
African Pilot Magazine:
Spotlight: Innovations

Catalyst Turboprop Engine Achieves FAA Certification
GE Aerospace’s Catalyst turboprop engine has achieved FAA certification. Catalyst is the first, new centerline, clean-sheet advanced turboprop of the 21st century and the first turboprop engine to be certified to the latest standards, which include more than 20 significant new requirements.

Hartzell Unveils Composite Kestrel Propeller for Rotax 916-Powered CubCrafters’ Carbon Cub UL
Hartzell Propeller introduces the Kestrel, a lightweight composite constant speed propeller designed for Rotax 916-powered aircraft. As the first in the new Falcon series, the Kestrel enhances the Carbon Cub UL with superior performance, durability, and efficiency.

SITA’s New Global Solution Redefines the Future of Air Traffic Control Messaging
SITA’s new ATC Connect platform is revolutionising air traffic control messaging by enabling seamless, secure, and real-time communication between airlines, airports, and air navigation service providers (ANSPs). With full interoperability between legacy and modern systems, SITA ATC Connect ensures efficient flight planning and operational reliability.

Airlink’s Journey to Retailing Independence with NDC
This article examines Airlink's journey towards retailing independence through the adoption of NDC and Accelya’s FLX Select, offering insights from industry expert Jonathan Newman and highlighting key innovations in airline retailing.

Skyway and TruWeather Partner to Test 4D Kinetic Atmospheric Motion Image Intelligent System (KAMIIS) for Advanced Air Mobility
Skyway and TruWeather Solutions advanced AAM operations with integrated airspace navigation and real-time weather intelligence. Discover how their collaboration enhanced eVTOL safety, efficiency, and meteorological digital twin technology.
EASA STC for Beech B24R and C24R with 3-blade MT-Propeller
MT-Propeller has received EASA STC 10086373 for the installation of the 3-blade constant speed propeller MTV-12-B/188-59( ) on Beech B24R and C24R aircraft powered by the Textron Lycoming IO-360-A1B engine. With advantages such as superior vibration damping, reduced weight, and unlimited blade life, MT-Propellers set the standard in aviation performance and reliability.

ZeroAvia Confirms First Sale of Standalone Electric Propulsion System
ZeroAvia confirms the first sale of its 600kW electric propulsion system to Jetcruzer International, supporting the development of the Jetcruzer 500E hydrogen-electric aircraft. This marks a major step towards sustainable aviation and zero-emission propulsion technology.

Safran Obtains EASA Certification of the First Electric Motor for New Air Mobility
Safran Electrical & Power has achieved a world first with EASA certification for its ENGINeUS 100 electric motor. This breakthrough, following extensive testing, paves the way for advanced hybrid and electric propulsion in aviation.

ZeroAvia Invited to Join Second Round of UK CAA’s Hydrogen Sandbox Challenge
ZeroAvia has been invited to join the second round of the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Hydrogen Sandbox Challenge. This initiative supports the commercial adoption of hydrogen fuel in aviation, exploring safety, regulatory requirements, and infrastructure development to advance zero-carbon flight.

Goodwin Launches Big Game Almost-Ad with James “Buster” Douglas
Goodwin launched a 30-day digital campaign featuring former heavyweight champion Buster Douglas, leveraging his historic 1990 victory as a metaphor for how technology empowers aviation brokers and operators. Instead of a costly Big Game ad, Goodwin focused on direct engagement, reinforcing its role as a tech leader in charter aviation.

Ampaire Made History with First Hybrid Electric Flight To Long Beach Airport
Ampaire made history with the first-ever hybrid electric aircraft landing at Long Beach Airport, marking a significant step in sustainable aviation. Discover how this milestone advances eco-friendly air travel and supports global sustainability goals.

Advantages of Automated Aircraft Exterior Cleaning Solutions
Automated aircraft exterior cleaning solutions reduce fuel consumption, operational costs, and environmental impact while improving safety and efficiency. Innovations like Nordic Dino’s robotic cleaning system cut aircraft washing time by up to 80%, saving water and optimising maintenance processes.

Boom Supersonic Achieves Supersonic Flight
Boom Supersonic has successfully completed the first supersonic flight of its XB-1 demonstrator aircraft, reaching Mach 1.122. The flight marks a milestone in developing the Overture supersonic airliner, which will offer high-speed, sustainable travel for future passengers.
