
African Pilot Magazine:
Aircraft

Embraer Develops Artificial Intelligence Solution to Increase Data-Driven Operational Efficiency
Embraer and Aquarela Analytics have developed Smart Planning, an AI-based solution that improves inventory management, enhances supply chain integration and increases data-driven operational efficiency.

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.

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.

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.

Blackhawk Group Completes First Garmin G1000 NXi Autothrottle and Autoland Installation for King Air 350
Blackhawk completes the first Garmin G1000 NXi Autothrottle and Autoland installation for the King Air 350, advancing cockpit automation and safety.

Safran Strengthens Its Industrial Footprint in Morocco to Support Growth in Global Air Traffic
Safran expands in Morocco with new LEAP MRO and assembly facilities, investing €350m to boost aerospace capacity and create over 2,000 jobs by 2030.

Supply Chain Challenges Could Cost Airlines More Than $11 Billion in 2025
IATA and Oliver Wyman warn that aircraft supply chain delays could cost airlines $11 billion in 2025, driven by fuel, maintenance, leasing, and inventory costs.

Mauritania Airlines Selects StandardAero for LEAP-1B and CFM56-7B Engine Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Support
StandardAero will provide CFM56-7B and LEAP-1B engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for Mauritania Airlines’ Boeing 737 fleet.

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.


