African Pilot Magazine:

Civil Aviation

Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East. Photo credit © African pilot // Craig Dean

African Infrastructure & Projects, Air Connectivity, Air Freight & Air Cargo, Air Traffic, Aircraft Engines, Aircraft Leasing, Airports, Civil Aviation, Commercial & Air Travel, Manufacturing, MRO – Maintenance, Refurb & Overhaul, Regulatory, Safety

Africa Leads Global Aviation Growth, but Structural Constraints Continue to Undermine Sustainability

African aviation leads global passenger and cargo growth, but profitability, high costs, safety gaps and policy failures continue to undermine sustainability.

Fixing NOTAM Overload: Why Pilots Must Lead the Change

Aviation article on the growing NOTAM overload, its safety impact, and why pilots must lead reporting efforts to improve clarity, relevance, and operational safety.

Expand your comfort zone – discover the new PC-24’s aft divan that converts into a full-length bed.

Remote Towers Raise Fresh Safety Concerns

Remote Tower technology is reshaping air traffic control, but IFALPA and ECA warn of major safety risks, especially when multiple airports share a single RTC.

Botswana Eyes Aviation Expansion to Support Economic Transformation Agenda

Botswana is prioritising aviation modernisation to boost tourism, trade and investment under its Economic Transformation Programme, with new cargo, PPP and infrastructure initiatives shaping long-term growth.

Zambia Hosts ICAO Regional Workshop on Obstacle Limitation Surfaces Standards

Zambia has hosted an ICAO Regional Workshop on updated Annex 14 Obstacle Limitation Surfaces Standards, bringing together African aviation regulators and experts to strengthen safety, oversight and harmonised obstacle management.

Gabon Civil Aviation Authority Honoured with ICAO Council President Certificate for Security Oversight Progress

Gabon’s Civil Aviation Authority receives the ICAO Council President Certificate for major progress in aviation security oversight following the recent USAP audit.

Pictured from left to right: Mr. Romain Ekoto, ICAO Regional Director for the Western and Central Africa (WACAF) Office, His Excellency, Mr. Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon President and Head of State, and Mr. Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, Minister of State and Minister of Transport, Merchant Marine, and Logistics of the Republic of Gabon.

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.

The EU’s Role in Advancing African Aviation: Insights from the Luanda Financing Summit

The EU outlines its aviation support for Africa at the Luanda Financing Summit, highlighting Global Gateway priorities, EASA technical programmes, SAF cooperation and actions aligned with SAATM and Agenda 2063.

Speaking on behalf of the European Commission, Sergio Oliete Josa, Head of Sustainable Transport and Urban Development at European Commission (DG INTPA). Photo Credit ©African Pilot // Craig Dean

European Cockpit Association Releases New Guidelines on Commander’s Discretion

New ECA guidelines on Commander’s Discretion clarify when and how airline commanders can extend or reduce flight duty periods under EASA’s ORO.FTL.205(f). The update reinforces fatigue management, shared responsibility, and safety-first decision-making for pilots and operators worldwide.

Rwanda’s Vision for Aviation Growth: Policy, Innovation and Openness Drive Integration

At the Luanda Financing Summit, Rwanda outlined how open policies, innovation and investment are driving sustainable aviation growth across Africa.

Dr Jimmy Gasore, Minister of Infrastructure of Rwanda. Photo Credit ©African Pilot // Craig Dean

Zimbabwe’s Approach to Collaborative Growth and Modernisation in African Aviation

At the Luanda Financing Summit, Zimbabwe highlighted collaboration, investment and policy reform as key drivers of Africa’s aviation modernisation.

Suspension of Johannesburg–Maseru Flights Highlights Critical Infrastructure Gaps in Southern Africa

Airlink suspends Johannesburg–Maseru flights after safety equipment failure at Moshoeshoe I Airport leaves Lesotho without scheduled air service.

ATNS and Chief Executive Mutually Agree to End Working Relationship

ATNS and CEO Nozipho Mdawe part ways by mutual agreement after three years in office. Investigation clears her of wrongdoing as ATNS seeks new leadership.

Egypt Signs Cooperation Protocol to Strengthen Aviation Safety System

Egypt’s Ministry of Civil Aviation signs a cooperation protocol between the Civil Aviation Authority and the Central Department of Aviation Accidents to enhance safety standards in line with ICAO and Chicago Convention requirements.

Arab Republic of Egypt, Ministry of Civil Aviation

Faso Airports Company Installs Its First Director General

Burkina Faso’s Faso Airports Company appoints Malegdibkièta Saturnin Théophile Bikyenga as its first Director General to lead airport modernisation.

Africa’s Skies at a Crossroads: ATNS Turbulence Underscores Urgent Need for Aviation Reform

ATNS’s suspension of 300+ flight procedures exposes deep cracks in South Africa’s airspace system, reinforcing AASA’s call for bold aviation reform.

Social Sustainability and Safety Leadership Are Shaping the Future of Flight

ICAO and IATA align on safety and social sustainability, spotlighting people, leadership and data as the twin engines driving aviation’s future — especially in Africa.

ATNS Update Regarding Chief Dawid Stuurman, Polokwane, and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airports

On Friday, 10 October 2025, the Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) SOC Ltd provided the following update regarding the ongoing instrument flight procedure maintenance programme at three international airports. Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport The instrument landing system (ILS) procedure for Runway 26 at the airport had to be suspended this week in order…

Liberia Civil Aviation Authority Restores Voting Rights and Secures Strategic Partnerships at the 42nd ICAO Assembly

The Liberia Civil Aviation Authority restored its voting rights at the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal and secured new aviation partnerships to strengthen safety oversight and training.

Photo Credit: Liberia Civil Aviation Authority-LCAA

Minister Creecy Welcomes South Africa’s Re-Election to Aviation’s Global Body, ICAO Governing Council

South Africa has been re-elected to the ICAO Governing Council at the 42nd Assembly in Montréal. Minister Creecy highlights Africa’s aviation priorities.

Liberia and Egypt Explore New Aviation Cooperation

At the ICAO Assembly in Montreal, the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority met with Egypt’s aviation leaders to discuss the possibility of EgyptAir launching direct flights to Liberia.

Africa Secures Resounding Mandate on ICAO Council, Winning Nearly One-Fourth of Global Seats, Driven by Unified Technical Agenda

Africa secures 8 of 36 ICAO Council seats at the 42nd Assembly, reinforcing global trust in its aviation leadership and advancing SAATM, safety, security, and sustainability.