
African Pilot Magazine:
International

Aviation Takes the Lead as UAE Unveils USD 6 Billion Tourism Investment Plan for Africa
The UAE’s USD 6 billion tourism investment plan for Africa places aviation and air connectivity at the centre of the continent’s growth strategy, with projects mapped across aviation, logistics and infrastructure to support expanded routes and improved access.

Ethiopian Airlines Strengthens Its Position as Africa’s Largest A350 Operator with Order for Six Additional A350-900s
Ethiopian Airlines has ordered six more Airbus A350-900 aircraft, reinforcing its position as Africa’s largest A350 operator and supporting its sustainable growth strategy. The agreement was signed at the Dubai Airshow.

Introducing Tecnam’s New Era of Light Aviation
Tecnam Aircraft leads the industry as the new FAA MOSAIC rules take effect, transforming light aviation with expanded capabilities and greater accessibility.

Milan Aircraft Unveils Project for First Truly Practical Electric Trainer Aircraft
Milan Aircraft unveils its clean-sheet electric trainer, offering practical range, modern design, and a major step forward in sustainable pilot training.

JEKTA and Tahseen Sign LOI to Collaborate on and Assess Potential for Amphibious Operations in the GCC
JEKTA and Tahseen Aviation sign an LOI to explore sustainable amphibious aviation operations across the GCC, Africa and Asia.

Embraer and Airlink Expand Partnership with Component Pool Program for E2 Jets
Embraer and Airlink have expanded their partnership with a Component Pool Program agreement covering ten new E195-E2 jets, extending support to 78 aircraft and enhancing operational reliability.

Rolls-Royce Powers Air Algérie’s New Era of Growth with the A330neo
Air Algérie has taken delivery of its first A330neo, powered exclusively by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, marking the start of a major fleet renewal programme through 2027.

IATA Updates Cargo and Ground Operations Manuals
IATA releases its 2026 cargo and ground operations manuals featuring nearly 100 updates on lithium battery transport, live animal welfare, and digital tools.

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.

KC-390 Millennium and Gripen E Successfully Complete Refuelling Certification Flights
Embraer and Saab, together with the Brazilian Air Force, have completed in-flight refuelling certification flights between the KC-390 Millennium and Gripen E, advancing operational integration and international capability.

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.

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.

ALSIM’s New AL2006 Simulator Joins the Fleet of Professional Aviation Academy in Italy
Professional Aviation Academy Italy adds ALSIM’s new AL2006 simulator replicating the Tecnam P2006T NG, strengthening advanced multi-engine pilot training.

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.

Avion Express Offers 250 Open Positions for Pilots Worldwide
Avion Express, a leading global provider of narrow-body ACMI services and part of Avia Solutions Group, is announcing 250 new pilot positions available worldwide for commercial pilots holding either EASA or ICAO licenses. This announcement is part of the annual recruitment season, launched under the slogan “We take care of you. We take care of…

AirExplore Adds an Additional B737-800 to Its Fleet
AirExplore expands its fleet with a new B737-800 from Aviation Capital Group, strengthening its ACMI operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

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.

Arlanda Becomes First Airport in Europe to Implement New Air Traffic Approach Concept
Swedavia and LFV introduce Europe’s first Established on RNP (EoR) approach at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, enhancing capacity, efficiency, and sustainability.

Bell Textron Announces Letters of Intent to Explore Significant Cooperation with Ukraine
Bell Textron has signed Letters of Intent with Ukraine to explore cooperation on potential procurement of AH-1Z and UH-1Y aircraft under a U.S. FMS programme.

BAE Systems and Aviation Concepts, LLC Renew International Distributor Agreement
BAE Systems and Aviation Concepts renew their international distributor agreement, strengthening global access to aerospace parts and support solutions.

Lockheed Martin and Belgium Celebrate Arrival of First Belgian F-35 Aircraft
Belgium’s first F-35A Lightning II has arrived at Florennes Air Base. Lockheed Martin and the Belgian Air Force mark a new era of advanced air defence and allied cooperation.

Supply Chain Challenges Could Cost Airlines More Than $11 Billion in 2025
IATA and Oliver Wyman warn that aircraft supply chain delays could cost airlines $11 billion in 2025, driven by fuel, maintenance, leasing, and inventory costs.

Safran Aero Boosters and BMT Aerospace to Manufacture Key Components for Pratt & Whitney’s F135 Engine Powering the F-35 Lightning II Aircraft
Safran Aero Boosters and BMT Aerospace to produce key F135 engine components for Pratt & Whitney’s F-35 aircraft, strengthening Belgium’s aerospace industry.

AEGEAN Airlines Expands Fleet with New ATR 72-600, Two More on Order
AEGEAN Airlines, through Olympic Air, has added a new ATR 72-600 to its fleet and ordered two more for delivery in December 2026, reinforcing its regional fleet modernisation and sustainability strategy.

Veryon AIRE Redefines Aviation Maintenance with AI-Powered Intelligence Across the Entire Fleet
Veryon launches AIRE, an AI-powered aviation intelligence platform delivering predictive maintenance, smarter fleet management, and enhanced reliability.

HAVELSAN’s Boeing 737 MAX Full Flight Simulator Achieves EASA Recurrent Certification
HAVELSAN has received EASA recurrent certification for its Boeing 737 MAX Full Flight Simulator, reinforcing its position in advanced pilot training technology.

TRU Simulation’s Veris Virtual Reality Flight Simulator Achieves FAA Qualification, Ushering in a New Era of Immersive Pilot Training
TRU Simulation’s Veris Virtual Reality Flight Simulator earns FAA Level 7 qualification, marking a new era in immersive pilot training with Bell 505 integration.


