
African Pilot Magazine:
Aircraft

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Airbus Unveils HTeaming, Its Modular Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming System
Airbus Helicopters unveils HTeaming, a modular crewed-uncrewed teaming system allowing helicopter crews to control drones mid-flight. The system will debut at the 2025 Paris Air Show and become available to operators from 2026.

Air Niugini Expands A220 Fleet as Flagship Jet Nears Completion
Air Niugini expands its Airbus A220 fleet with two new aircraft, boosting efficiency, comfort, and sustainability in its regional operations.

Rolls-Royce launches Durability Enhancement Package that will double Trent 1000 Time-on-Wing
Rolls-Royce has launched a Durability Enhancement Package for the Trent 1000 engine, doubling its Time on Wing and improving reliability. The upgrade, already proven in the Trent 7000, reflects Rolls-Royce’s transformation into a competitive, resilient aerospace leader.

Embraer Highlights Potential for Intra-African Air Connectivity Growth
Embraer has published a report on the untapped potential to enhance intra-African air connectivity. The comprehensive study underscores the critical role of improved air travel in driving economic growth and development across Africa, identifying 45 unserved routes with strong potential for direct flights.

Liberia to Launch Five Commercial Aircraft Through Partnership with Korean Firm
Liberia's Ministry of Transport has partnered with Korea’s MAKE Group to introduce five commercial aircraft and upgrade Roberts International Airport, marking a major step toward strengthening domestic air travel and regional aviation standards.

Airbus A330-900neo “Aapravasi Ghat” Returns to Mauritius After an Extended Maintenance Visit
Air Mauritius’ Airbus A330-900neo, Aapravasi Ghat, has returned to Mauritius after a three-month maintenance visit in Naples, complete with a renewed Airworthiness Review Certificate and scheduled inspections before re-entering commercial service.
FlyMachine is Reinventing Aircraft Refurbishment. One 3D Render at a Time
Discover how FlyMachine is revolutionising aircraft refurbishment through cutting-edge 3D modelling, eliminating costly surprises and transforming the client experience from concept to completion.

Cessna SkyCourier Marks Five Years of Versatile Performance
Textron Aviation’s Cessna SkyCourier marks five years since its maiden flight, proving itself a versatile, high-performing turboprop for cargo, passenger, and special mission operations across challenging environments worldwide.

Textron Aviation to Deliver Up to 12 New Citation Jets to Mexico’s Leading Business Aviation Operator
Textron Aviation secures a fleet order from Aerolíneas Ejecutivas for up to 12 Cessna Citation business jets, including Citation Latitude, CJ3 Gen2, and CJ3 Gen3 models, to be delivered from 2026 for MexJet’s fractional ownership operations.

Hartzell Engine Tech Acquires E-MAG Manufacturers of Electronic Ignition Systems
Hartzell Engine Tech, a Signia Aerospace Company, has acquired E-MAG, known for its lightweight electronic ignition systems. The move aims to bring certified, self-powering ignition solutions to the general aviation market.
Gulfstream Delivers 50th G700
Gulfstream Aerospace celebrates the delivery of its 50th G700 business jet, marking a major milestone in the programme’s development. The aircraft features a spacious, customisable cabin and sets industry benchmarks in speed, comfort, and innovation.

Cirrus Announces SR Series G7+ Featuring Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland
Discover the Cirrus SR Series G7+, the world’s first single-engine piston aircraft equipped with FAA-approved Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland, delivering unprecedented safety, automation, and innovation to personal aviation.

KC-390 Millennium: Embraer’s Multi-Mission Tanker Gains Ground Globally
Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium is gaining traction globally as a modern, multi-mission tanker and airlifter. With operational capability and a growing list of international operators, it’s redefining tactical airlift and aerial refuelling.

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.

