
African Pilot Magazine:
Aircraft

Africa Leads Global Aviation Growth, but Structural Constraints Continue to Undermine Sustainability
African aviation leads global passenger and cargo growth, but profitability, high costs, safety gaps and policy failures continue to undermine sustainability.

Angola’s Aviation Reforms Show Progress
Angola’s aviation sector is undergoing structural reform, strengthened oversight and major infrastructure upgrades that support improved safety and continental connectivity.

Rotortrade Delivers Two Airbus H145 D3 Helicopters to SAF Helicopters
Rotortrade has delivered two Airbus H145 D3 helicopters to SAF Hélicoptères for EMS operations in Catalonia, completing a time-sensitive acquisition and delivery process within two months.

Hi Fly Achieves Another First: Airbus A330 Lands in Antarctica
Hi Fly has completed the first-ever Airbus A330 landing in Antarctica at Wolf’s Fang Runway, marking a new milestone in polar aviation and expanding sustainable long-range operations.

EgyptAir Maintenance & Engineering Invests in Operational Excellence with Boeing Tailored Parts Package
EgyptAir Maintenance & Engineering has signed a Tailored Parts Package agreement with Boeing to secure reliable, cost-efficient access to critical spare parts, improving MRO operations and fleet availability.

Hi Fly Achieves Another First: Airbus A330 Lands in Antarctica
Hi Fly has completed the first-ever Airbus A330 landing in Antarctica at Wolf’s Fang Runway, marking a new milestone in polar aviation and expanding sustainable long-range operations.

EgyptAir Maintenance & Engineering Invests in Operational Excellence with Boeing Tailored Parts Package
EgyptAir Maintenance & Engineering has signed a Tailored Parts Package agreement with Boeing to secure reliable, cost-efficient access to critical spare parts, improving MRO operations and fleet availability.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Eight for Eight: Gulfstream G800 Achieves Eighth City-Pair Speed Record en Route to Dubai Airshow
Gulfstream’s newly certified G800 has secured its eighth city-pair speed record en route to Dubai Airshow 2025, reinforcing its position as the world’s longest-range business aircraft.

TAAG Angola Airlines on Strengthening African Aviation: Insights from the Luanda Financing Summit
TAAG Chairman Clóvis Martins Rosa outlines how African airlines can strengthen their position under SAATM, highlighting consolidation, infrastructure investment, fleet renewal and the need for trust and financing at the Luanda Financing Summit.

