
African Pilot Magazine:
News

AFCAC to Host High-Level Strategic Meeting with African Aviation Leaders during Aviation Africa 2025 in Kigali
AFCAC will host a High-Level Briefing with African aviation leaders during Aviation Africa 2025 to align policy, strategy and leadership on key continental priorities.

Balancing Regulation and Safety in Aviation
CAASA CEO Kevin Storie outlines a call for balanced, collaborative regulation in African aviation at the AFBAA Safety and Training Workshop during Aero SA.

Redefining Business Aviation in Africa: AfBAA’s Focus on Safety, Standards, and Inclusive Growth
AfBAA highlights inclusive growth, safety, and global standards at the AFBAA Safety & Training Workshop during Aero South Africa 2025.

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.

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.
Aero South Africa 2025 – What the GA Pilot Missed
Aero SA 2025 brought together GA pilots, students, and enthusiasts at Lanseria, showcasing everything from diesel Cessnas to electric aircraft and local innovations.

Africa’s Next Flight: Modern Airline Retailing Unlocked
Discover how TPConnects and AFRAA are reshaping airline distribution in Africa through their latest whitepaper. Explore key insights on NDC adoption, digital transformation, and the future of modern airline retailing across the continent.

Aviation AFRICA 2025 Attracts Headline Speakers to Outline African Airline Restructuring
Aviation Africa 2025 in Kigali will feature key industry leaders, including James Hogan and Knighthood Capital, discussing airline restructuring across Africa.

Pratt & Whitney’s Iconic 747SP Test Bed to Soar Into EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025
Pratt & Whitney celebrates 100 years of aviation innovation by showcasing its rare 747SP test bed at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, offering attendees a unique look at its cutting-edge propulsion technologies.

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.

Airweek 2025: Where Aviation Passion and Innovation Take Flight
Airweek 2025 at Middelburg Airfield was the hub for South African aviation enthusiasts during the first week of March 2025, showcasing a diverse array of aircraft including a few unique aircraft. The Middelburg Aero Club, Aeroclub of South Africa, EAA Chapter 322, and Air Show South Africa have undoubtedly set the benchmark for the year’s…

Eswatini to Host Inaugural Investment Conference to Attract International Investors
Eswatini is set to host its inaugural Investment Conference from 14 to 15 May 2025, aiming to attract international investors and promote economic growth. The event, organised by EIPA, will focus on key sectors such as mining, agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism, and energy.

Gabon’s Makokou Airport Modernisation Project Update
The Makokou Airport modernisation project in Gabon is progressing, with a recent site visit led by the Minister of Transport. Key upgrades include a new terminal, firefighting equipment, and enhanced security measures to ensure compliance with aviation standards and improve passenger experience.

Tragic Loss at the West Coast Airshow
The organisers of the West Coast Airshow have confirmed, with profound sadness, the death of James O'Connell, a highly skilled and respected South African test pilot, during a scheduled display at Saldanha Bay Airfield on Saturday the 22 of March. Mr O'Connell was piloting the Impala Mark 1, a warbird with deep historical significance…

South Africa’s Aviation Fuel Levy Set for Another Increase in 2025
Discover how the upcoming SACAA fuel levy increase, set for April 2025, will impact South Africa's aviation sector. Learn about the regulatory reasons, projected cost implications, and potential effects on airlines and passengers.

Henley Group Holdings Announces Trevor Carver as Manager of Henley Component Repair & Overhaul
Henley Group Holdings appoints Trevor Carver as Manager of Henley Component Repair & Overhaul, enhancing its Approved Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) with specialised helicopter component repair and overhaul services.
Ethan Beswick named General Counsel for the Experimental Aircraft Association
Ethan Beswick has been named General Counsel for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). With extensive experience in aviation and corporate law, Beswick also holds a commercial pilot certificate and is a Certified Flight Instructor.

Centennials for Fairchild, Travel Air Aircraft to be Celebrated at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025
Celebrate the centennials of Fairchild and Travel Air aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025. Discover their unique histories, see historic aeroplanes up close, and join aviation enthusiasts at this world-class fly-in event from 21 to 27 July at Wittman Regional Airport.

Nigeria – Festus Keyamo Reaffirms Commitment to Aviation Workers’ Welfare at Industry Event
Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, reaffirms his commitment to workers' welfare and unionism at the 11th Aviation Workers’ Week. The event highlighted the role of trade unions in advancing ministerial mandates, with Keyamo receiving an award for his proactive leadership in the Nigerian aviation sector.

The Stars Belong to Africa Too: African Space Agency Pushes for Space Sovereignty
The African Space Agency is driving Africa’s transition from a consumer to a producer of space technologies. Speaking at SIADE 2025, Dr Tidiane Ouattara highlighted space as a necessity for Africa’s security, economy, and innovation, calling for strategic investment and collaboration.

Aviation Industry Doubles Down on Cybersecurity as IT Spend Climbs to New Highs
SITA’s 2024 Air Transport IT Insights report highlights how airlines and airports are investing in cybersecurity, biometrics, and sustainable IT to tackle digital threats, improve passenger experience, and move towards net-zero aviation. Discover key trends shaping the future of air travel.
African Union Summit Adopts Bold Strategies for Clean and Sustainable Energy and Transport Pathways
The 38th African Union Summit saw the adoption of groundbreaking strategies for sustainable energy and transport, including green hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuels, energy efficiency, and climate-smart infrastructure. These initiatives will drive Africa’s economic growth, climate resilience, and regional integration.

Delta Airlines Requests Flight Adjustments to South Africa for Peak Tourist Season
Delta Air Lines has requested adjustments to its flight schedules between the United States and South Africa to meet rising demand during peak tourist season. The airline aims to shift two weekly flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, increasing service to the city. This move comes as Cape Town grows in popularity among U.S. travellers.…

Vellox Group Unveils the Aviation Industry’s Most Unified Software Platform and Major Capital Investment
Vellox Group introduces the aviation industry’s most unified software platform, integrating market-leading solutions for fleet management, safety, dispatch, and operations. Backed by Arcadea Group with a $20M investment, Vellox is revolutionising aviation technology with long-term innovation and efficiency.
Nominations Open for 2025 IATA’s Diversity and Inclusion Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2025 IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards, recognising individuals and organisations driving positive change in the aviation sector. You can learn more about award categories, the judging panel, and how to apply.