
African Pilot Magazine:
Aircraft

EgyptAir Maintenance & Engineering Invests in Operational Excellence with Boeing Tailored Parts Package
EgyptAir Maintenance & Engineering has signed a Tailored Parts Package agreement with Boeing to secure reliable, cost-efficient access to critical spare parts, improving MRO operations and fleet availability.

Ethiopian Airlines Leases Two ATR 72-600 for Air Congo Operations
Ethiopian Airlines will lease two new ATR 72-600 aircraft for Air Congo, strengthening regional connectivity in the DRC and expanding ATR’s footprint in Africa. Deliveries begin February 2026.

Ethiopian Airlines Commits to Order 11 Boeing 737 MAX Airplanes
Ethiopian Airlines has committed to purchase 11 additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, strengthening its African hub, expanding regional and international routes, and reinforcing its long-standing partnership with Boeing.

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.

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.
Emirates to Launch Third Daily Service to Nairobi, Helping Unlock Inbound Tourism Growth
Emirates will add a third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi from March 2026, expanding to 21 weekly services and strengthening connectivity to support Kenya’s tourism ambitions.

KC-390 Millennium and Gripen E Successfully Complete Refuelling Certification Flights
Embraer and Saab, together with the Brazilian Air Force, have completed in-flight refuelling certification flights between the KC-390 Millennium and Gripen E, advancing operational integration and international capability.

Eight for Eight: Gulfstream G800 Achieves Eighth City-Pair Speed Record en Route to Dubai Airshow
Gulfstream’s newly certified G800 has secured its eighth city-pair speed record en route to Dubai Airshow 2025, reinforcing its position as the world’s longest-range business aircraft.

TAAG Angola Airlines on Strengthening African Aviation: Insights from the Luanda Financing Summit
TAAG Chairman Clóvis Martins Rosa outlines how African airlines can strengthen their position under SAATM, highlighting consolidation, infrastructure investment, fleet renewal and the need for trust and financing at the Luanda Financing Summit.

Morocco Orders Ten Airbus H225M Helicopters
Morocco has ordered ten Airbus H225M helicopters to replace its ageing Puma fleet and enhance combat search and rescue capability. The agreement includes support services and strengthens Airbus’s growing footprint in Morocco.

Emirates to Roll Out Next Phase of Fleet Retrofit Programme, with 111 Aircraft Set for Next-Level Enhancements
Emirates begins the next phase of its major fleet retrofit, upgrading 111 aircraft with new cabins, advanced entertainment, and Starlink connectivity.

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.
ECT Aviation Launches Time-Critical Cargo Routes with the BN2T-4S Islander
ECT Aviation launches high-frequency cargo routes to North Africa using the BN2T-4S Islander, targeting underserved regions with STOL capabilities.

Air Algérie Places Major Order for 16 New ATR 72-600s
Air Algérie orders 16 ATR 72-600s and Africa’s first ATR 72-600 simulator, strengthening regional connectivity and pilot training capacity in Algeria.

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.

Angolan Ministry of Transport and Boeing Sign Memorandum of Strategic Cooperation to Strengthen Angola’s Aviation Sector
The Angolan Ministry of Transport has signed a strategic cooperation memorandum with Boeing to modernise the national aviation sector. This partnership, involving TAAG Linhas Aéreas de Angola, focuses on fleet development, technical capabilities, and long-term industry growth.

EGYPTAIR Discloses Order for an Additional Six Airbus A350 Aircraft
EGYPTAIR has placed a firm order for six additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft, expanding its total order to 16 as part of its long-haul network and fleet modernisation strategy. The move supports sustainability goals and reinforces the airline’s partnership with Airbus.

Embraer Celebrates A-29 Super Tucano 600,000 Flight Hours
Embraer celebrates 600,000 flight hours for the A-29 Super Tucano, a globally proven light attack and training aircraft selected by 22 air forces. The A-29N variant offers NATO interoperability and cost-effective, multi-role capabilities.

Ethiopian to Enhance Regional Operations with Two Twin Otter 300-G Aircraft Orders from De Havilland Canada
Ethiopian Airlines has ordered two Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft from De Havilland Canada to expand its regional operations and connect more remote destinations across Ethiopia and East Africa.

Kenya’s Safarilink to Acquire Six ERA Hybrid-Electric Aircraft from AURA AERO
Safarilink Airlines has signed a Letter of Intent with AURA AERO to acquire six ERA hybrid-electric aircraft. The 19-seater aircraft will support Safarilink’s transition to sustainable aviation and expand its eco-efficient safari and regional operations.

Bell signs first SUBARU Bell 412EPX order in Africa
Bell Textron has signed a fleet purchase agreement for 12 SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopters with the Tunisian Air Force—the first order for this variant in Africa. The aircraft will support multi-role military and security missions, expanding Tunisia's fleet of Bell helicopters.


