African Pilot Magazine:
Commercial & Air Travel
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Qatar Airways Increases African Frequencies in New Winter Schedule
Qatar Airways increases its Africa network to 35 weekly flights this winter, with more services to Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Casablanca via Doha.

Sasol Commits to Next Generation Catalyst Supply for e-SAF Pioneer INERATEC
Sasol and INERATEC sign agreement to supply next generation catalyst, set to boost e-kerosene yield by 15% and exceed PtL plant capacity by 2026.

Airbus Expands its Footprint in Africa with a New Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg
Airbus opens a new Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg, reinforcing its nearly 50-year partnership with Africa’s aviation sector and expanding support for regional operators.

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.

Turkish Airlines and Airlink Sign Codeshare Agreement to Expand African Connectivity
Turkish Airlines and Airlink have entered into a codeshare agreement to enhance air connectivity across Southern Africa, effective 1 August 2025.

Nigeria, Arab Republic of Egypt Sign MoU to Strengthen Cooperation in Aviation and Aerospace Development
Nigeria and Egypt have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance aviation sector cooperation, expand routes, and promote regional integration across Africa.

Royal Air Maroc and Al Barid Bank Group Reinvent the Passenger Experience
Royal Air Maroc and Al Barid Bank have introduced a digital, contactless passenger service at Casablanca Airport, enhancing check-in, transit, and boarding with NFC technology.
Angola and Ethiopia Sign Bilateral Air Services Agreement
Angola and Ethiopia have signed an Air Services Agreement to enhance aviation cooperation, enabling improved connectivity, safety, and commercial operations.

TAAG Angola Airlines Advances Fleet Modernisation with US EXIM Bank Support
TAAG Angola Airlines advances its fleet modernisation with $297M EXIM Bank financing for Boeing 787-10 aircraft and GE engines, boosting efficiency and sustainability.

Air Transport: Côte d’Ivoire Aims to Become a Sub-Regional Hub and Competitive Global Player
Côte d'Ivoire is advancing its air transport sector with strategic reforms and investments to become a leading West African aviation hub, driven by growing passenger traffic and the expansion of Air Côte d'Ivoire.
EMAS: The Runway Safety Net Pilots Still Aren’t Using
Why are pilots avoiding EMAS during runway overruns? Explore how Africa can lead the way in safety innovation with proper pilot training and local solutions.

African Airlines’ Performance Updates by AFRAA – June 2025
AFRAA’s June 2025 update highlights African airline traffic growth, market share trends, infrastructure investments, regulatory developments, and passenger revenue gains across the continent.

Insect Season: An Overlooked Threat to Aircraft Efficiency
Insect buildup on aircraft surfaces during warmer months can raise fuel consumption by up to 4.4%. Discover how robotic cleaning is helping airlines combat this hidden threat.

Ethiopian Airlines Launches a New Passenger Service to Abu Dhabi
Ethiopian Airlines expands its Gulf network with a new daily service connecting Addis Ababa to Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, strengthening ties with Etihad Airways.

IATA Comments on Misguided Solidarity Levy Proposal
IATA criticises the GSLTF’s proposed air travel tax, warning it could derail global connectivity, hurt developing economies, and undermine aviation’s path to net zero by 2050

