
African Pilot Magazine:
International

Daher Flies Its EyePulse MALE Drone
Daher has completed the first flight of its EyePulse MALE drone in Tarbes, meeting a DGA call for rapid capability development and demonstrating fast integration of autonomous technologies with Thales avionics.

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.

Embraer Celebrates Delivery of 1,700th Ipanema Cropduster
Embraer delivers its 1,700th Ipanema cropduster, an ethanol-powered aircraft with 60 percent market share, known for high productivity, precision spraying and low operating costs.

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.

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.

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.

Air India Group Tackles Flight Efficiency and Emissions with Advanced Data-Driven Tech
Air India Group adopts SITA OptiFlight® and eWAS to cut fuel burn, reduce emissions by 35,000 tons annually, and enhance operational efficiency.

News From China: Civil Aviation Transports 147 Million Passengers With Daily Passenger Volume Hitting A Record High During The Summer Travel Season
Civil aviation carried 147 million passengers in summer 2025, with record-breaking daily volumes and strong growth in domestic and international flights.

Bristell B23 Achieves FAA Certification, Strengthening Global Market Position
Bristell B23 receives FAA Type Certification, adding to its EASA approval and boosting its global market position for flight schools and private pilots.

Decarbonising Aviation: European Commission Supports Development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels in Africa
The European Commission, in partnership with AFCAC, is driving sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development in Africa, supporting net-zero aviation by 2050.

SkyAlyne Completes Factory Acceptance Of First Two Grob G 120TPs (CT-102B Astra II) Destined For RCAF
SkyAlyne completes factory acceptance of the first two Grob G 120TPs (CT-102B Astra II) for the RCAF’s Future Aircrew Training programme.

Rotortrade Delivers AS350 B3+ Utility Helicopter To MERAVO Luftreederei Fluggesellschaft, Germany
Rotortrade delivers an Arctic-proven AS350 B3+ utility helicopter from Air Greenland to Meravo, highlighting strong demand in Europe’s helicopter market.

International: OFIL Airborne and Nova Maps Team Up to Bring Wildfire Mapping to Utility Helicopters
OFIL Airborne and Nova Maps join forces to bring advanced wildfire mapping to utility helicopters, boosting efficiency and real-time aerial firefighting data.

Gulfstream Delivers First G800
Gulfstream delivers its first G800, the world’s longest-range business jet, certified by FAA and EASA, with luxury design and advanced performance.

Europe’s New Era of Weather Forecasting Begins with Successful Launch of MetOp-SG A1
Europe launches MetOp-SG A1, a next-gen satellite delivering unprecedented accuracy in weather forecasting and atmospheric monitoring into the 2040s.

Embraer Achieves Major Milestone With 2,000th Business Jet Delivery
Embraer delivers its 2,000th business jet, a Praetor 500, marking a major milestone and reinforcing its leadership in midsize and super-midsize aviation.

Turkish Airlines Completes a Landmark Deal for its Airbus A350 Financing with DIB
Turkish Airlines completes its first Airbus A350 financing in Swiss francs via an Islamic finance lease with Dubai Islamic Bank, marking a strategic milestone.

ICAO, Universal Postal Union Strengthen Airmail Security Against Rising Threats
ICAO and the Universal Postal Union have strengthened their partnership to enhance global airmail security, introducing advanced screening technologies, improved training, and data sharing to safeguard international mail operations.

Signia Aerospace Acquires Precise Flight, Expanding Capabilities in Aviation Safety and Performance
Signia Aerospace has acquired Precise Flight, a leading developer of aviation safety systems, expanding its capabilities in innovative aerospace technology and enhancing service to global aviation customers.

Embraer Defense Europe Signs Strategic MoUs with Lithuanian Partners, Strengthening Aerospace Cooperation and Innovation
Embraer Defense Europe has signed strategic MoUs with leading Lithuanian partners to strengthen aerospace cooperation, advance innovation, and support the local defence industry, following Lithuania’s selection of the C-390 Millennium aircraft.

Do228 NXT with Modern Wing Coating – Maximum Durability and Reliable Corrosion Protection
General Atomics AeroTec Systems introduces Tartaric Sulphuric Acid Anodising (TSAA) to the Do228 NXT, delivering enhanced corrosion protection, improved durability, and compliance with EU REACH regulations in an environmentally friendly manufacturing process.

