
African Pilot Magazine:
Aircraft

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.

Safran Aero Boosters and BMT Aerospace to Manufacture Key Components for Pratt & Whitney’s F135 Engine Powering the F-35 Lightning II Aircraft
Safran Aero Boosters and BMT Aerospace to produce key F135 engine components for Pratt & Whitney’s F-35 aircraft, strengthening Belgium’s aerospace industry.

AEGEAN Airlines Expands Fleet with New ATR 72-600, Two More on Order
AEGEAN Airlines, through Olympic Air, has added a new ATR 72-600 to its fleet and ordered two more for delivery in December 2026, reinforcing its regional fleet modernisation and sustainability strategy.

Veryon AIRE Redefines Aviation Maintenance with AI-Powered Intelligence Across the Entire Fleet
Veryon launches AIRE, an AI-powered aviation intelligence platform delivering predictive maintenance, smarter fleet management, and enhanced reliability.

IADA Releases Current Market Portrait & Forecast, Noting an Increase in New Aircraft Enquiries from Africa
IADA’s 2025–2026 Market Portrait & Forecast highlights global business jet trends and growing demand for new aircraft across Africa.

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.

The Cessna SkyCourier® Lands in Africa: Absolute Aviation Highlights Its Features
The Cessna SkyCourier® debuts in Africa as Absolute Aviation showcases its 19-seat turboprop, designed for efficiency, flexibility, and regional performance.

GAMA Releases Second Quarter 2025 Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reports increased aircraft shipments and higher delivery values for the first half of 2025, driven by growth in the business jet and piston airplane sectors.

Pilatus Hands Over the First PC-12 PRO
Pilatus hands over the first PC-12 PRO, featuring the Garmin G3000 Prime cockpit, Safety Autoland, and PT6 engine. The aircraft sets new standards in safety and innovation.

Gulfstream Introduces the All-New Gulfstream G300
Gulfstream introduces the G300, replacing the G280 with enhanced safety, technology, and comfort. The super-midsize jet features 3,600 nm range and advanced avionics.

Airlink Consummates Embraer E195-E2 Acquisitions
Airlink takes delivery of the first three of ten Embraer E195-E2 jets on lease from Azorra, boosting capacity, efficiency and regional connectivity.

Yingling Aviation Completes First Winglet Installation on Falcon 900
Yingling Aviation completes its first Falcon 900 winglet installation ahead of schedule, showcasing precision engineering and exceptional craftsmanship.

Acron Aviation and Flight Data Technologies Join Forces to Deliver an Innovative Vision for Flight Data Management
Acron Aviation and Flight Data Technologies partner to enhance flight data management, improving safety, efficiency, and reducing operating costs.

FL Technics Becomes Official Channel Partner of Honeywell Aerospace Technologies
FL Technics has been appointed as an official Honeywell Aerospace Technologies channel partner, allowing the company to deliver Honeywell engines and APU products with OEM-certified installation and support for business and general aviation customers worldwide.

Wet Vs. Dry Aircraft Washing: All You Need to Know About Aircraft Cleaning Types
Discover the differences between wet and dry aircraft washing, including water usage, efficiency, and environmental considerations. Learn when to use each method and how robotic systems improve aviation cleaning operations.

Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique Issues Tender for Short-Term Wet Lease of Five Aircraft
Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique invites bids for the short-term wet lease of five aircraft. Submission deadline: 22 August 2025.

FLYGABON Receives First ATR 42-600, Becomes Africa’s Youngest Fleet
FLYGABON has taken delivery of its first ATR 42-600, completing its fleet modernisation and confirming a second aircraft for 2026 delivery.

Airbus Expands its Footprint in Africa with a New Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg
Airbus opens a new Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg, reinforcing its nearly 50-year partnership with Africa’s aviation sector and expanding support for regional operators.

Gabriel Semelas Reaffirms Airbus Commitment to Africa as New Support Centre Opens in Johannesburg
Airbus opens a new Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg as Gabriel Semelas highlights the company’s long-term commitment to Africa’s aviation, defence, and innovation sectors.

Africa’s First H125 Virtual Reality Simulator Enhances Pilot Training in Southern Africa
Airbus Helicopters installs Africa’s first H125 virtual reality simulator in Johannesburg to support advanced pilot training and improve regional aviation safety.

FAA Study Led by Embry-Riddle Warns of Drone Risks to Aircraft
An FAA-backed study by Embry-Riddle warns that drones are often flown above 400 feet, raising safety risks near manned aircraft and heliports.

TotalEnergies, a Pioneer in Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Committed to the Decarbonisation of Air Transport
Total Energies is advancing sustainable aviation by expanding its SAF production across Europe and partnering with key industry players like Airbus and Safran. With plans to produce over 500,000 tonnes of SAF annually by 2028, the company is leading efforts to decarbonise air transport and meet future regulatory mandates.

TAAG Angola Airlines Advances Fleet Modernisation with US EXIM Bank Support
TAAG Angola Airlines advances its fleet modernisation with $297M EXIM Bank financing for Boeing 787-10 aircraft and GE engines, boosting efficiency and sustainability.

AIAAN Cargo Terminal Receives Qatar Airways Cargo Aircraft for the First Time
Qatar Airways Cargo makes its first landing at AIAAN, delivering 97 tonnes of oil industry cargo from Shanghai, strengthening Angola's logistics hub.

Vaisala Next-Generation Helideck Monitoring Software To Optimise Offshore Operations
Discover Vaisala’s next-generation Elements Helideck Monitoring Software, now featuring lidar wind profiling, lightning detection, and real-time forecasting to enhance offshore safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Insect Season: An Overlooked Threat to Aircraft Efficiency
Insect buildup on aircraft surfaces during warmer months can raise fuel consumption by up to 4.4%. Discover how robotic cleaning is helping airlines combat this hidden threat.

Cirrus Invests $13M to Expand Grand Forks Manufacturing Facility
Cirrus is investing $13 million to expand its Grand Forks facility by 30,000 sq ft, supporting increased production of the SR Series and Vision Jet, with new jobs and capabilities coming by 2026.

VoltAero’s HPU 210 Hybrid Power Unit
VoltAero unveils its HPU 210 hybrid power unit at EAA AirVenture, opening reservations for light aircraft propulsion slots. First U.S. appearance announced.


