet platforms, supporting SACAA compliance and enhancing aviation safety and tracking capability.

Rolls-Royce Powers Air Algérie’s New Era of Growth with the A330neo
Air Algérie has taken delivery of its first A330neo, powered exclusively by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, marking the start of a major fleet renewal programme through 2027.

Emirates to Launch Third Daily Service to Nairobi, Helping Unlock Inbound Tourism Growth
Emirates will add a third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi from March 2026, expanding to 21 weekly services and strengthening connectivity to support Kenya’s tourism ambitions.

KC-390 Millennium and Gripen E Successfully Complete Refuelling Certification Flights
Embraer and Saab, together with the Brazilian Air Force, have completed in-flight refuelling certification flights between the KC-390 Millennium and Gripen E, advancing operational integration and international capability.

Eight for Eight: Gulfstream G800 Achieves Eighth City-Pair Speed Record en Route to Dubai Airshow
Gulfstream’s newly certified G800 has secured its eighth city-pair speed record en route to Dubai Airshow 2025, reinforcing its position as the world’s longest-range business aircraft.

TAAG Angola Airlines on Strengthening African Aviation: Insights from the Luanda Financing Summit
TAAG Chairman Clóvis Martins Rosa outlines how African airlines can strengthen their position under SAATM, highlighting consolidation, infrastructure investment, fleet renewal and the need for trust and financing at the Luanda Financing Summit.

Air Algérie Takes Delivery of Its First Airbus A330neo
Air Algérie has received its first A330-900, beginning a major long-haul fleet modernisation programme and positioning the airline as Africa’s largest A330neo operator.

Bell at the Forefront of Vertical Innovation: Ready for the Dubai Airshow
Bell returns to Dubai Airshow showcasing the Bell 505 and SUBARU Bell 412EPX, reinforcing its long-term commitment to operators across the Middle East and Africa.

SAATM: Morocco Highlights Long-Term Vision for Sustainable Aviation Growth and Infrastructure Integration at Luanda Finance Summit
At the Luanda Summit, Morocco outlined its long-term aviation vision focused on infrastructure, liberalisation, and regional integration under SAATM.

FlySafair Unveils Protea Livery Designed by 22-Year-Old South African Student
FlySafair and Cricket South Africa unveil a Protea-themed aircraft livery by 22-year-old Dinika Naidu, marking one year of their national partnership.

