Namibia, Botswana Target December Launch for Joint Airline Venture
Namibia and Botswana are moving ahead with plans to establish a joint national airline, with…
African Pilot Magazine: 2026 || 03
African Pilot Magazine
Featured Articles
Read the articles featured in Edition: 03|2026 as web articles.
AFRAA’s African MRO Conference
AFRAA’s inaugural African MRO Conference in Addis Ababa brought together 450 delegates from more than…
AfriSAF’s Bet on the First Mile of Africa’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Future
AfriSAF is building Africa’s sustainable aviation fuel economy from the ground up, focusing on feedstock,…
Advancing Flight Through Continental Jet-A Retrofit Engines
Continental Aerospace Technologies’ CD-155 Jet-A retrofit engine enhances efficiency, reduces fuel burn, and modernises Cessna,…
Future Ground Handling: Automation, Accountability and the Human Factor
Automation is transforming airport ground handling, but safety, human oversight and clear regulation remain critical…
The African Airlines Association MRO Conference 2026 Concludes with Strong Call for Collaboration, Capacity Building and Digital Transformation
AFRAA’s inaugural MRO Conference 2026 in Addis Ababa brought together 450+ delegates to advance collaboration,…
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Botswana Advances Plans for Mophane Cargo International Airport at Selebi-Phikwe
29 April 2026
Learn moreParliament Approves AFCAC Constitutional Amendment to Boost Sierra Leone’s Aviation Sector
28 April 2026
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Continued Investment in Aviation Critical as Ethiopia’s Passenger Demand Triples by 2044
IATA urges Ethiopia to sustain aviation investment as passenger demand is forecast to triple over…
Rolls-Royce Wins Back LATAM Airlines with Order for Trent 1000 XE Engines
LATAM Airlines selects Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 XE engines for three Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with durability…
ICAO, African Development Bank Commit to Enhancing Air Connectivity Through Joint Projects
ICAO and the African Development Bank will identify joint aviation projects to improve air connectivity…
IATA Calls on African Governments to Prioritise Aviation for Long Term Economic Growth
IATA calls on African governments to improve aviation safety, reduce costs, unlock airline funds and…
President Mahama Breaks Ground on Accra Airport Terminal 2 and 3 Interconnecting Concourse
President John Dramani Mahama has cut the sod for a new interconnecting concourse between Terminals…
ADB SAFEGATE Launches Adaptive Airfield Lighting to Enhance Surface Safety and Efficiency
ADB SAFEGATE has introduced AXON EQ ADAL, an adaptive airfield lighting solution designed to provide…
TECNAM Elevates the Four-Seat Experience with the Launch of the P2010 MkIII
Tecnam has launched the P2010 MkIII upgrade, introducing a redesigned interior, factory-designed air conditioning for…
ITA Airways to SAVE FUEL and reduce Emissions in 2026 thanks to AI-Powered Tool
ITA Airways is deploying SITA OptiFlight® across its fleet to optimise climb performance using AI,…
Çelebi Aviation Enters Kenyan Market, Accelerating Strategic Growth Across Africa
Çelebi Aviation has entered the Kenyan market as part of its strategy to expand across…
Africa Strengthens Foundations to Lead Its Own Financing as Domestic Pools Surpass External Flows, AFC Report Shows
Africa’s domestic capital base now exceeds external financing flows, with over US$2 trillion in non-bank…
The Future of Aviation Depends on Empowering the Modern Pilot
As aviation becomes more advanced and data-driven, the role of the pilot is becoming more…
British Airways Launches Special Fares to Celebrate 90 Years of Flying Between Nigeria and the UK
British Airways is marking 90 years of flying between Nigeria and the UK with the…
Namibia to Expand Main International Airport
Namibia plans to invest nearly N$5 billion in a third terminal at Hosea Kutako International…
Aviation Capital Group Delivers First of Six New Boeing 737-8 MAX Aircraft to Royal Air Maroc
Aviation Capital Group has delivered the first of six Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft to Royal…
HAVELSAN to Deliver Third B737MAX Full Flight Simulator to Turkish Airlines
HAVELSAN completes FAT for its third Boeing 737 MAX full flight simulator for Turkish Airlines,…
