
African Pilot Magazine:
News

CILTSA ESG Conference Drives Industry-wide Transformation
CILTSA’s ESG Conference unites industry leaders to address sustainability challenges and drive impact across South Africa’s transport and logistics sectors.

AIC 18.19 Task Team Update 6
The AIC 18.19 Task Team has filed an urgent interdict after SACAA failed to respond to concerns over changes to engine regulations. The move follows missed deadlines, a lack of consultation, and growing concern for general aviation safety and sustainability in South Africa.
IATA Comments on Misguided Solidarity Levy Proposal
IATA criticises the GSLTF’s proposed air travel tax, warning it could derail global connectivity, hurt developing economies, and undermine aviation’s path to net zero by 2050

South Africa’s Aviation Sector Targets Growth, Efficiency, and Sustainability
South Africa targets 42 million airport passengers and 1.2 million tons of airfreight annually, with major investment in ACSA and SAA’s regional growth.

Injunction to Be Sought as 12-Year Aviation Engine Crisis Brings the Industry to a Halt
The AIC 18.19 Task Team, representing five major aviation bodies in South Africa, is pursuing urgent legal action against the 12-year engine overhaul ruling, which has grounded over 1,400 aircraft and threatens R2 billion in direct losses.
AIC 18.19 Task Team Update 6
The AIC 18.19 Task Team has filed an urgent interdict after SACAA failed to respond to concerns over changes to engine regulations. The move follows missed deadlines, a lack of consultation, and growing concern for general aviation safety and sustainability in South Africa.
IATA Comments on Misguided Solidarity Levy Proposal
IATA criticises the GSLTF’s proposed air travel tax, warning it could derail global connectivity, hurt developing economies, and undermine aviation’s path to net zero by 2050

Passenger Growth Hits 5% in May
Passenger demand rose 5% in May 2025, with African airlines reporting 9.5% growth. The Africa–Asia corridor leads international traffic expansion.

The Hidden Turbulence Pilots Face Beyond the Skies
Beyond the cockpit, pilots face hidden pressures—fatigue, fear of reporting, and environmental change—raising urgent questions about aviation safety culture.

Pushback on ADS-B Data Misuse Raises Concerns
A U.S. bill limiting ADS-B data use is sparking global debate, with growing concerns in Africa over surveillance, privacy, and regulatory misuse in aviation.

IATA’s I-ASC Light Assessment Helps Kenya Airways Elevate Safety Culture
Kenya Airways becomes the first airline to adopt IATA’s I-ASC Light, using the safety culture survey to identify improvement areas and strengthen risk management.

Passenger Growth Hits 5% in May
Passenger demand rose 5% in May 2025, with African airlines reporting 9.5% growth. The Africa–Asia corridor leads international traffic expansion.

The Hidden Turbulence Pilots Face Beyond the Skies
Beyond the cockpit, pilots face hidden pressures—fatigue, fear of reporting, and environmental change—raising urgent questions about aviation safety culture.

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.

The IFALPA Tackles the Controversy of Reduced Crew Operations
The aviation industry faces growing debate over Reduced Crew Operations, including Single-Pilot and Extended Minimum Crew Operations. IFALPA and pilot unions raise serious safety concerns, emphasising the irreplaceable role of two pilots in commercial aviation.

IATA Ground Handling Conference 2025 to Focus on People, Processes and Performance
The 37th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) will take place in Nairobi from 13–15 May 2025, focusing on operational modernisation, workforce investment, and performance improvement across Africa’s aviation ground handling sector.

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
SAF Registry Goes Live
IATA has launched the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Registry, now managed by CADO, creating a global platform to support the aviation sector’s transition to net zero emissions by 2050 through transparent SAF tracking and accountability.
Ethiopia and Uganda Sign Eight Bilateral Agreements — Three Focused on Aviation Cooperation
Ethiopia and Uganda signed eight bilateral agreements during the 4th Joint Ministerial Commission, including three focused on aviation: air services, training, and aircraft incident investigation. The deals aim to boost regional cooperation and sectoral development.

Competition Tribunal South Africa Approves Dubai Aerospace Merger with Nordic Aviation Capital
The South African Competition Tribunal has unconditionally approved the merger between Dubai Aerospace Enterprise and Nordic Aviation Capital, strengthening Dubai Aerospace’s global position in the aircraft leasing market.