
African Pilot Magazine:
News

Nigeria Prepares to Host Inaugural International Air Show in 2025
Nigeria is set to host its first-ever International Air Show in December 2025. The initiative aims to boost aviation sector growth, attract private investment, and position the country as a key player in regional and global air connectivity.

Strengthening Safety with Peer-Led Communication
IFATCA’s Speak English Program & the Role of Professional Associations The IFATCA Speak English Programme is a great example of how aviation professionals can come together to support one another through peer-to-peer learning. By creating spaces where Air Traffic Controllers and other aviation professionals can help each other strengthen their English communication skills, this programme…

Focus on Africa Symposium Opened Professional and Government Affairs Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya
The IFALPA Professional and Government Affairs Meeting opened with the Focus on Africa Symposium in Nairobi, highlighting pilot advocacy, safety, and regulatory engagement across Africa’s aviation sector.

Pretoria Airshow 2025: Airshow Adds “Gees” to the Fees
The Pretoria Fees is held annually over the Easter weekend at Legends Adventure Farm. This year, a touch of spirit and magic was added with the inclusion of a seriously well-planned and executed airshow. Saturday also featured the SAPFA Speed Rally, hosted by David le Roux from Pilot Insure. Overall, the show was a great…

Wings of Conservation: Female Cheetah Relocated From Western Cape to Mpumalanga
The Endangered Wildlife Trust, alongside The Bateleurs and provincial partners, successfully relocates a female cheetah from Buffelsdrift Game Reserve to Mpumalanga’s Ukuzwana Game Reserve, establishing a new breeding population and advancing cheetah conservation efforts in South Africa.

Zambia and Eswatini Sign Bilateral Air Services Agreement
Zambia and Eswatini have signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement to introduce direct flights, supporting SAATM and regional integration goals. The first route is expected to launch by September 2025.

Zambia Targets Lower Air Transport Costs to Boost Regional Aviation
Zambia is taking steps to reduce air transport costs and enhance its role as a regional logistics hub by lowering aviation fuel prices, expanding Fifth Freedom rights, and supporting SAATM objectives.
AERO South Africa and AfBAA Announce Partnership and Safety & Training Workshop
AERO South Africa 2025 and the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) partner to host a dedicated Safety and Training Workshop on 26 June at Lanseria International Airport, advancing safety and professional development in African aviation.

Angola and Hungary Expand Aviation and Economic Cooperation
Angola and Hungary have signed a new Air Services Agreement, reinforcing bilateral cooperation in aviation and infrastructure. The move supports Angola’s aviation modernisation goals and deeper economic ties with Central Europe.

Cirium and AFRAA Data Partnership to Drive Growth in African Aviation
Cirium and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) have formed a strategic data partnership to enhance aviation analytics and support sustainable growth in Africa’s air transport sector, aligning with AFRAA’s 2025 strategy for improved connectivity, reduced costs, and digital transformation.
Public Input Invited on South Africa’s Draft Comprehensive Civil Aviation Policy
South Africa’s Department of Transport has released the Draft Comprehensive Civil Aviation Policy for public comment. The policy outlines the country’s aviation strategy on safety, infrastructure, economic regulation, transformation, and environmental goals, with submissions invited within 30 days.
New AfBAA Leadership Shares Plans to Revitalise African Business Aviation Organisation at EBACE 2025
The African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) unveils a revitalised vision under new leadership. Chairperson Dawit Lemma and Vice Chair Craig Middleton share their strategy to expand membership, strengthen governance, and raise the profile of African business aviation at EBACE 2025.

Rescued Secretary Bird Flown to Safety in Easter Weekend Conservation Mission
A juvenile secretary bird rescued in the Karoo was flown to safety in Dullstroom by The Bateleurs in a coordinated Easter weekend conservation mission supporting the Endangered Wildlife Trust's Birds of Prey Programme.

