
African Pilot Magazine:
Airlines

Emirates Group Achieves Record Half-Year Profit for 2025–26, Maintains Position as the World’s Most Profitable Airline
Emirates Group posts record half-year profit of AED 12.2 billion (US$ 3.3 billion) for 2025–26. Emirates Airline and dnata both achieve double-digit profit growth, reflecting strong global travel demand and operational excellence.

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.

Angola and Côte d’Ivoire Sign Air Services Agreement, Enabling TAAG Route Between Luanda and Abidjan
Angola and Côte d’Ivoire sign an open skies air services agreement, enabling TAAG’s planned Luanda–Abidjan route and advancing African aviation integration.

Qatar Airways Resumes Flights to Kigali, Rwanda, Increasing Its Network in Africa to 30 Destinations
Qatar Airways resumes Doha–Kigali flights, expanding its Africa network to 30 destinations and reinforcing partnerships with RwandAir and Bugesera Airport.

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.

Qatar Airways Resumes Flights to Kigali, Rwanda, Increasing Its Network in Africa to 30 Destinations
Qatar Airways resumes Doha–Kigali flights, expanding its Africa network to 30 destinations and reinforcing partnerships with RwandAir and Bugesera Airport.

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.

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.

Airlink selects the Embraer E195-E2; plans to lease from Azorra
Airlink plans to lease 10 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft from Azorra to enhance its fleet efficiency, expand its sub-Saharan African network, and reduce emissions. Deliveries are expected between 2025 and 2027.

Ethiopian Airlines Secures Top Honours at SKYTRAX 2025
Ethiopian Airlines was crowned Best Airline in Africa for the eighth consecutive year at the 2025 SKYTRAX World Airline Awards, also winning in three additional categories including Best Business Class and Best Onboard Catering in Africa.
Airlink selects the Embraer E195-E2; plans to lease from Azorra
Airlink plans to lease 10 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft from Azorra to enhance its fleet efficiency, expand its sub-Saharan African network, and reduce emissions. Deliveries are expected between 2025 and 2027.

Ethiopian Airlines Secures Top Honours at SKYTRAX 2025
Ethiopian Airlines was crowned Best Airline in Africa for the eighth consecutive year at the 2025 SKYTRAX World Airline Awards, also winning in three additional categories including Best Business Class and Best Onboard Catering in Africa.
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.

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.


