
African Pilot Magazine:
Aircraft

Hi Fly Achieves Another First: Airbus A330 Lands in Antarctica
Hi Fly has completed the first-ever Airbus A330 landing in Antarctica at Wolf’s Fang Runway, marking a new milestone in polar aviation and expanding sustainable long-range operations.

Buraq Air to Become New Airbus Customer with a Commitment for 10 A320neo Family
Buraq Air has signed an MoU for 10 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, supporting the airline’s fleet modernisation and strengthening its partnership with Medsky Airways.

Milan Aircraft Unveils Project for First Truly Practical Electric Trainer Aircraft
Milan Aircraft unveils its clean-sheet electric trainer, offering practical range, modern design, and a major step forward in sustainable pilot training.

JEKTA and Tahseen Sign LOI to Collaborate on and Assess Potential for Amphibious Operations in the GCC
JEKTA and Tahseen Aviation sign an LOI to explore sustainable amphibious aviation operations across the GCC, Africa and Asia.

Air Côte d’Ivoire Orders Four Embraer E175s to Boost Regional Connectivity
Air Côte d’Ivoire has ordered four Embraer E175 aircraft with eight additional purchase rights, supporting fleet modernisation, regional expansion and improved connectivity through the Abidjan hub. Deliveries begin in 2027.

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.

Embraer and Airlink Expand Partnership with Component Pool Program for E2 Jets
Embraer and Airlink have expanded their partnership with a Component Pool Program agreement covering ten new E195-E2 jets, extending support to 78 aircraft and enhancing operational reliability.

IATA and Oliver Wyman Sound the Alarm on Reviving the Commercial Aircraft Supply Chain
IATA and Oliver Wyman expose $11 billion in costs from global aircraft supply chain delays, urging collaboration, transparency, and industry reform.

ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa Completes ADS-B Installations on Various Business Jets
ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa has completed ADS-B upgrades across several business jet platforms, supporting SACAA compliance and enhancing aviation safety and tracking capability.

Rolls-Royce Powers Air Algérie’s New Era of Growth with the A330neo
Air Algérie has taken delivery of its first A330neo, powered exclusively by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, marking the start of a major fleet renewal programme through 2027.

Bell 505 Achieves Over 700 Flight Hours with Blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Bell and Safran Helicopter Engines report more than 700 flight hours on blended SAF with the Bell 505, demonstrating strong engine operability and advancing sustainable helicopter operations.

Embraer Celebrates Delivery of 1,700th Ipanema Cropduster
Embraer delivers its 1,700th Ipanema cropduster, an ethanol-powered aircraft with 60 percent market share, known for high productivity, precision spraying and low operating costs.

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.

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.
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.


