
African Pilot Magazine:
News

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.

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.

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.

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
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…

Kabalega International Airport Nears Completion
Kabalega International Airport in Uganda, 96% complete and set for commissioning in September 2025, will support the country’s oil production goals while boosting logistics, agriculture, and tourism in the Albertine region.
China Road and Bridge Corporation Secures Contracts for Two Airport Projects in Kyrgyzstan
China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) has secured contracts to renovate and expand Manas and Osh airports in Kyrgyzstan. These projects will enhance air transport capacity, safety, and regional economic development.
Ghana Launches New Chip-Embedded Passports
Ghana launches new chip-embedded e-passports featuring advanced biometric security and Adinkra symbols. This innovation enhances document security, curbs identity theft, and aligns with ICAO standards.
FIASA, NATREF, and ACSA Collaborate on Risk Mitigation to Ensure Continued Operations at O.R. Tambo Airport After Refinery Fire
FIASA, NATREF, and ACSA implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure continued jet fuel supply at O.R. Tambo Airport after the NATREF refinery fire. Measures include scheduled fuel deliveries, pipeline injections, and alternative sourcing.
ECOWAS Regional Strategy to Slash Aviation Taxes and Charges by 2026
Economic Community of West African States Air Transport Ministers Endorse Regional Strategy to Remove Taxes from Air Transport and Reduce Charges By 25%, Effective January 1, 2026 In November 2024, Air Transport Ministers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) convened in Lomé, Togo, to address the pressing challenges of high air transport costs…
Kenya Airways to Resume Direct Flights to Luanda in Two Months
Kenya Airways is set to resume direct flights to Luanda, Angola, by March 2025 following discussions between Presidents William Ruto and João Lourenço. Angola plans to waive visa requirements for Kenyan travellers, strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation.

Zambia Airports Corporation Limited Renews Trust in Thales with a 3-Year Agreement for Safer Skies
Zambia Airports Corporation Limited renews its partnership with Thales through a 3-year agreement to modernise and enhance the safety of Zambian skies. The contract covers ATC solutions, radar system maintenance, and airspace capacity improvements.

Battery Thermal Runaway Incidents on Board Passenger and Cargo Aircraft Hit Record High as Passengers Remain Largely Unaware of Risks
Battery thermal runaway incidents on passenger and cargo aircraft have reached a record high, according to ULSE's 2024 report. The rise underscores the risks of lithium-ion batteries onboard, with new strategies for passenger education, crew training, and aviation standards being explored to enhance safety.
New Kerosene Depot to Be Constructed at Zouérate Airport, Mauritania
Zouérate Airport may not be among the busiest airports, averaging just one flight per day. These flights typically involve small to medium-sized aircraft such as the Embraer ERJ-145, Embraer E-175, Boeing 737-500, Boeing 737-700, and Boeing 737-800. However, this scenario could soon change following the recent decision to issue a tender for the construction of…
Royal Canadian Air Force to Use PC-21 Next Generation Trainers in the Future
Discover how the Royal Canadian Air Force is set to modernise pilot training with 19 state-of-the-art PC-21 aircraft from Pilatus. Learn about the advanced, cost-effective training system supporting Canada’s Future Aircrew Training programme.

Wild Aviation Dream – Crocodiles Above the Clouds
The incredible story of a Pilatus PC-12 flying 16 young West African crocodiles from Geneva to Morocco, marking a groundbreaking conservation effort to reintroduce the species after a 60-year absence.

EASA Have Ordered Inspections for Loose Rivets on the Left and Right Pylon
EASA has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Airbus AH EC 175 B helicopters after loose rivets and a crack were discovered on pylon reinforcement fittings, mandating regular inspections and repairs.
Turbotech, Safran and Air Liquide Validate Feasibility of Liquid Hydrogen-Fuelled Turbine for Light Aviation
Turbotech, Safran, and Air Liquide successfully ground tested the first liquid hydrogen-fueled turbine engine for light aviation, marking a major milestone in decarbonised aircraft propulsion under the BeautHyFuel project.

ATR’s Strategic Alliance with Ethiopian Airlines Group Moves Forward
Discover how ATR and Ethiopian Airlines Group are advancing ATR aircraft maintenance in Africa and the Middle East with a new Joint Comprehensive Action Plan, set to revolutionise regional aviation infrastructure and training.
Cirrus Celebrates 600 Vision Jet Deliveries
Cirrus Aircraft celebrates a major milestone with the delivery of its 600th Vision Jet on 23 December 2024. The Vision Jet combines advanced safety features, innovative technology, and seamless ownership solutions, redefining personal aviation standards. Learn more at cirrusaircraft.com.
