
African Pilot Magazine:
Civil Aviation

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gabon Civil Aviation Agency Appoints New Directors
Gabon’s Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) has appointed new directors as part of statutory reforms, including a new Air Transport Directorate to strengthen aviation oversight.

ICAO, Universal Postal Union Strengthen Airmail Security Against Rising Threats
ICAO and the Universal Postal Union have strengthened their partnership to enhance global airmail security, introducing advanced screening technologies, improved training, and data sharing to safeguard international mail operations.

Uganda CAA Hosts Aviation Weather Awareness Workshop
Uganda CAA and Meteorological Services hosted a workshop in Entebbe to enhance aviation safety, forecasting, and inter-agency collaboration.
Nigeria Grants Tanzania Air, A Foreign Carrier Operating Permit
Nigeria grants Air Tanzania a Foreign Carrier Operating Permit for direct Dar es Salaam–Lagos flights, boosting trade, tourism and investment.

Zimbabwe CAA Licenses 27 ZRP Drone Pilots to Boost Surveillance and Enforcement
The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe has licensed 27 Zimbabwe Republic Police officers as drone pilots, enhancing law enforcement surveillance and enforcement capabilities through advanced Remotely Piloted Licensing training.
Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe Appoints Mavis Musakasa as Director of Flight Safety and Standards
CAAZ appoints Mavis Musakasa as Director of Flight Safety and Standards, bringing extensive airworthiness and safety oversight expertise.
Zambia Civil Aviation Authority and ZICTA Call for Stronger Collaboration
CAA and ZICTA deepen collaboration to enhance aviation safety, telecoms regulation, and infrastructure approvals in Zambia.
SA’s Aviation: Strategic Driver of Economic Growth
In 2023, aviation contributed USD 5.7 billion to South Africa’s economy, supporting 46,000 jobs. Government and industry drive growth through skills, infrastructure, and regional cooperation.

Zimbabwe Delegation Explores UK Collaboration on Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Zimbabwe explores UK collaboration on Sustainable Aviation Fuel, focusing on decarbonising aviation through research, production, and policy support.
Kenya and Somalia Move Towards MoU on Aviation Accident Investigations
Kenya and Somalia plan MoU to enhance cooperation on aviation accident investigations, aiming to boost safety across the Horn of Africa region.

NCAA Suspends ValueJet Pilots Following Safety Breach
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has suspended two ValueJet pilots following a serious safety protocol violation at Abuja’s domestic terminal on 5 August 2025.
Ghana Commissions New Aviation Navigation Centre and Border Security Systems
Ghana inaugurates new Air Navigation Services Complex and launches API/PNR systems, advancing aviation safety and border security standards.

ORTIA Air Traffic Control System Failure Sparks Major Flight Disruptions
A critical ATC system failure at O.R. Tambo International Airport causes major flight delays, echoing recent UK radar disruptions.

Mauritania and Turkey Sign Civil Aviation Cooperation Agreement
Mauritania and Turkey sign an MoU to enhance civil aviation through training, technical assistance, and strategic collaboration.
SACAA Issues Tender to Review and Restructure Organisational Design
SACAA invites bids to review and redesign its organisational structure. Deadline: 12 August 2025 at 11h00. Tender reference: SACAA/OSR/00007/2025–2026.
