
African Pilot Magazine:
News

IFALPA Warns of Safety Risks at Underprepared Alternate Airports
IFALPA calls for urgent improvements to safety standards at alternate aerodromes worldwide. This article examines key incidents and infrastructure challenges, with a focus on African airports, highlighting the need for coordinated investment in navigation, emergency services, and passenger facilities.

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.

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.

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.
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…

Zambia Airports Corporation Clarifies Solwezi Airport Operations
Zambia Airports Corporation (ZACL) clarifies that Solwezi Airport is not facing closure due to gully erosion. The airport remains operational, and measures to address the erosion issue are in place. ZACL is also planning a new greenfield airport in Solwezi as part of its strategic vision for the future of aviation in Zambia.
ACI Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition 2025: Navigating Towards a Greener Future
The Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) will host the prestigious ACI Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition 2025 under the theme “Navigating Towards a Greener Future: Harnessing Sustainable Aviation and Tourism for Economic Prosperity.” This highly anticipated event is scheduled to take place in Arusha, Tanzania, from April 24th to 30th, 2025. At a time when environmental challenges and…

Minister Tayali Reaffirms Government Commitment to Zambia Airways’ Growth
Minister Museba Frank Tayali has reaffirmed the Zambian government's commitment to Zambia Airways' growth as the national flag carrier. A recent stakeholders' meeting addressed operational concerns and discussed introducing a second Boeing 737-800 to meet increased demand.
Rwanda to Construct Academic Block and Aircraft Hangar at Kigali International Airport Following Reissue of EOI which Closed in October 2024
In September 2024, the African Development Bank announced that the Government of Rwanda (GoR) had secured financing from the African Development Fund (ADF) for the Supervision Consultancy Services for the Construction of an Academic Block and Aircraft Hangar at Kigali International Airport. Part of this grant is allocated to payments under the contract for supervision services…
ATNS Signs MoU with Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA)
ATNS and NAMA sign a groundbreaking MOU to enhance Nigerian airspace management through advanced training and collaboration, fostering safer and more efficient African skies.

Government Unveils Major Reforms to Enhance Passenger Experience at JKIA
The Kenyan Government unveils major reforms at JKIA, introducing advanced technologies, streamlined customs processes, and enhanced customer service to create a world-class passenger experience.
Ethiopian Airlines Introduces Africa’s First A350-1000 with Thales AVANT Up Inflight Entertainment
Ethiopian Airlines takes delivery of Africa’s first Airbus A350-1000 equipped with Thales’s AVANT Up Inflight Entertainment system, redefining passenger experiences with 4K QLED HDR displays and advanced connectivity features.

AerCap Signs Sale and Leaseback Agreement for One New Boeing 787-9 Aircraft with New Customer TAAG Angola Airlines
AerCap has signed a sale and leaseback agreement with TAAG Angola Airlines for a new Boeing 787-9 aircraft, marking a significant step in TAAG's fleet modernisation and sustainability efforts.
Soroti University to Launch Aviation Science Programme
Soroti University is set to launch Aviation Science courses in partnership with Ethiopian Aviation University. This initiative aims to address staffing challenges and provide specialised training in Uganda’s growing aviation sector.
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.
