
African Pilot Magazine:
Aircraft

Textron Aviation to Deliver Up to 12 New Citation Jets to Mexico’s Leading Business Aviation Operator
Textron Aviation secures a fleet order from Aerolíneas Ejecutivas for up to 12 Cessna Citation business jets, including Citation Latitude, CJ3 Gen2, and CJ3 Gen3 models, to be delivered from 2026 for MexJet’s fractional ownership operations.

KC-390 Millennium: Embraer’s Multi-Mission Tanker Gains Ground Globally
Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium is gaining traction globally as a modern, multi-mission tanker and airlifter. With operational capability and a growing list of international operators, it’s redefining tactical airlift and aerial refuelling.

Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 Ushers in 15 Years of Cutting-Edge Aviation Advancements and Technology
Celebrating 15 years of excellence, the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 sets new standards in the light jet segment with advanced Garmin avionics, industry-leading efficiency, and single-pilot certification.

Airbus signs definitive agreement with Spirit AeroSystems
Airbus has signed a definitive agreement with Spirit AeroSystems to acquire key industrial assets supporting its A220, A320, and A350 programmes, aiming to ensure supply chain stability and operational sustainability.
Diamond Aircraft Teams Up with Austrian Research Institutes to Explore Hybrid Hydrogen-Electric Aircraft Propulsion
Diamond Aircraft and leading Austrian research institutes are developing a hybrid hydrogen-electric testbed for General Aviation, advancing zero-emission propulsion, digital systems, and sustainable aviation technologies.

Airbus signs definitive agreement with Spirit AeroSystems
Airbus has signed a definitive agreement with Spirit AeroSystems to acquire key industrial assets supporting its A220, A320, and A350 programmes, aiming to ensure supply chain stability and operational sustainability.
Diamond Aircraft Teams Up with Austrian Research Institutes to Explore Hybrid Hydrogen-Electric Aircraft Propulsion
Diamond Aircraft and leading Austrian research institutes are developing a hybrid hydrogen-electric testbed for General Aviation, advancing zero-emission propulsion, digital systems, and sustainable aviation technologies.

United Invests in Next Generation Blended Wing Aircraft Start-Up JetZero
United Airlines has invested in aviation start-up JetZero to advance the development of its next-generation blended wing body aircraft, the Z4, with the potential to boost fuel efficiency by up to 50% and enhance the passenger experience. A conditional agreement could see United purchasing up to 200 aircraft.

First Airbus A330 MRTT for the Spanish Air and Space Force Enters Into Service
The Spanish Air and Space Force has inducted its first Airbus A330 MRTT into service. The aircraft offers enhanced refuelling, transport, and MEDEVAC capabilities, strengthening Spain’s aerial operations and strategic autonomy.

Bucher to Supply Galley Solutions for Ethiopian Airlines’ Next-Generation Boeing 777-9 Fleet
Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with Bucher to supply advanced galley systems for its new Boeing 777-9 fleet. Announced at AIX Hamburg, the collaboration focuses on enhancing cabin functionality and passenger comfort through innovative interior solutions.

INTEGRAL E Continues Its Test Campaign and Performs Its First Inverted Flight, a Major Step in the Certification Process of the First All-Electric Aerobatic Aircraft
AURA AERO’s INTEGRAL E, the world’s first all-electric aerobatic aircraft, has completed its first inverted flight. This major certification milestone confirms its reliability and advances the decarbonisation of light aviation with an expected service entry in 2026.

Bucher to Supply Galley Solutions for Ethiopian Airlines’ Next-Generation Boeing 777-9 Fleet
Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with Bucher to supply advanced galley systems for its new Boeing 777-9 fleet. Announced at AIX Hamburg, the collaboration focuses on enhancing cabin functionality and passenger comfort through innovative interior solutions.

INTEGRAL E Continues Its Test Campaign and Performs Its First Inverted Flight, a Major Step in the Certification Process of the First All-Electric Aerobatic Aircraft
AURA AERO’s INTEGRAL E, the world’s first all-electric aerobatic aircraft, has completed its first inverted flight. This major certification milestone confirms its reliability and advances the decarbonisation of light aviation with an expected service entry in 2026.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.
