
African Pilot Magazine:
Spotlight: Innovations

Airbus Streamlines Its Tactical Uncrewed Aerial System Offering
Airbus consolidates its tactical uncrewed aerial systems, creating a unified portfolio under Airbus Helicopters to enhance defence and security capabilities.

uAvionix and VOTIX Announce Integration of FlightLine ADS-B Data Service to Advance Drone as First Responder Operations
uAvionix and VOTIX integrate FlightLine ADS-B data into the VOTIX platform, enhancing safety, efficiency, and situational awareness for DFR and AAM.

Africa’s Runways: Can Tech Stop the Silent Threat of Overruns?
Runway overruns remain a major safety risk in African aviation. IFALPA calls for Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting Systems (ROAAS) to reduce accidents and costs.

Say Again: Embry-Riddle Researchers Develop AI System to Decode Aviation Speak
Embry-Riddle researchers create an AI system to transcribe and standardise pilot-controller radio communications, reducing errors and improving aviation safety.

Braking Action Intelligence – The Next Frontier in Runway Safety
Real-time runway friction reporting could transform aviation safety in Africa. We explore ICAO’s Global Reporting Format, IFALPA’s concerns, and the technical hurdles to turning aircraft into live braking action sensors.

Say Again: Embry-Riddle Researchers Develop AI System to Decode Aviation Speak
Embry-Riddle researchers create an AI system to transcribe and standardise pilot-controller radio communications, reducing errors and improving aviation safety.

Braking Action Intelligence – The Next Frontier in Runway Safety
Real-time runway friction reporting could transform aviation safety in Africa. We explore ICAO’s Global Reporting Format, IFALPA’s concerns, and the technical hurdles to turning aircraft into live braking action sensors.

Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy Complete First Autonomous Flight of Leonardo AW139 Helicopter
Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy complete the first autonomous flight of a Leonardo AW139, advancing USMC aerial logistics and uncrewed flight systems.

A French Aerospace Consortium Launches an Initiative to Develop Hybrid-Electric Propulsion for General Aviation, Specifically Light Aircraft
Daher, Safran, Collins Aerospace and Ascendance launch TAGINE a joint hybrid-electric propulsion R&D project targeting greener light aircraft by 2027.

Air to Jet Fuel: United Announces Investment in Power-to-Liquid Fuels Company Twelve
United invests in Twelve, a UK-relevant clean tech innovator producing sustainable aviation fuel from CO₂ and water, accelerating carbon-neutral flight.

Bombardier to digitally transform the aircraft engineering process from concept through to production with Siemens Xcelerator
Bombardier expands its use of Siemens Xcelerator software, including NX, Capital, and Mendix platforms, to transform aircraft engineering from concept to production. This digital upgrade enhances performance, streamlines product development, and supports a sustainable aerospace future.

Air to Jet Fuel: United Announces Investment in Power-to-Liquid Fuels Company Twelve
United invests in Twelve, a UK-relevant clean tech innovator producing sustainable aviation fuel from CO₂ and water, accelerating carbon-neutral flight.

Bombardier to digitally transform the aircraft engineering process from concept through to production with Siemens Xcelerator
Bombardier expands its use of Siemens Xcelerator software, including NX, Capital, and Mendix platforms, to transform aircraft engineering from concept to production. This digital upgrade enhances performance, streamlines product development, and supports a sustainable aerospace future.

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.


