
African Pilot Magazine:
Airline Pilot

Ethiopian Airlines Launches New Passenger Route to Sharjah, UAE
Ethiopian Airlines has launched a new four-times-weekly passenger service to Sharjah, UAE, expanding its Middle East network and reinforcing trade and tourism links between Africa and the Gulf region.

Passenger Growth Accelerates to 8% in April
Global air passenger demand rose 8% in April 2025, driven by strong international growth. IATA reports record load factors and regional travel trends.

Air Seychelles Welcomes Inaugural Flight From Abu Dhabi
Air Seychelles has resumed commercial flights to the Middle East with the arrival of its inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in reconnecting Seychelles to key international markets and boosting tourism.

Ethiopian Airlines Selects Panasonic Avionics Astrova for 777X Fleet
Ethiopian Airlines has selected Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova in-flight entertainment system for its upcoming Boeing 777X fleet, aiming to transform the passenger experience with 4K OLED displays, Bluetooth audio, and USB-C fast charging.

United Airlines Launches New Nonstop Year-Round Service Between Dakar and Washington D.C.
United Airlines launches its first-ever nonstop service between Dakar and Washington, D.C., operating three times weekly. This new route expands United's presence in Africa and offers travellers enhanced connectivity to the U.S. capital.

Minister for Transport Inaugurates Task Force to Establish Ghana’s National Airline
Ghana's Minister for Transport inaugurates a 10-member Task Force to lead the establishment of a new national airline, aiming to position the country as a strategic aviation hub in West Africa.

Emirates and Air Seychelles Form New Codeshare Agreement
Emirates and Air Seychelles have signed a new codeshare agreement, enhancing connectivity between Mahé and Praslin Island. The partnership supports seamless travel and extends Emirates’ network reach across the Seychelles.

EGYPTAIR Partners With SITA to Modernise Network Infrastructure for Future Growth
EGYPTAIR has partnered with SITA to modernise its network infrastructure with cloud-native, secure connectivity solutions, aiming to enhance operational efficiency, resilience, and passenger service across its expanding regional and international network.

Airline Ethiopian Airlines Signs Agreements with GE Aerospace to Power New Widebody Aircraft
Ethiopian Airlines expands its partnership with GE Aerospace by selecting GEnx engines for 11 new Boeing 787-9 aircraft and reaffirms GE9X engines for eight Boeing 777-9s, supporting fleet modernisation and sustainability goals.

London Gatwick Grows African Connectivity With Only UK to Uganda Service
London Gatwick launches the only direct UK-Uganda service with Uganda Airlines flying to Entebbe, expanding African connectivity and boosting trade, tourism, and regional links.

New IATA Report Indicates Aviation Sector Contributes about Ksh425 Billion to Kenya’s Economy
A new IATA report reveals aviation contributes Ksh425 billion to Kenya’s economy, supporting 460,000 jobs and transporting 380,000 tonnes of cargo. Released as Nairobi hosts the IATA Ground Handling Conference, the findings highlight Kenya’s role in driving African aviation growth.
Fastjet Partners with APG Zambia as General Sales Agent
Fastjet Zimbabwe has appointed APG Zambia as its official General Sales Agent, strengthening its presence in Zambia following the launch of the Harare–Lusaka route. The partnership aims to boost customer support and regional growth.

Qatar Airways Revolutionises In-Flight Connectivity in African Skies with Ultra-High-Speed Starlink Internet
Qatar Airways introduces ultra-fast, complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi on Cape Town–Doha flights starting 1 June 2025, marking another milestone in its 20-year presence in South Africa and broader connectivity investment across the continent.

SAA Operations Resilient Post Cyber Incident – Digital Forensic Investigation Underway
South African Airways confirms a major cyber incident affecting its systems, with digital forensic investigations underway and core operations restored. SAA assures customers of swift containment, regulatory compliance, and continued service reliability.
Paperless Cockpits Can Be a Double-Edged Sword for Initial Pilot Training
As aviation embraces paperless cockpits and Electronic Flight Bags, pilot training academies must balance digital integration with mastering fundamental flying skills. BAA Training's Roma Andreu Rifa weighs in on the benefits and risks of early adoption in ab initio training.

FlySafair Sees an Exodus of South African Pilots to Greener, More Well-Paying Pastures
FlySafair pilots, South African aviation, pilot exodus, airline pilot salaries, Solidarity trade union, aviation workforce crisis, FlySafair rostering system, pilot shortages 2024, pilot pay comparison, aviation careers South Africa, pilot migration trends
Simuflight’s PC-12 Simulator: A New Era in Advanced Flight Training
Simuflight is revolutionising aviation training with its new PC-12 flight simulator, designed and built in South Africa. The state-of-the-art simulator will provide pilots with realistic, high-quality training, with full system integration and Civil Aviation Authority certification expected by Q3 2025.

Dassault Wins Good Design® Award 2024 For NeXus Flight Deck
Discover Dassault Aviation’s award-winning NeXus flight deck for the Falcon 10X. Combining advanced automation, enhanced safety and refined aesthetics, it sets a new standard in aviation innovation.

The New Global Pilot Survey Hopes to Understand the State of Pilots
Western University and IFALPA have launched the View from the Flight Deck 2024 survey to explore the evolving role of pilots, focusing on fatigue, mental health, and the impact of automation. This research aims to advocate for better working conditions, improved safety measures, and stronger mental health support in the aviation industry.