Nacelle Improvement Elevates Bell Boeing V-22 Readiness
Bell Textron has reported a 75% reduction in maintenance hours for the CV-22 Osprey following…
RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Engine Powers Northrop Grumman’s YFQ-48A Talon Blue Autonomous Wingman
Pratt & Whitney is supplying a PW500-series engine to power Northrop Grumman’s YFQ-48A Talon Blue…
Angola Reaffirms Commitment to Promoting a More Rational Tax Model in the Aviation Sector
Angola’s Minister of Transport, Ricardo D’Abreu, has reaffirmed the Executive’s commitment to assessing the aviation…
Terra Industries to Open Africa’s Largest Drone Factory in Ghana
Terra Industries announces Pax-2 in Accra, a 34,000 sq. ft. drone and counter-drone facility targeting…
RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Canada Opens New Manufacturing Facility in Casablanca, Morocco
Pratt & Whitney Canada has opened a new manufacturing facility in Nouaceur’s Midparc Industrial Zone,…
AutoFlight Completes First 2-Ton-Class eVTOL Tea Delivery in China
AutoFlight has completed China’s first 2-ton-class eVTOL trial for dedicated spring tea transport, demonstrating a…
AfDB Seeks Financial Model Auditor for Bishoftu International Airport Project in Ethiopia
AfDB has issued a Request for Expressions of Interest for the Bishoftu International Airport Project…
Jet Fuel Supplies for Southern Africa
Airlines across Southern Africa are facing growing uncertainty over jet fuel availability beyond May 2026,…
Green Maintenance Takes Centre Stage at African MRO Conference as Industry Focuses on Decarbonisation
Green maintenance and decarbonisation are becoming central to the African Aviation MRO strategy, with airlines…
African MRO Digital Transformation Starts with Data Integrity
Digital transformation in African MRO depends on data integrity, system integration and governance rather than…
Why Does a Continent with Certified MRO Capacity Still Struggle to Use That Capacity Across Its Own Borders?
Africa has EASA- and FAA-certified MRO capacity, but fragmented regulation, limited mutual recognition, and cross-border…
Africa’s MRO Future Hinges on Skills and Workforce Development
Africa’s MRO growth depends on training, retaining and developing skilled engineers as workforce shortages, attrition…
Collaboration Is No Longer Optional in Africa’s MRO Market
Africa’s MRO sector faces structural pressure. Collaboration, visibility and regulatory alignment are now critical for…
African MRO’s Weakest Link Is Still the Supply Chain
Africa’s aviation MRO growth is constrained by supply chain fragmentation, parts shortages and offshore dependence,…
Excellentia Expands Fleet as Pilot Demand Drives Aircraft Investment
Excellentia plans 70 more Sling trainers as pilot demand drives growth across Lanseria and Grand…
RTX’s Pratt & Whitney GTF Advantage™ Engine Certified for Airbus A320neo Aircraft Family
European Union Aviation Safety Agency has certified the GTF Advantage engine from Pratt & Whitney…
Vektor Aviation Highlights Compliance and Insurance Requirements in South African Drone Operations
Vektor Aviation outlines key compliance and insurance requirements for drone operations in South Africa, including…
Woolpert Hands Over Static Partenavia P.68 Airframe to Girls Fly Africa at Grand Central Airport
Woolpert has handed over a static Partenavia P.68 airframe to Girls Fly Africa at Grand…
Ethiopian Airlines Converts Options for Six Boeing 787 Dreamliner Aircraft into Firm Orders
Ethiopian Airlines has converted options for six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners into firm orders, strengthening its…
African MRO: Execution Will Determine Value Retention
Africa captures less than 2.5% of global MRO value despite strong aviation growth. With over…
African Aviation MRO: From Capital Flight to Continental Capability
Africa’s aviation growth is constrained by limited MRO capacity, capital flight, and regulatory fragmentation. A…
African MRO Capacity Constraints and the Case for a Continental Network
African airlines face structural MRO capacity constraints, rising costs, and limited negotiating power, reinforcing the…
Africa’s MRO Imperative: Retaining Value and Building Capability
As African aviation enters a new growth phase, the development of a competitive MRO ecosystem…
Emirates and Wesgro Sign MoU to Stimulate Inbound Tourism to the Western Cape
