
African Pilot Magazine:
Commercial & Air Travel

Mozambique Launches Public Consultation on 20-Year Civil Aviation Master Plan as Government Targets Systemic Reform
Mozambique has opened public consultations on its Civil Aviation Master Plan 2026–2045, with government calling for systemic reform to address infrastructure gaps, market dysfunction and long-standing aviation sector challenges.

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.
Mozambique Outlines LAM Restructuring Measures as Government Addresses Parliament
Mozambique’s Government outlines LAM restructuring measures, new shareholder structure, fleet acquisition plans and aviation sector reforms aimed at reducing costs, improving efficiency and expanding market openness.
Moving SAATM Forward: Deregulation, Lower Costs and a Continental Infrastructure Plan
AUDA-NEPAD outlines the progress of SAATM, the political reforms needed to lower aviation costs, and the development of a continental infrastructure master plan to support a single African sky.

Morocco Orders Ten Airbus H225M Helicopters
Morocco has ordered ten Airbus H225M helicopters to replace its ageing Puma fleet and enhance combat search and rescue capability. The agreement includes support services and strengthens Airbus’s growing footprint in Morocco.

Emirates to Roll Out Next Phase of Fleet Retrofit Programme, with 111 Aircraft Set for Next-Level Enhancements
Emirates begins the next phase of its major fleet retrofit, upgrading 111 aircraft with new cabins, advanced entertainment, and Starlink connectivity.

3.6% Air Passenger Growth in Septemb
IATA reports a 3.6% rise in global air passenger demand for September 2025, driven by strong international travel despite supply chain constraints.

US Shutdown Ends, Allowing Airlines to Restore Normal Operations Across Domestic Network
The US government shutdown has ended, allowing United Airlines and the wider aviation sector to restore domestic schedules while maintaining uninterrupted service on Africa routes. Here’s what the recovery means for African travellers and aviation stakeholders.

Emirates and South African Airways Enhance Codeshare Agreement, Building on 28 Years of Partnership
Emirates and South African Airways are enhancing their long-standing partnership with a new reciprocal codeshare, expanded regional access across Africa, and a third daily Emirates flight to Cape Town starting July 2026.

Africa’s Travellers Still Value the Human Touch in a Digital World
IATA’s 2025 survey shows African travellers still value personal service and human connection as global air travel turns increasingly digital.

Emirates to Launch Third Daily Service to Nairobi, Helping Unlock Inbound Tourism Growth
Emirates will add a third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi from March 2026, expanding to 21 weekly services and strengthening connectivity to support Kenya’s tourism ambitions.

Aviapartner Strengthens Angola’s Aviation Ecosystem with Certified Operations at Dr António Agostinho Neto International Airport
Aviapartner reinforces Angola’s aviation sector with certified operations at NBJ Airport, a 100% Angolan workforce, and strong local ownership.

Building Africa’s Open Skies: AFCAC Outlines Priorities for SAATM Implementation
At the Luanda Financing Summit, AFCAC outlined priorities to accelerate SAATM, calling for investment, harmonisation, and political action to open Africa’s skies.

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.

SAATM: Morocco Highlights Long-Term Vision for Sustainable Aviation Growth and Infrastructure Integration at Luanda Finance Summit
At the Luanda Summit, Morocco outlined its long-term aviation vision focused on infrastructure, liberalisation, and regional integration under SAATM.

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.

FlySafair Unveils Protea Livery Designed by 22-Year-Old South African Student
FlySafair and Cricket South Africa unveil a Protea-themed aircraft livery by 22-year-old Dinika Naidu, marking one year of their national partnership.

Emirates Group Achieves Record Half-Year Profit for 2025–26, Maintains Position as the World’s Most Profitable Airline
Emirates Group posts record half-year profit of AED 12.2 billion (US$ 3.3 billion) for 2025–26. Emirates Airline and dnata both achieve double-digit profit growth, reflecting strong global travel demand and operational excellence.

SAA Extends African Connectivity with New Service Between Johannesburg and Gaborone
South African Airways launches a twice-daily Johannesburg–Gaborone service, strengthening intra-African connectivity, trade and regional integration.

Johannesburg–Maseru Flights to Resume Following Restoration of Airport Safety Services
Airlink resumes Johannesburg–Maseru flights on 7 November 2025 after Moshoeshoe I International Airport restores compliant fire and rescue capability.
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.
Qatar Airways and Air Algérie Expand Network Access and Deepen Cooperation with Codeshare Partnership Launch
Qatar Airways and Air Algérie launch a new codeshare partnership to enhance connectivity between Algeria, Asia, and the Middle East via Doha’s Hamad International Airport.

Marrakech Joins Delta’s Growing Global Network: New Direct Route from Atlanta Opens Gateway to Morocco
Delta Air Lines launches nonstop flights between Atlanta and Marrakech, enhancing U.S.–Morocco connectivity and expanding its African route network.

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.

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.

Airlink to Spice Up Zanzibar Market – Tickets Now on Sale!
Airlink launches twice-weekly Johannesburg–Zanzibar flights from 3 June 2026, boosting tourism and investment links with Tanzania’s island economy.

Entebbe Airport Celebrates Record Growth in Passenger and Cargo Traffic as Uganda Hails Aviation Boom
Entebbe Airport records historic growth in passengers and cargo as Uganda launches Phase II expansion, marking a new era for the nation’s aviation industry.

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.


