African Pilot Magazine:
News
Zimbabwe Marks 26 Years of the Yamoussoukro Decision
Zimbabwe marks the 26th Anniversary of the Yamoussoukro Decision, highlighting progress on SAATM implementation, rising air traffic, expanded airport plans and strengthened regional cooperation.
Air Seychelles Increases Frequency to Daily Service from Seychelles to Abu Dhabi
Air Seychelles increases Seychelles–Abu Dhabi flights to a daily schedule from 16 October 2025, enhancing connectivity and boosting tourism growth.

South Africa’s Air Navigation Crisis Grounds Flights and Threatens Economic Stability
Flight cancellations and delays across South Africa as ATNS fails to maintain navigation procedures, disrupting tourism and regional air connectivity.

ATNS Says It’s Making Good Progress to Stabilise and Rebuild
ATNS reports significant progress in stabilising operations, restoring flight procedures, and rebuilding core capacity under new leadership and expert guidance.

ATNS Integrated Financial Report 2024/2025: Stabilisation, Accountability and Modernisation
ATNS reports modest profits amid major reforms, modernisation plans, and leadership changes to restore stability in South Africa’s air navigation system.

JEKTA and Tahseen Sign LOI to Collaborate on and Assess Potential for Amphibious Operations in the GCC
JEKTA and Tahseen Aviation sign an LOI to explore sustainable amphibious aviation operations across the GCC, Africa and Asia.

ATNS Updates to the Industry: Need for More Clarity
AASA urges ATNS to provide transparent timelines and solutions as ongoing Instrument Flight Procedure suspensions cause severe disruptions, economic damage and operational uncertainty across South Africa’s aviation sector.

Botswana’s NDP 12 Prioritises Aviation Reform and Infrastructure Development
Botswana’s NDP 12 outlines aviation reforms, airport upgrades, and Air Botswana’s turnaround to strengthen the nation’s position as a regional aviation hub.

Riyadh Air Operates First Flight to London Heathrow
Riyadh Air begins its first daily service to London Heathrow, marking a major milestone in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the airline’s Pathway to Perfect plan.

Liberia Airport Authority Opens Bidding for Domestic Airport PPP Investment
Liberia Airport Authority invites bids for a ten-year Public-Private Partnership to finance, modernise, and manage five domestic airports under a Build-Operate-Transfer model.

South Africa General Aviation: Industry Deliberating the Way Forward After Judgment on 12-Year Engine Rule
The AIC 18.19 Task Team met to assess the legal implications of the 12-year engine rule judgment and to define a phased strategy for the South African aviation industry.
Nigeria’s Aviation Sector Stands at a Pivotal Crossroad, Poised for Transformative Advancement – Keyamo
Festus Keyamo highlights Nigeria’s aviation reforms and global partnerships driving infrastructure upgrades and competitiveness in Africa’s air transport market.

Gulfstream Fleet Surpasses 3 Million Nautical Miles Flown on Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Gulfstream surpasses 3 million nautical miles on SAF as its next-generation aircraft fly to NBAA-BACE 2025, advancing business aviation sustainability.

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.
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.


