
African Pilot Magazine:
Airlines

Proflight Zambia Champions a Connected Continent
Proflight Zambia calls for aligned policies, infrastructure upgrades, and PPPs to drive air connectivity and unlock Africa’s regional aviation potential.

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.

South Africa’s Low-Cost Airlines Are Taking Off – Again
South Africa’s budget airlines are taking off — with FlySafair winning big, Airlink upgrading, and Mango possibly returning to the skies.

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.

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.

Reflecting on Kenya Airways in the Wake of Africa’s First IATA Ground Handling Conference
Kenya Airways hosted Africa’s first IATA Ground Handling Conference in Nairobi, spotlighting its leadership in safety, training, and sustainability. The event reinforced the airline’s role in shaping ground handling standards and promoting aviation growth across the continent.

Clarification on Mango Airlines Business Rescue and SAA’s role
South African Airways clarifies its role in Mango Airlines’ business rescue, confirming it has no oversight over Mango’s operations or financial matters. The process is led independently by the Business Rescue Practitioner as Mango moves toward a potential relaunch.

Ethiopian Airlines Celebrates 50 Years of Service to Kigali, Rwanda
Ethiopian Airlines celebrates 50 years of service to Kigali, Rwanda, marking a major milestone in African air connectivity and regional development through expanded passenger and cargo operations.

KlasJet Partners with Air Cairo to Strengthen Seasonal Air Connectivity
KlasJet has partnered with Air Cairo under an ACMI agreement to operate seasonal charter flights from Milan and Sharjah to Cairo. The collaboration enhances connectivity and supports Egypt’s growing tourism sector through the 2025 summer season.

Ethiopian Airlines Celebrates 50 Years of Service to Kigali, Rwanda
Ethiopian Airlines celebrates 50 years of service to Kigali, Rwanda, marking a major milestone in African air connectivity and regional development through expanded passenger and cargo operations.

KlasJet Partners with Air Cairo to Strengthen Seasonal Air Connectivity
KlasJet has partnered with Air Cairo under an ACMI agreement to operate seasonal charter flights from Milan and Sharjah to Cairo. The collaboration enhances connectivity and supports Egypt’s growing tourism sector through the 2025 summer season.

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.

Kenya Airways Joins Forces with IATA to Pilot the New Integrated Sustainability Programme (ISP)
Kenya Airways partners with IATA to pilot the Integrated Sustainability Programme (ISP), showcasing leadership in environmental and social responsibility within African aviation. The initiative introduces new standards in sustainable procurement, social engagement, and performance monitoring.
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.
Why Ethiopian Airlines Is Dominating African Air Travel- and Is SAA Eyeing a Comeback?
Ethiopian Airlines leads African aviation with a modern fleet, expansive network, and award-winning service. South African Airways is making a strong comeback with new aircraft and strategic reforms.

Ethiopian Aviation University Graduates 974 Students in Various Aviation and Hospitality Fields
Ethiopian Aviation University celebrates the graduation of 974 students in the aviation and hospitality fields, marking a significant milestone in building skilled professionals across Africa and reinforcing Ethiopian Airlines’ leadership in aviation training.

Ascend Airways Makes History With First Direct Flight Between UK and Sierra Leone in Over a Decade
Ascend Airways has operated the first direct flight between the UK and Sierra Leone in over a decade, restoring a vital air link with a new London Gatwick–Freetown route and supporting connectivity, tourism, and economic ties.

Avionics Leaders Dynon and Trig Announce Merger
Dynon Avionics and Trig Avionics announce a strategic merger, bringing the European and U.S. avionics leaders together to expand innovation, product offerings, and global support for the general aviation community.

Enabel and Brussels Airlines Conclude Partnership Agreement
Enabel and Brussels Airlines have signed a partnership agreement to strengthen international cooperation in Africa, promoting knowledge exchange, sustainable tourism, vocational training, and biodiversity conservation initiatives.

The Global and African Airline Industry: A Closer Look at the Latest Report
The AFRAA Q3 2024 Air Transport Report reveals global airline recovery and rising African airline performance. With passenger growth, improving connectivity, and strategic airport hubs, Africa’s aviation sector is poised for long-term expansion despite infrastructure and regulatory challenges.

Bucher to Supply Galley Solutions for Ethiopian Airlines’ Next-Generation Boeing 777-9 Fleet
Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with Bucher to supply advanced galley systems for its new Boeing 777-9 fleet. Announced at AIX Hamburg, the collaboration focuses on enhancing cabin functionality and passenger comfort through innovative interior solutions.

Kenya Airways goes live with NDC content in Amadeus
Kenya Airways becomes the first airline in Sub-Saharan Africa to launch NDC content through the Amadeus Travel Platform. This strategic move enhances the airline’s retailing capabilities and offers travel sellers improved access to personalised offers and dynamic content.
