
African Pilot Magazine:
Aircraft

Embraer and Mahindra Group Forge Strategic Alliance to Introduce the C-390 Millennium to India
Embraer and Mahindra Group form a strategic alliance to advance the C-390 Millennium for India’s Air Force, reinforcing India–Brazil aerospace collaboration.

Continental’s AvGas Engine Training Returns to Lanseria, South Africa
Continental returns to Lanseria for AvGas engine training, equipping African mechanics with hands-on skills and awarding factory training certificates.

World’s Largest Bell HEMS Operator Adds Bell 429s to Emergency Services Fleet
Global Medical Response has ordered seven Bell 429s, with options for eight more, strengthening its position as the world’s largest Bell HEMS operator.

Avidyne Announces Certification of Vantage 12 for Cirrus
Avidyne secures FAA certification for its Vantage 12 Flight Display System, offering a cost-effective upgrade for more than 4,000 Cirrus SR20/22 aircraft.

RTX’s Pratt & Whitney and PBS Group to Develop Next-Generation Auxiliary Power Unit
Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, and PBS Group will co-develop a next-generation auxiliary power unit (APU) for commercial and military aircraft, enhancing power density and efficiency.

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.

GADSS-Compliant ARTEX ELT 5000 Achieves Certification on Boeing 787 Aircraft
ARTEX ELT 5000 secures Boeing 787 certification, delivering GADSS-compliant distress tracking and enhanced safety for global aviation operators.

Bristell B23 Achieves FAA Certification, Strengthening Global Market Position
Bristell B23 receives FAA Type Certification, adding to its EASA approval and boosting its global market position for flight schools and private pilots.

New Heights for the Pre-Owned Helicopter Market
The global pre-owned helicopter market is rebounding, with demand driven by EMS, SAR, firefighting, and offshore operations, and growth forecast to USD 48.06B by 2032.

IATA Highlights Aviation’s Strategic Role in Rwanda’s Economic Growth
IATA’s Value of Air Transport study shows aviation contributes USD 160m to Rwanda’s GDP, supports 42,000 jobs, and drives growth through tourism and connectivity.

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.

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.

Blackhawk Aerospace Receives FAA STC Approval for the XP67A Engine+ Upgrade on Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion® Equipped King Airs
Blackhawk Aerospace has received FAA STC approval for the XP67A Engine+ Upgrade on Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion-equipped King Air 350i and 360 aircraft. This upgrade enhances performance, fuel efficiency, and avionics integration. Learn more about the benefits and compatibility.

What is the Most Popular Turboprop in Africa?
Discover why the Cessna Grand Caravan 208 is the most popular turboprop in Africa. Explore its versatility, reliability, and impact on regional connectivity, economic development, and remote transportation across the continent.

ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa Completes its First Gearbox Replacement on Challenger 604
ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa has successfully completed its first engine accessory gearbox (AGB) replacement on a Bombardier Challenger 604, reducing aircraft downtime with on-wing maintenance.

Airbus A321XLR with Pratt & Whitney Engine Receives EASA Type Certification
The Airbus A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines has received its Type Certificate from EASA, following the certification of the CFM LEAP-1A variant. Discover how this game-changing aircraft is enhancing fuel efficiency, expanding airline route flexibility, and delivering long-haul comfort.

Bombardier’s Global 8000: The Fastest Civil Aircraft Since the Concorde
Discover the Bombardier Global 8000, the fastest civil aircraft since the Concorde. With a top speed of Mach 0.94, an ultra-long range of 8,000 nautical miles, and cutting-edge luxury, this jet redefines business aviation. Explore its unmatched speed, performance, and sustainability features.

Embraer Phenom 300 Series Named World’s Best-Selling Light Jet for 13th Consecutive Year
Embraer’s Phenom 300 series has been named the world’s best-selling and most delivered light jet for the 13th consecutive year, according to GAMA. With over 830 aircraft in operation across 40 countries, the Phenom 300E continues to set the benchmark in business aviation with industry-leading performance, technology, and reliability.

Final Gulfstream G650 Completes Production
Gulfstream Aerospace announces the final production of the iconic Gulfstream G650, marking the end of an era in business aviation. With over 1 million flight hours and 125+ world records, the G650 has set new standards in performance, luxury, and innovation. Discover the future of private aviation with the ultralong-range Gulfstream G800.

DAE Delivers Boeing 737-800 to Kenya Airways, Marking 20 Years of Partnership
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) delivers a Boeing 737-800 to Kenya Airways, celebrating 20 years of partnership. The new aircraft supports fleet expansion and regional travel growth.

Thinking of Private Aircraft Chartering? Choosing Between Jets vs. Turboprops
Choosing between a private jet and a turboprop for your next charter? Explore the differences in luxury, range, and versatility to determine the best aircraft for your travel needs.

EASA STC for Beech B24R and C24R with 3-blade MT-Propeller
MT-Propeller has received EASA STC 10086373 for the installation of the 3-blade constant speed propeller MTV-12-B/188-59( ) on Beech B24R and C24R aircraft powered by the Textron Lycoming IO-360-A1B engine. With advantages such as superior vibration damping, reduced weight, and unlimited blade life, MT-Propellers set the standard in aviation performance and reliability.

Pilatus A Strong Financial Year in 2024 – Marked by Achievements and Challenges
Pilatus achieved strong financial growth in 2024, with increased aircraft sales and strategic investments in sustainability and infrastructure. Discover the latest developments in business and government aviation, including new contracts, innovations, and global expansion.

IADA Welcomes Growth in New Aircraft Deliveries
The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) reports strong growth in new aircraft deliveries in 2024, driving increased activity in the pre-owned business aircraft market. With IADA dealers handling 50% of global pre-owned transactions, the industry sees a dynamic resale market supporting buyers and sellers worldwide.
GE Aerospace T901 Engine Powers Black Hawk for First Time in Successful Ground Runs
GE Aerospace successfully completed initial ground runs of the T901 engine on a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, marking a major milestone in the Improved Turbine Engine Programme. This achievement validates the engine’s performance and reinforces its role in modernising the Army’s helicopter fleet.


