
African Pilot Magazine:
Aircraft

Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 Ushers in 15 Years of Cutting-Edge Aviation Advancements and Technology
Celebrating 15 years of excellence, the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 sets new standards in the light jet segment with advanced Garmin avionics, industry-leading efficiency, and single-pilot certification.

Airbus signs definitive agreement with Spirit AeroSystems
Airbus has signed a definitive agreement with Spirit AeroSystems to acquire key industrial assets supporting its A220, A320, and A350 programmes, aiming to ensure supply chain stability and operational sustainability.
Diamond Aircraft Teams Up with Austrian Research Institutes to Explore Hybrid Hydrogen-Electric Aircraft Propulsion
Diamond Aircraft and leading Austrian research institutes are developing a hybrid hydrogen-electric testbed for General Aviation, advancing zero-emission propulsion, digital systems, and sustainable aviation technologies.

Ipanema 203: Ethanol-Powered Leader in Agricultural Aviation
Embraer’s Ipanema 203 is a market-leading ethanol-powered agricultural aircraft, offering high-precision aerial spraying, sustainable biofuel performance, and cost-effective crop dusting for modern farming.

Embraer Develops its Supply Chain in Morocco
Embraer has strengthened ties with Morocco’s aerospace sector following a high-level visit and a Memorandum of Understanding to explore joint projects, aiming to integrate Moroccan suppliers into its global supply chain and expand cooperation across aviation, defence, and urban air mobility.
United Invests in Next Generation Blended Wing Aircraft Start-Up JetZero
United Airlines has invested in aviation start-up JetZero to advance the development of its next-generation blended wing body aircraft, the Z4, with the potential to boost fuel efficiency by up to 50% and enhance the passenger experience. A conditional agreement could see United purchasing up to 200 aircraft.

First Airbus A330 MRTT for the Spanish Air and Space Force Enters Into Service
The Spanish Air and Space Force has inducted its first Airbus A330 MRTT into service. The aircraft offers enhanced refuelling, transport, and MEDEVAC capabilities, strengthening Spain’s aerial operations and strategic autonomy.

Bucher to Supply Galley Solutions for Ethiopian Airlines’ Next-Generation Boeing 777-9 Fleet
Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with Bucher to supply advanced galley systems for its new Boeing 777-9 fleet. Announced at AIX Hamburg, the collaboration focuses on enhancing cabin functionality and passenger comfort through innovative interior solutions.

INTEGRAL E Continues Its Test Campaign and Performs Its First Inverted Flight, a Major Step in the Certification Process of the First All-Electric Aerobatic Aircraft
AURA AERO’s INTEGRAL E, the world’s first all-electric aerobatic aircraft, has completed its first inverted flight. This major certification milestone confirms its reliability and advances the decarbonisation of light aviation with an expected service entry in 2026.

Gulfstream G800 Earns FAA and EASA Certifications
Gulfstream’s G800 has received FAA and EASA certification, confirming its status as the world’s longest-range business jet. The aircraft features enhanced speed, range, and fuel efficiency, plus industry-leading cabin comfort and design innovations.

BOC Aviation Orders 70 A320neo Family Aircraft
BOC Aviation has placed a firm order for 70 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, marking its largest-ever order backlog with Airbus and reinforcing demand for fuel-efficient, next-generation single-aisle jets.

Airbus Showcases Hydrogen Aircraft Technologies During Its 2025 Airbus Summit
Airbus highlights its progress in hydrogen-powered aircraft at the 2025 Airbus Summit, presenting updated plans for a next-generation single-aisle aircraft and showcasing key technologies from its revised ZEROe project.

Cessna Caravan Celebrates 40 Years of Adventures as One of the Most Versatile Aircraft in the Industry
Textron Aviation has announced that the company is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Cessna Caravan single-engine utility turboprop with customers throughout the year, recognising its growth and popularity throughout the world during the past four decades. The Cessna Caravan is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company. “Customers continue…

Air Methods Expands Its Fleet with Airbus, Including H140 Helicopters
Air Methods expands its fleet with new Airbus helicopters, including the H140, H125, and H135, enhancing air medical transport capabilities. Learn more about the latest innovations in emergency medical aviation.