Emirates and Wesgro sign an MoU at WTM Africa to drive inbound tourism, promote Cape…
PC-12 Pro Simulator Certified for Pilot Training
Pilatus PC-12 PRO simulators gain EASA and FAA approval, advancing pilot training with cutting-edge cockpit…
Cessna SkyCourier Strengthens Mission Versatility with New In-Flight Operable Door Option
Cessna SkyCourier introduces an in-flight operable door, enhancing versatility for military, humanitarian and commercial missions…
Air Gorongosa Launches as New Chapter in Mozambique Aviation
Air Gorongosa launches to enhance Mozambique’s aviation connectivity, supporting tourism, conservation, and access to remote…
Beyond Aero Selects Luxaviation as Launch Operator to Prepare Entry into Service of Its Hydrogen-Electric Business Aircraft
Beyond Aero partners with Luxaviation to advance hydrogen-electric business aviation and prepare for real-world entry…
Future Long Range Assault Aircraft Officially Named MV-75 Cheyenne II
US Army names its Future Long Range Assault Aircraft the MV-75 Cheyenne II, marking a…
Middle East Conflict Exposes Africa’s Economic Vulnerabilities as Costs Surge Across Sectors
Rising fuel costs, supply chain disruption and economic strain reshape Africa’s aviation and trade amid…
Honeywell Aerospace and Odys Aviation Create Airborne Counter-UAS Defence Solution
On 31 March 2026, Honeywell Aerospace announced a collaboration with Odys Aviation, a dual-use aerospace…
ThinkYoung and Boeing Launch First STEM School in Angola
ThinkYoung and Boeing launch a STEM school in Angola, equipping young people with AI, robotics…
GISS 2026 Concludes with Global Commitments to Strengthen Aviation Implementation and Capacity
GISS 2026 concludes in Marrakech with global commitments, partnerships, and agreements to strengthen aviation implementation,…
Successful First Demo Flight for Airbus’ Uncrewed Bird of Prey Interceptor
Airbus completes first demo flight of Bird of Prey interceptor drone, autonomously engaging a kamikaze…
Special Flux for Nitinol and Nickel in High-Performance Military Applications
EO-M-026 flux enables reliable soldering of nitinol and nickel alloys, supporting high-performance military, UAV and…
Zambia Cabinet Approves Ratification of Key International Aviation Conventions and Protocols
Zambia Cabinet approves key international aviation conventions and protocols to strengthen aviation safety, address modern…
Namibia Plans to Modernise Air Navigation Systems
Namibia allocates over N$652 million to modernise air navigation systems, enhancing airspace control, safety, and…
Slot Relief During the Iran Crisis – Why Flexibility Matters Now
IATA calls for temporary slot relief under JNUS as the Iran crisis disrupts global aviation,…
South Africa Publishes Draft National Airports Development Plan for Public Comment
South Africa releases its draft National Airports Development Plan (NADP) for public comment, outlining a…
The Nostalgia of a Bygone Era: SAAMS Simulated Flight Experience Onboard a DC-4
SAAMS opened its 40th anniversary year with a DC-4 simulated flight at Rand Airport, spotlighting…
Twenty-Two Countries Support ICAO Call to Action on Priorities for Global Aviation
22 countries support ICAO’s Marrakech Call to Action at GISS 2026, advancing global aviation safety,…
Eight Decades of Soaring High: Ethiopian Airlines Marks 80 Years of Service
Ethiopian Airlines celebrates 80 years of service, marking a major milestone in African aviation with…
Abelo Confirms Three Additional ATR 72-600 Options
Abelo confirms three additional ATR 72-600 options, strengthening its regional aviation strategy and expanding sustainable…
Orqa Launches H7 WingCore: The High-Performance, Fully NDAA-Compliant Flight Controller for Fixed-Wing and VTOL Platforms
Orqa launches the NDAA-compliant H7 WingCore flight controller for fixed-wing and VTOL platforms, delivering high…
Angola Reassesses Aviation Tax Burden to Boost Competitiveness and Hub Ambitions
Angola reviews aviation taxes to boost competitiveness and position AIAAN as a regional hub, with…
Jambojet Unveils Integrated Operations Control Centre to Drive Next Phase of Growth
Jambojet unveils an Integrated Operations Control Centre to enhance operational efficiency, improve reliability, and support…
Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium Successfully Concludes Cold Weather Campaign in Sweden
Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium proves Arctic capability in Sweden, showcasing cold-weather performance and Agile Combat Employment…
TAAG Angola Airlines Operates First Commercial Flight to Abidjan and Strengthens Regional Connectivity
TAAG launches Luanda–Abidjan route, boosting regional connectivity, trade, and passenger links between Angola and Côte…
Embraer and ALADA Sign Agreement to Drive New Business Opportunities in Latin America and Africa
Embraer and ALADA sign an MoU to explore government-to-government defence opportunities, expanding aerospace exports and…
NAF Explores Airbus C-295 Acquisition to Strengthen Tactical Airlift Capability
The Nigerian Air Force engages Airbus in Spain to evaluate the C-295 aircraft and enhance…
MTU Aero Engines Expands Its Portfolio to Include UAV Propulsion Systems
MTU Aero Engines acquires AeroDesignWorks to expand into UAV propulsion systems, strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities…
Azorra Acquires Nine GE CF34-10E Engines from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise
On 2 April 2026, Azorra announced the successful acquisition of nine General Electric CF34-10E engines…
Cape Verde Reinforces Its Ambition as a Logistics Hub with the Start of Air Cargo Transport from Brazil to Cape Verde by LATAM Cargo
Cape Verde advances its logistics hub strategy as LATAM Cargo launches air cargo operations from…
Heads Up: Air Côte d’Ivoire Aircraft Maintenance Centre (MRO) – Côte d’Ivoire
BOAD approves XOF35 billion for Air Côte d’Ivoire’s aircraft maintenance centre in Abidjan, strengthening regional…
Hydrogen Aviation OEM Beyond Aero Reaches Key Aircraft Design Milestone
Beyond Aero completes Preliminary Design Review of its hydrogen-electric business jet, advancing certification under EASA…
Zambia, Eswatini Strengthen Aviation Ties with Launch of Direct Lusaka–Manzini Route
Zambia and Eswatini launch a direct Lusaka–Manzini route, strengthening regional connectivity, trade, and aviation growth…
FAA Publishes Special Conditions for ZeroAvia’s 600kW Electric Engine for Aircraft
The FAA issues special conditions for ZeroAvia’s 600kW electric engine, marking a key step towards…
Mozambique–Brazil Cooperation to Strengthen Civil Aviation
Mozambique and Brazil sign a cooperation agreement to strengthen civil aviation governance, safety oversight, and…
IFALPA’s Renewed Push Against Loss of Control Accidents
IFALPA’s latest papers target loss of control accidents, highlighting pilot training, automation risks, and aircraft…
NSIB, SL-AAIIB Formalise MoU on Aircraft Accident Investigation, Data Sharing, and Capacity Building
Nigeria’s NSIB and Sierra Leone’s SL-AAIIB formalise an MoU to enhance aircraft accident investigation, data…
23 Years After its Collapse, Ex Nigeria Airways Staff are Still Waiting to be Paid
More than 20 years after Nigeria Airways collapsed, former staff are still waiting for unpaid…
Bishoftu International Airport Project Advances as Ethiopian Airlines Shortlists EPC-F Contractors
Ethiopian Airlines Group shortlists contractors for EPC-F main works packages of the Bishoftu International Airport…
African Air Cargo Demand Leads Global Growth With 21.0% Increase in February 2026
African airlines recorded the strongest global air cargo growth in February 2026, with demand rising…
SGA and ACSA Sign Sister Airports Cooperation Agreement to Strengthen African Aviation Partnerships
SGA and ACSA sign a Sister Airports Cooperation Agreement to strengthen aviation partnerships, improve connectivity,…
Türkiye to Establish Embassy in Liberia Alongside Turkish Airlines Launch and Roberts International Airport Support
Türkiye to open embassy in Liberia alongside Turkish Airlines launch and support for Roberts International…
Boeing Sees Continued Growth Across African Aviation Markets
Boeing forecasts demand for more than 1,200 new aircraft for African airlines over 20 years,…
Botswana Appoints Captain Thuto Toise as CEO Designate of Civil Aviation Authority
Botswana’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has appointed Captain Thuto Toise as CEO designate of…
Ethiopian Achieves Major MRO Breakthrough with First A350-900 Full Strip and Paint Program in Africa
Ethiopian Airlines has completed Africa’s first Airbus A350-900 full strip-and-paint programme, marking a major milestone…