South Africa: Transport Ministry Advances Sector Transformation with Integrated Charter and New Development Funds
South Africa’s Department of Transport is advancing sector-wide transformation through revised Transport Sector Codes, a new Enterprise and Supplier Development Fund, and targeted initiatives by SANRAL, PRASA, Transnet, and ACSA to promote inclusive growth and black economic participation.
Kenya’s Aviation Sector Records Steady Growth in 2024
Kenya’s aviation sector recorded steady growth in 2024, with increases in international passenger traffic, aircraft movements, aviation fuel demand, and licensing activity. The Economic Survey 2025 highlights the sector’s growing economic impact.
Aviation Africa 2025 highlights the future of Advanced Air Mobility
Aviation Africa 2025 will spotlight the continent's growing focus on advanced air mobility, featuring drones and eVTOL technologies, with dedicated discussions led by the African Drone Forum on regulation, investment, and real-world applications across key sectors.

Ghana’s Chip-Embedded Passport Rollout Begins
Ghana has officially launched its chip-embedded passport system, meeting ICAO standards with advanced security features, 24-hour service, e-tracking, and reduced application fees to modernise the passport process and enhance citizen experience.

How Digital Borders are Transforming Travel
Future-proof border control with digital transformation. Learn how biometrics, AI, and digital IDs create faster, safer travel. Powered by SITA.

International Aircraft Dealers Association Reports Strong Q1 Sales Amid Growing Market Caution
The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) reports a 24% year-on-year increase in aircraft sales for Q1 2025, with a cautious outlook due to economic uncertainty and tariff impacts. Explore key market insights, pricing trends, and dealer perspectives in the full IADA Market Report.

Aviation Major Driver of Economic Growth and Connectivity in Egypt
IATA’s latest study highlights aviation’s major contribution to Egypt’s economy, supporting 1.4 million jobs and 5.3% of GDP. Key priorities include cost-efficiency, sustainability, and workforce development.
ACIA Aero Leasing Announces the Appointment of Bradley Gordon as SVP Banking & Capital Markets
ACIA Aero Leasing appoints Bradley Gordon as SVP Banking & Capital Markets. With over $2bn in structured aviation finance experience, Gordon joins from Investec to lead debt raising and investor relations.

The West Coast Saldanha Airshow
The 2025 West Coast Saldanha Airshow, held at Saldanha Airport, featured thrilling displays despite challenging weather. The event also marked a tragic farewell to ZU-IMP, South Africa’s last airworthy ex-SAAF Impala.

Preliminary Report Issued for ZU-IMP Impala MK1 Accident at West Coast Saldanha Airshow
The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has released the preliminary report into the fatal accident involving the Aermacchi MB-326 Impala MK1, registration ZU-IMP, during the West Coast Saldanha Airshow held on 22 March 2025 at Saldanha/Vredenburg Airport (FASD). During an aerobatic manoeuvre—a slow aileron roll performed…

Zambia Positioning Itself to Become an Aviation Hub
Zambia is positioning itself as a regional aviation hub through major airport upgrades, regulatory reforms, and partnerships to boost trade, tourism, and connectivity, as highlighted at the Land-Linked Zambia 2025 event.

Air Legends Foundation bringing ‘Flight of the Cats’ to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025
The Air Legends Foundation will showcase four historic Grumman fighter aircraft – the Wildcat, Hellcat, Tigercat, and Bearcat – during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025. These vintage warbirds will be featured in air shows and exhibitions from 21–27 July at Wittman Regional Airport.

Zambia and Angola Strengthen Air Connectivity with New Bilateral Agreement
Zambia and Angola have signed a bilateral air services agreement to enhance regional connectivity, support SAATM, and promote liberalised intra-African air travel through strengthened regulatory cooperation and fifth freedom traffic rights.

Aviation AFRICA Returns to Kigali in September 2025, DAR Al-Handasah Confirmed as Platinum Sponsor
Aviation AFRICA Summit 2025 returns to Kigali, Rwanda, bringing together industry leaders to discuss collaboration, infrastructure, safety, air mobility, and the future of African aviation. DAR Al-Handasah is confirmed as a platinum sponsor.

Africa’s Leading Aerospace and Defence Exhibition Returns in 2026
Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Exhibition 2026 returns to Air Force Base Waterkloof, offering a premier platform for aerospace, defence, and security innovation. The event features global exhibitors, strategic engagement, and youth development initiatives.
