
African Pilot Magazine:
Aircraft

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.

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.

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.

Rotortrade: Shifting Landscape of Helicopter Sales
Following the release of the Rotortrade Global Helicopter Market Report 2024–2025, CEO Philippe Lubrano shares insights on financing trends, fleet shortages, and global expansion strategies as demand outpaces supply across regions like Africa and South America.

PBS Unveils Its Most Powerful Jet Engine to Date, the TJ200
PBS GROUP has unveiled its most powerful jet engine to date, the PBS TJ200, at the Paris Air Show. Designed for high-performance unmanned systems and marine applications, the TJ200 features advanced FADEC control, seawater resistance, and a compact footprint, marking a major innovation in aerospace propulsion.

Avia Solutions Group to Complete One of the World’s First Boeing 777-300ER Passenger-to-Freighter Conversions
Avia Solutions Group, through AviaAM Leasing, is completing one of the world’s first Boeing 777-300ER passenger-to-freighter conversions in partnership with Mammoth Freighters, marking a significant milestone in the global cargo aviation market.

TBO Increase to 3600 Hours or 6 Years for the Silent-7 MT Propeller Series
MT-Propeller has increased the TBO of its Silent-7 propeller series to 3,600 hours or 6 years, following outstanding inspection results. This upgrade highlights the durability and performance of MT's 7-bladed composite propellers, used on aircraft such as the Pilatus PC-12 and King Air 350.

ATS Continues Growth Through Q2 With Expansion of Client Base and Regulatory Approvals
ATS Group continues its 2025 growth with new regulatory approvals, key leadership appointments, and international maintenance agreements with Ethiopian Airlines and AJet, strengthening its presence across the Middle East and Africa.

AIC 18.19 Task Team Update 6
The AIC 18.19 Task Team has filed an urgent interdict after SACAA failed to respond to concerns over changes to engine regulations. The move follows missed deadlines, a lack of consultation, and growing concern for general aviation safety and sustainability in South Africa.
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.

Gulfstream G800 Earns FAA and EASA Certifications
Gulfstream’s G800 has received FAA and EASA certification, confirming its status as the world’s longest-range business jet. The aircraft features enhanced speed, range, and fuel efficiency, plus industry-leading cabin comfort and design innovations.

BOC Aviation Orders 70 A320neo Family Aircraft
BOC Aviation has placed a firm order for 70 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, marking its largest-ever order backlog with Airbus and reinforcing demand for fuel-efficient, next-generation single-aisle jets.

Airbus Showcases Hydrogen Aircraft Technologies During Its 2025 Airbus Summit
Airbus highlights its progress in hydrogen-powered aircraft at the 2025 Airbus Summit, presenting updated plans for a next-generation single-aisle aircraft and showcasing key technologies from its revised ZEROe project.

Continental Aerospace Technologies™ Announces Jet-A Piston Engines Reach 12 Million Flight Hours
Continental Aerospace Technologies™ celebrates over 12 million flight hours for its Jet-A piston engines, highlighting exceptional performance, reliability, and efficiency with the latest CD-170 engine and advanced FADEC system.

Cessna Caravan Celebrates 40 Years of Adventures as One of the Most Versatile Aircraft in the Industry
Textron Aviation has announced that the company is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Cessna Caravan single-engine utility turboprop with customers throughout the year, recognising its growth and popularity throughout the world during the past four decades. The Cessna Caravan is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company. “Customers continue…

Air Methods Expands Its Fleet with Airbus, Including H140 Helicopters
Air Methods expands its fleet with new Airbus helicopters, including the H140, H125, and H135, enhancing air medical transport capabilities. Learn more about the latest innovations in emergency medical aviation.

Boom’s Pursuit of Civil Supersonic Flight Prompts New International Standards
Boom Supersonic advances global supersonic travel with support from ICAO and FAA, leading to new international noise standards. Discover how Boom’s Overture aircraft and XB-1 demonstrator are paving the way for quiet, fast, and sustainable civil aviation.

Embraer and Denel sign MoU to cooperate on the KC- 390 Millennium
Embraer and Denel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore collaboration on the KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, focusing on manufacturing and MRO activities to enhance strategic airlift capabilities in Africa.

Next-Gen Island Hopping: New Tecnam P2012 STOL Joins Inselflieger’s Fleet
Tecnam delivers the P2012 STOL to Inselflieger, enhancing air connectivity to the Frisian Islands with superior Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) performance, improved passenger comfort, and advanced avionics.

Embraer Conducts Structural Wing Test for New Technologies Demonstration Platform
Embraer has successfully completed structural fatigue tests of the wing for its New Technologies Demonstration Platform (PDNT). Supported by Finep and MCTI, the project advances sustainable aviation and strengthens Brazil’s aviation industry.

The Most Advanced Single Has Landed: Introducing the Pilatus PC-12 PRO
Discover the Pilatus PC-12 PRO, the most technologically advanced single-engine turboprop aircraft. Featuring a redesigned cockpit with the Garmin G3000 PRIME, cutting-edge safety functions like Autoland, and a modern, high-tech cabin, the PC-12 PRO sets new standards in performance, efficiency, and reliability.

New Emirati Company Sama Aviation Invests in Diamond DA40
Sama Aviation, an offshoot of Jazirah Aviation Club, has acquired its first Diamond DA40 for ab-initio pilot training in the UAE. Learn more about this state-of-the-art aircraft and its impact on flight training.

Safran Arriel Engine Selected to Power New Robinson R88 Helicopter
Safran Helicopter Engines partners with Robinson Helicopter Company to power the new R88 with the Arriel 2W engine. This collaboration enhances performance, reliability, and maintenance support for light helicopters worldwide.

Robinson Helicopters has Launched its First Design in 15 Years and It’s the Biggest Ever
Robinson Helicopters unveils the R88, its first new design in 15 years and its largest helicopter ever. Designed for executive transport, firefighting, and utility operations, the R88 challenges industry norms with a powerful Safran Arriel 2W engine, advanced avionics, and an adaptable 10-seat configuration.
