
African Pilot Magazine:
Aircraft

Advancing Helicopter Emergency Medical Services in Africa
Africa’s first HEMS Symposium examines emergency medical helicopter operations, training, governance, and Airbus Helicopters’ role in advancing care by air.

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.

Opinion Piece: Building Africa’s Next Industrial Frontier, The Role of Sustainable Aviation Fuels
Boeing’s Henok Teferra Shawl outlines how sustainable aviation fuel production can reduce costs for African airlines, create skilled jobs and build competitive local industries while supporting aviation decarbonisation.

Botswana Eyes Aviation Expansion to Support Economic Transformation Agenda
Botswana is prioritising aviation modernisation to boost tourism, trade and investment under its Economic Transformation Programme, with new cargo, PPP and infrastructure initiatives shaping long-term growth.

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.

ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa Strengthens its Regional Presence with Renewed US FAA and African Approvals
ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa has renewed its FAA and multiple African civil aviation approvals, reinforcing its position as Africa’s largest business aviation MRO and expanding capabilities at Lanseria International Airport.

Mozambique Launches Public Consultation on 20-Year Civil Aviation Master Plan as Government Targets Systemic Reform
Mozambique has opened public consultations on its Civil Aviation Master Plan 2026–2045, with government calling for systemic reform to address infrastructure gaps, market dysfunction and long-standing aviation sector challenges.

Business Aviation Reaches a Higher Plateau: The Findings of the 2025–2029 Global Jet Forecast
The 2025–2029 business jet market forecast shows steady growth in new and pre-owned aircraft. Explore global trends, rising heavy jet demand, and Africa’s aviation outlook.

Mozambique Outlines LAM Restructuring Measures as Government Addresses Parliament
Mozambique’s Government outlines LAM restructuring measures, new shareholder structure, fleet acquisition plans and aviation sector reforms aimed at reducing costs, improving efficiency and expanding market openness.
Airbus Updates 2025 Commercial Aircraft Delivery Target, Maintains Financial Guidance
Airbus has revised its 2025 delivery target to around 790 commercial aircraft due to a supplier quality issue affecting A320 Family fuselage panels while maintaining its financial outlook for the year.

Airbus Update On A320 Family Precautionary Fleet Action
Airbus has issued an update on precautionary measures for the A320 Family fleet following data corruption risks linked to solar radiation, with operators instructed to implement protective actions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


