
African Pilot Magazine:
Aircraft

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.

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.

Engineered Fluids Partners With Dovetail Electric Aviation to Develop Immersion-Cooled Batteries for Electric Aircraft
Engineered Fluids and Dovetail Electric Aviation collaborate to develop an advanced immersion-cooled battery system for electric aircraft, using AmpCool technology to improve safety, performance, and thermal stability in zero-emission aviation.

AELF Completes $31 Million Financing With Absa Bank Group
AELF secures $31 million in financing with Absa Bank Group for an A330-300 leased to South African Airways, expanding its aviation finance portfolio.
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.

VÆRIDION and AURA AERO Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance Electric Flight
VÆRIDION and AURA AERO have announced a strategic partnership at the Paris Air Show to accelerate the development of electric conventional take-off and landing (eCTOL) aircraft. The collaboration aims to advance sustainable aviation technologies and support the transition to zero-emission regional flight in Europe.

First Aero-Medical Cessna SkyCourier to Be Delivered to Tassili Travail Aérien in Africa, Launching New Era of Medevac Services
Tassili Travail Aérien orders Africa’s first aero-medical Cessna SkyCourier to support medevac and transport missions across Algeria’s energy sector.

New Members on the Pilatus Board of Directors and Management Announced
Pilatus announces leadership changes, with Bruno Cervia joining the Board of Directors and Igor Medici appointed as VP Engineering from January 2026.

Airbus A400M Firefighting Kit Completes a Successful Test Campaign in France
Airbus completes successful tests of the A400M firefighting kit in France, highlighting its rapid deployment, capacity, and versatility for wildfire response.

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.

Safran Obtains EASA Certification of the First Electric Motor for New Air Mobility
Safran Electrical & Power has achieved a world first with EASA certification for its ENGINeUS 100 electric motor. This breakthrough, following extensive testing, paves the way for advanced hybrid and electric propulsion in aviation.

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.

StandardAero Signs 15-Year CFM LEAP Support Agreement with Major Middle East Airline; Engine Inductions Already Underway
StandardAero signed a 15-year agreement with a major Middle Eastern airline to provide MRO services for CFM International LEAP engines. Its San Antonio facility supports LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines with performance restoration, component repairs, and lease engine support, serving airlines across the globe.
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.

Will Boeing’s New 777X Change the Face of Commercial Aviation?
Discover how Boeing’s new 777X is set to change the face of commercial aviation with cutting-edge technology, unmatched fuel efficiency, and enhanced passenger experience.

Piper Aircraft Announces Fleet Agreement with FTEJerez
Piper Aircraft has announced a fleet agreement with FTEJerez, acquiring 20 new Piper Archer DX aircraft. This expansion enhances FTEJerez’s training capabilities, reinforcing its position as a leader in professional pilot training and airline partnerships.

The Passion of Dominik Motoła
Dominik Motoła is a rising star in aviation, excelling in airshows, aircraft maintenance, and engineering. His expertise with Rotax engines and his BushCat Demo Team performances showcase precision, reliability, and innovation in flight.

Qatar Executive Expands Fleet with Two Additional Gulfstream G700 Aircraft
Qatar Executive announces the delivery of two Gulfstream G700 aircraft, expanding its fleet to 24. These advanced jets, offering superior comfort, performance, and long-range capabilities, enhance the company's luxury private aviation services.

Spain Orders 25 Additional Eurofighter Aircraft
Spain has ordered 25 additional Eurofighter aircraft under the Halcón II programme to replace part of its ageing F-18 fleet. This acquisition strengthens Spain’s air-power capabilities, reinforces its role in NATO, and supports its aerospace industry.

Daher Aircraft Delivers the First TBM 960 “Birddog” Aeroplanes to Conair in Support of Wildfire Air Attack Missions
Daher Aircraft has delivered the first TBM 960 “birddog” aircraft to Conair Group for wildfire air attack operations. The high-performance turboprop aircraft will support aerial firefighting missions, offering advanced technology, superior safety features, and enhanced situational awareness.

Hartzell Debuts Carbon Voyager Propellers Optimised for Cessna Skywagons
Hartzell Propeller introduces the Carbon Voyager, a lightweight carbon fibre composite propeller optimised for the Cessna Skywagon fleet. With improved performance, durability, and weight reduction, it represents the next evolution in aircraft propeller technology.
