
African Pilot Magazine:
Aircraft

New Super-Midsize Gulfstream G300 Takes Flight
Gulfstream’s new G300 has completed its first flight, officially launching the aircraft’s test programme and setting a new benchmark in the super-midsize segment with advanced technology, long range and a spacious cabin.

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.

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.

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.

GE Aerospace Selects AerCap to Provide Lease Pool Management Services for GE9X Engine
GE Aerospace has signed a seven-year agreement with AerCap to manage lease pool services for the GE9X engine, extending their long-standing partnership across multiple GE engine platforms.

LAM Mozambique Airlines Acquires De Havilland Q400 to Strengthen Fleet Stability
LAM has acquired a De Havilland Q400, marking a strategic step towards fleet ownership, financial stability, and sustainable domestic operations.

Airbus Streamlines Its Tactical Uncrewed Aerial System Offering
Airbus consolidates its tactical uncrewed aerial systems, creating a unified portfolio under Airbus Helicopters to enhance defence and security capabilities.

Lockheed Martin and Belgium Celebrate Arrival of First Belgian F-35 Aircraft
Belgium’s first F-35A Lightning II has arrived at Florennes Air Base. Lockheed Martin and the Belgian Air Force mark a new era of advanced air defence and allied cooperation.

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.

The Passion of Dominik Motoła
Dominik Motoła is a rising star in aviation, excelling in airshows, aircraft maintenance, and engineering. His expertise with Rotax engines and his BushCat Demo Team performances showcase precision, reliability, and innovation in flight.

Qatar Executive Expands Fleet with Two Additional Gulfstream G700 Aircraft
Qatar Executive announces the delivery of two Gulfstream G700 aircraft, expanding its fleet to 24. These advanced jets, offering superior comfort, performance, and long-range capabilities, enhance the company's luxury private aviation services.

Spain Orders 25 Additional Eurofighter Aircraft
Spain has ordered 25 additional Eurofighter aircraft under the Halcón II programme to replace part of its ageing F-18 fleet. This acquisition strengthens Spain’s air-power capabilities, reinforces its role in NATO, and supports its aerospace industry.

Daher Aircraft Delivers the First TBM 960 “Birddog” Aeroplanes to Conair in Support of Wildfire Air Attack Missions
Daher Aircraft has delivered the first TBM 960 “birddog” aircraft to Conair Group for wildfire air attack operations. The high-performance turboprop aircraft will support aerial firefighting missions, offering advanced technology, superior safety features, and enhanced situational awareness.

Hartzell Debuts Carbon Voyager Propellers Optimised for Cessna Skywagons
Hartzell Propeller introduces the Carbon Voyager, a lightweight carbon fibre composite propeller optimised for the Cessna Skywagon fleet. With improved performance, durability, and weight reduction, it represents the next evolution in aircraft propeller technology.

