
African Pilot Magazine:
Aircraft

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.

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.

Emirates Group Achieves Record Half-Year Profit for 2025–26, Maintains Position as the World’s Most Profitable Airline
Emirates Group posts record half-year profit of AED 12.2 billion (US$ 3.3 billion) for 2025–26. Emirates Airline and dnata both achieve double-digit profit growth, reflecting strong global travel demand and operational excellence.

Nigeria’s Aviation Sector Stands at a Pivotal Crossroad, Poised for Transformative Advancement – Keyamo
Festus Keyamo highlights Nigeria’s aviation reforms and global partnerships driving infrastructure upgrades and competitiveness in Africa’s air transport market.

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.

Botswana’s NDP 12 Prioritises Aviation Reform and Infrastructure Development
Botswana’s NDP 12 outlines aviation reforms, airport upgrades, and Air Botswana’s turnaround to strengthen the nation’s position as a regional aviation hub.

Diamond Aircraft Reintroduces the Beloved DA20i Katana to European Production
Diamond Aircraft resumes European production of the DA20i Katana in Austria, featuring a Rotax 912 iSc3 Sport engine and Garmin G500TXi glass cockpit.

South Africa General Aviation: Industry Deliberating the Way Forward After Judgment on 12-Year Engine Rule
The AIC 18.19 Task Team met to assess the legal implications of the 12-year engine rule judgment and to define a phased strategy for the South African aviation industry.
Bell Textron Announces Letters of Intent to Explore Significant Cooperation with Ukraine
Bell Textron has signed Letters of Intent with Ukraine to explore cooperation on potential procurement of AH-1Z and UH-1Y aircraft under a U.S. FMS programme.

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.

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.

Safran Arriel Engine Selected to Power New Robinson R88 Helicopter
Safran Helicopter Engines partners with Robinson Helicopter Company to power the new R88 with the Arriel 2W engine. This collaboration enhances performance, reliability, and maintenance support for light helicopters worldwide.

Robinson Helicopters has Launched its First Design in 15 Years and It’s the Biggest Ever
Robinson Helicopters unveils the R88, its first new design in 15 years and its largest helicopter ever. Designed for executive transport, firefighting, and utility operations, the R88 challenges industry norms with a powerful Safran Arriel 2W engine, advanced avionics, and an adaptable 10-seat configuration.

Blackhawk Aerospace Receives FAA STC Approval for the XP67A Engine+ Upgrade on Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion® Equipped King Airs
Blackhawk Aerospace has received FAA STC approval for the XP67A Engine+ Upgrade on Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion-equipped King Air 350i and 360 aircraft. This upgrade enhances performance, fuel efficiency, and avionics integration. Learn more about the benefits and compatibility.

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.


