
African Pilot Magazine:
Aircraft

Belgian Defense Selects PC-7 MKX for Its Basic Flight Training
Belgium has selected the Pilatus PC-7 MKX Training System for its new basic flight training solution, ordering 18 aircraft with a fully integrated ground-based training system under a 20-year service contract.

Gulfstream Fleet Surpasses 3 Million Nautical Miles Flown on Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Gulfstream surpasses 3 million nautical miles on SAF as its next-generation aircraft fly to NBAA-BACE 2025, advancing business aviation sustainability.

AirExplore Adds an Additional B737-800 to Its Fleet
AirExplore expands its fleet with a new B737-800 from Aviation Capital Group, strengthening its ACMI operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

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.

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.

Avolon Agrees to Lease Six Boeing 737-8 MAX Aircraft to Royal Air Maroc
Avolon will lease six Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft to Royal Air Maroc, supporting the airline’s growth strategy to become a global connector by 2037.

Robinson Helicopter Company Appoints Glenn W. E. Ford as COO to Accelerate Manufacturing Expansion
Robinson Helicopter Company appoints veteran aviation executive Glenn W. E. Ford as Chief Operations Officer to drive manufacturing efficiency, logistics optimisation, and production expansion for new helicopter models.

Embraer and Mahindra Group Forge Strategic Alliance to Introduce the C-390 Millennium to India
Embraer and Mahindra Group form a strategic alliance to advance the C-390 Millennium for India’s Air Force, reinforcing India–Brazil aerospace collaboration.

IndiGo Places Firm Order for 30 Additional Airbus A350-900 Aircraft
IndiGo finalises a firm order for 30 more Airbus A350-900s, expanding its total to 60 as it prepares for long-haul international operations and global network growth.

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.

EASA STC for Beech B24R and C24R with 3-blade MT-Propeller
MT-Propeller has received EASA STC 10086373 for the installation of the 3-blade constant speed propeller MTV-12-B/188-59( ) on Beech B24R and C24R aircraft powered by the Textron Lycoming IO-360-A1B engine. With advantages such as superior vibration damping, reduced weight, and unlimited blade life, MT-Propellers set the standard in aviation performance and reliability.

Pilatus A Strong Financial Year in 2024 – Marked by Achievements and Challenges
Pilatus achieved strong financial growth in 2024, with increased aircraft sales and strategic investments in sustainability and infrastructure. Discover the latest developments in business and government aviation, including new contracts, innovations, and global expansion.

IADA Welcomes Growth in New Aircraft Deliveries
The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) reports strong growth in new aircraft deliveries in 2024, driving increased activity in the pre-owned business aircraft market. With IADA dealers handling 50% of global pre-owned transactions, the industry sees a dynamic resale market supporting buyers and sellers worldwide.
GE Aerospace T901 Engine Powers Black Hawk for First Time in Successful Ground Runs
GE Aerospace successfully completed initial ground runs of the T901 engine on a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, marking a major milestone in the Improved Turbine Engine Programme. This achievement validates the engine’s performance and reinforces its role in modernising the Army’s helicopter fleet.

ZeroAvia Confirms First Sale of Standalone Electric Propulsion System
ZeroAvia confirms the first sale of its 600kW electric propulsion system to Jetcruzer International, supporting the development of the Jetcruzer 500E hydrogen-electric aircraft. This marks a major step towards sustainable aviation and zero-emission propulsion technology.

Dassault Wins Good Design® Award 2024 For NeXus Flight Deck
Discover Dassault Aviation’s award-winning NeXus flight deck for the Falcon 10X. Combining advanced automation, enhanced safety and refined aesthetics, it sets a new standard in aviation innovation.

Safran Obtains EASA Certification of the First Electric Motor for New Air Mobility
Safran Electrical & Power has achieved a world first with EASA certification for its ENGINeUS 100 electric motor. This breakthrough, following extensive testing, paves the way for advanced hybrid and electric propulsion in aviation.

CAAC Certifies ExecuJet MRO Services Malaysia as an Approved Maintenance Organisation for Falcon Aircraft
ExecuJet MRO Services Malaysia has received CAAC approval to perform line and base maintenance on China-registered Falcon 7X and Falcon 2000EX EASy aircraft, marking a significant milestone in its expansion within the Asian business aviation market.

StandardAero Signs 15-Year CFM LEAP Support Agreement with Major Middle East Airline; Engine Inductions Already Underway
StandardAero signed a 15-year agreement with a major Middle Eastern airline to provide MRO services for CFM International LEAP engines. Its San Antonio facility supports LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines with performance restoration, component repairs, and lease engine support, serving airlines across the globe.
Embraer and Airlink Sign Contract for Collaborative Inventory Planning
Embraer and Airlink have signed a Collaborative Inventory Planning (ECIP) contract to enhance fleet support for 68 Embraer aircraft. Airlink becomes the first African airline to adopt ECIP, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.

TAAG Angola Airlines Takes Delivery of Its First Boeing 787 Dreamliner
TAAG Angola Airlines has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner, marking a major step in fleet modernization. The fuel-efficient aircraft will support network expansion in Europe, Asia, and North America while enhancing passenger experience and sustainability efforts.

Ampaire Made History with First Hybrid Electric Flight To Long Beach Airport
Ampaire made history with the first-ever hybrid electric aircraft landing at Long Beach Airport, marking a significant step in sustainable aviation. Discover how this milestone advances eco-friendly air travel and supports global sustainability goals.

Advantages of Automated Aircraft Exterior Cleaning Solutions
Automated aircraft exterior cleaning solutions reduce fuel consumption, operational costs, and environmental impact while improving safety and efficiency. Innovations like Nordic Dino’s robotic cleaning system cut aircraft washing time by up to 80%, saving water and optimising maintenance processes.

Will Boeing’s New 777X Change the Face of Commercial Aviation?
Discover how Boeing’s new 777X is set to change the face of commercial aviation with cutting-edge technology, unmatched fuel efficiency, and enhanced passenger experience.

Piper Aircraft Announces Fleet Agreement with FTEJerez
Piper Aircraft has announced a fleet agreement with FTEJerez, acquiring 20 new Piper Archer DX aircraft. This expansion enhances FTEJerez’s training capabilities, reinforcing its position as a leader in professional pilot training and airline partnerships.


