
African Pilot Magazine:
News

IATA Outlines Priorities to Strengthen Aviation’s Contribution to African Growth
IATA calls on African states to boost aviation’s role in economic growth by improving safety, reducing costs, unblocking airline funds, and supporting CORSIA.
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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

SAWS Aviation Website Back Online Following Last Month’s Cyberattack
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has restored its aviation website following last month’s cyberattack. Limited yet critical services – including international weather charts, wind charts, flight documentation, research products, and RADAR images – are now accessible, while functionality tests continue for other products.

Call for Proposals: Fund for Space Innovation (RASI)
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) has launched the Research Accelerator Fund for Space Innovation (RASI) to drive research, innovation, and skills development in Space Science and Technology. Academics, HDIs, UoTs, and TVET colleges can apply for funding to advance space-related solutions.
GACA Enables New Era of Saudi Aviation with Brand and Digital Platforms Launch
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has launched Ajwaa, a new digital licensing platform aimed at streamlining regulatory processes for aviation professionals. Alongside its new brand identity, this initiative highlights GACA’s commitment to a technology-driven approach, supporting the growth of Saudi aviation in line with Vision 2030.

Aviation Safety Takes Centre Stage at URSAC Steering Committee Meeting in Dakar
The Ministry of Land Transport and Air Infrastructure met with the Steering Committee of the Regional Civil Aviation Safety and Supervision Unit to discuss enhancing aviation safety and security. Key topics included regulatory compliance, regional cooperation, and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen civil aviation oversight.

Malawi Advances Air Transport Liberalisation with SAATM Commitment
Malawi strengthens its commitment to the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) as Honourable Nancy Tembo MP formally submits an Instrument of Acceptance to the African Union Commission, endorsed by President Lazarus Chakwera. Learn more about Malawi’s role in advancing air transport liberalisation in Africa.

Goodyear to Celebrate 100 Years of Airship Flying at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025
Goodyear is celebrating 100 years of airship flying at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, bringing two airships to the iconic aviation event. Discover the history of Goodyear blimps and their role in aviation innovation.

African Union Calls for Visa-Free Movement to Boost Regional Integration
The 38th African Union Summit spotlights the push for a visa-free Africa, with the AU and AfDB urging governments to remove travel restrictions. Leaders discuss how visa liberalisation can enhance regional integration, trade, and economic development, aligning with Agenda 2063’s vision of a borderless continent.

The Plane Factory is Making its Mark in the Aviation Industry
The Plane Factory is reshaping the aviation industry with its global presence in aircraft sales, leasing, training, and consultancy. With offices in South Africa, the USA, Mexico, and Brazil, the company provides end-to-end aviation solutions backed by decades of industry expertise.

HENSOLDT Achieves Order Intake of Over EUR 1.4 Billion Between October 2024 and January
HENSOLDT secured over €1.4 billion in orders between October 2024 and January 2025, strengthening its role in defence technology. Key contracts included the Eurofighter Mk1 radar, Leopard 2 A8 optronic systems, and Bundeswehr’s Electronic Warfare Centre modernisation.

Honeywell Announces Intent to Separate Automation and Aerospace, Enabling the Creation of Three Industry-Leading Companies
Honeywell announces the separation of its Automation and Aerospace businesses, creating three independent, industry-leading companies with distinct strategies. This move aims to enhance shareholder value, drive strategic growth, and optimise financial flexibility.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force Becomes the Launch Customer for the PC-7 MKX Training System
The Royal Netherlands Air Force has become the launch customer for the PC-7 MKX training system by Pilatus. This state-of-the-art solution will enhance basic flight training with advanced avionics, VR-based training, and integrated ground-based systems.

Future Career Opportunities in Aviation: Impact of Automation, AI, and Emerging Technologies
Global spending on digital technology integration is expected to reach 3,9 trillion U.S. dollars by 2027, according to Statista. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and technology services company Financing and Promoting Technology (FTP) note that aviation chief information officers are recognizing the need to strategically invest in technology as the industry is filled with legacy…

Fuel Shortages: Is the Re-Opening of NATREF Really the Light At the End of the Tunnel?
South Africa’s aviation industry faces uncertainty amid jet fuel shortages following the NATREF refinery fire. While the government has secured alternative fuel supplies and plans to reopen NATREF by late February, concerns remain about long-term stability. Will this be the end of the crisis or just a temporary fix?
EAA National Convention & Aero Club AirWeek Set for March 2025
The EAA National Convention & Aero Club AirWeek returns to Middelburg Airfield, Mpumalanga, from 6–9 March 2025. A premier event for aviation enthusiasts, pilots, and aircraft owners, featuring airshows, aircraft displays, aviation forums, and workshops.
Transport on Jet Fuel Secured for OR Tambo International Airport
The National Department of Transport has confirmed that 121.1 million litres of jet fuel have been secured for OR Tambo International Airport, ensuring continued flight operations until the NATREF refinery reopens at the end of February 2025.