Boom’s Pursuit of Civil Supersonic Flight Prompts New International Standards
Boom Supersonic advances global supersonic travel with support from ICAO and FAA, leading to new international noise standards. Discover how Boom’s Overture aircraft and XB-1 demonstrator are paving the way for quiet, fast, and sustainable civil aviation.

Embraer and Denel sign MoU to cooperate on the KC- 390 Millennium
Embraer and Denel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore collaboration on the KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, focusing on manufacturing and MRO activities to enhance strategic airlift capabilities in Africa.

Next-Gen Island Hopping: New Tecnam P2012 STOL Joins Inselflieger’s Fleet
Tecnam delivers the P2012 STOL to Inselflieger, enhancing air connectivity to the Frisian Islands with superior Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) performance, improved passenger comfort, and advanced avionics.

Embraer Conducts Structural Wing Test for New Technologies Demonstration Platform
Embraer has successfully completed structural fatigue tests of the wing for its New Technologies Demonstration Platform (PDNT). Supported by Finep and MCTI, the project advances sustainable aviation and strengthens Brazil’s aviation industry.

The Most Advanced Single Has Landed: Introducing the Pilatus PC-12 PRO
Discover the Pilatus PC-12 PRO, the most technologically advanced single-engine turboprop aircraft. Featuring a redesigned cockpit with the Garmin G3000 PRIME, cutting-edge safety functions like Autoland, and a modern, high-tech cabin, the PC-12 PRO sets new standards in performance, efficiency, and reliability.

New Emirati Company Sama Aviation Invests in Diamond DA40
Sama Aviation, an offshoot of Jazirah Aviation Club, has acquired its first Diamond DA40 for ab-initio pilot training in the UAE. Learn more about this state-of-the-art aircraft and its impact on flight training.

What is the Most Popular Turboprop in Africa?
Discover why the Cessna Grand Caravan 208 is the most popular turboprop in Africa. Explore its versatility, reliability, and impact on regional connectivity, economic development, and remote transportation across the continent.

ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa Completes its First Gearbox Replacement on Challenger 604
ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa has successfully completed its first engine accessory gearbox (AGB) replacement on a Bombardier Challenger 604, reducing aircraft downtime with on-wing maintenance.

Airbus A321XLR with Pratt & Whitney Engine Receives EASA Type Certification
The Airbus A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines has received its Type Certificate from EASA, following the certification of the CFM LEAP-1A variant. Discover how this game-changing aircraft is enhancing fuel efficiency, expanding airline route flexibility, and delivering long-haul comfort.

Bombardier’s Global 8000: The Fastest Civil Aircraft Since the Concorde
Discover the Bombardier Global 8000, the fastest civil aircraft since the Concorde. With a top speed of Mach 0.94, an ultra-long range of 8,000 nautical miles, and cutting-edge luxury, this jet redefines business aviation. Explore its unmatched speed, performance, and sustainability features.

Embraer Phenom 300 Series Named World’s Best-Selling Light Jet for 13th Consecutive Year
Embraer’s Phenom 300 series has been named the world’s best-selling and most delivered light jet for the 13th consecutive year, according to GAMA. With over 830 aircraft in operation across 40 countries, the Phenom 300E continues to set the benchmark in business aviation with industry-leading performance, technology, and reliability.

Final Gulfstream G650 Completes Production
Gulfstream Aerospace announces the final production of the iconic Gulfstream G650, marking the end of an era in business aviation. With over 1 million flight hours and 125+ world records, the G650 has set new standards in performance, luxury, and innovation. Discover the future of private aviation with the ultralong-range Gulfstream G800.

DAE Delivers Boeing 737-800 to Kenya Airways, Marking 20 Years of Partnership
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) delivers a Boeing 737-800 to Kenya Airways, celebrating 20 years of partnership. The new aircraft supports fleet expansion and regional travel growth.

Thinking of Private Aircraft Chartering? Choosing Between Jets vs. Turboprops
Choosing between a private jet and a turboprop for your next charter? Explore the differences in luxury, range, and versatility to determine the best aircraft for your travel needs.
