
African Pilot Magazine:
News

How Digital Borders are Transforming Travel
Future-proof border control with digital transformation. Learn how biometrics, AI, and digital IDs create faster, safer travel. Powered by SITA.

Preliminary Report Issued for ZU-IMP Impala MK1 Accident at West Coast Saldanha Airshow
The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has released the preliminary report into the fatal accident involving the Aermacchi MB-326 Impala MK1, registration ZU-IMP, during the West Coast Saldanha Airshow held on 22 March 2025 at Saldanha/Vredenburg Airport (FASD). During an aerobatic manoeuvre—a slow aileron roll performed…

Zambia Positioning Itself to Become an Aviation Hub
Zambia is positioning itself as a regional aviation hub through major airport upgrades, regulatory reforms, and partnerships to boost trade, tourism, and connectivity, as highlighted at the Land-Linked Zambia 2025 event.

Zambia and Angola Strengthen Air Connectivity with New Bilateral Agreement
Zambia and Angola have signed a bilateral air services agreement to enhance regional connectivity, support SAATM, and promote liberalised intra-African air travel through strengthened regulatory cooperation and fifth freedom traffic rights.

The IFALPA Tackles the Controversy of Reduced Crew Operations
The aviation industry faces growing debate over Reduced Crew Operations, including Single-Pilot and Extended Minimum Crew Operations. IFALPA and pilot unions raise serious safety concerns, emphasising the irreplaceable role of two pilots in commercial aviation.

Zambia and Angola Strengthen Air Connectivity with New Bilateral Agreement
Zambia and Angola have signed a bilateral air services agreement to enhance regional connectivity, support SAATM, and promote liberalised intra-African air travel through strengthened regulatory cooperation and fifth freedom traffic rights.

The IFALPA Tackles the Controversy of Reduced Crew Operations
The aviation industry faces growing debate over Reduced Crew Operations, including Single-Pilot and Extended Minimum Crew Operations. IFALPA and pilot unions raise serious safety concerns, emphasising the irreplaceable role of two pilots in commercial aviation.

Ethiopia and Uganda Sign Eight Bilateral Agreements — Three Focused on Aviation Cooperation
Ethiopia and Uganda signed eight bilateral agreements during the 4th Joint Ministerial Commission, including three focused on aviation: air services, training, and aircraft incident investigation. The deals aim to boost regional cooperation and sectoral development.

Competition Tribunal South Africa Approves Dubai Aerospace Merger with Nordic Aviation Capital
The South African Competition Tribunal has unconditionally approved the merger between Dubai Aerospace Enterprise and Nordic Aviation Capital, strengthening Dubai Aerospace’s global position in the aircraft leasing market.
Gabon’s Makokou Airport Modernisation Project Update
The Makokou Airport modernisation project in Gabon is progressing, with a recent site visit led by the Minister of Transport. Key upgrades include a new terminal, firefighting equipment, and enhanced security measures to ensure compliance with aviation standards and improve passenger experience.

South Africa’s Aviation Fuel Levy Set for Another Increase in 2025
Discover how the upcoming SACAA fuel levy increase, set for April 2025, will impact South Africa's aviation sector. Learn about the regulatory reasons, projected cost implications, and potential effects on airlines and passengers.

Gabon’s Makokou Airport Modernisation Project Update
The Makokou Airport modernisation project in Gabon is progressing, with a recent site visit led by the Minister of Transport. Key upgrades include a new terminal, firefighting equipment, and enhanced security measures to ensure compliance with aviation standards and improve passenger experience.

South Africa’s Aviation Fuel Levy Set for Another Increase in 2025
Discover how the upcoming SACAA fuel levy increase, set for April 2025, will impact South Africa's aviation sector. Learn about the regulatory reasons, projected cost implications, and potential effects on airlines and passengers.

African Union Calls for Visa-Free Movement to Boost Regional Integration
The 38th African Union Summit spotlights the push for a visa-free Africa, with the AU and AfDB urging governments to remove travel restrictions. Leaders discuss how visa liberalisation can enhance regional integration, trade, and economic development, aligning with Agenda 2063’s vision of a borderless continent.

The Plane Factory is Making its Mark in the Aviation Industry
The Plane Factory is reshaping the aviation industry with its global presence in aircraft sales, leasing, training, and consultancy. With offices in South Africa, the USA, Mexico, and Brazil, the company provides end-to-end aviation solutions backed by decades of industry expertise.

HENSOLDT Achieves Order Intake of Over EUR 1.4 Billion Between October 2024 and January
HENSOLDT secured over €1.4 billion in orders between October 2024 and January 2025, strengthening its role in defence technology. Key contracts included the Eurofighter Mk1 radar, Leopard 2 A8 optronic systems, and Bundeswehr’s Electronic Warfare Centre modernisation.

Honeywell Announces Intent to Separate Automation and Aerospace, Enabling the Creation of Three Industry-Leading Companies
Honeywell announces the separation of its Automation and Aerospace businesses, creating three independent, industry-leading companies with distinct strategies. This move aims to enhance shareholder value, drive strategic growth, and optimise financial flexibility.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force Becomes the Launch Customer for the PC-7 MKX Training System
The Royal Netherlands Air Force has become the launch customer for the PC-7 MKX training system by Pilatus. This state-of-the-art solution will enhance basic flight training with advanced avionics, VR-based training, and integrated ground-based systems.

Future Career Opportunities in Aviation: Impact of Automation, AI, and Emerging Technologies
Global spending on digital technology integration is expected to reach 3,9 trillion U.S. dollars by 2027, according to Statista. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and technology services company Financing and Promoting Technology (FTP) note that aviation chief information officers are recognizing the need to strategically invest in technology as the industry is filled with legacy…

Fuel Shortages: Is the Re-Opening of NATREF Really the Light At the End of the Tunnel?
South Africa’s aviation industry faces uncertainty amid jet fuel shortages following the NATREF refinery fire. While the government has secured alternative fuel supplies and plans to reopen NATREF by late February, concerns remain about long-term stability. Will this be the end of the crisis or just a temporary fix?
Transport on Jet Fuel Secured for OR Tambo International Airport
The National Department of Transport has confirmed that 121.1 million litres of jet fuel have been secured for OR Tambo International Airport, ensuring continued flight operations until the NATREF refinery reopens at the end of February 2025.
Embraer Sells Four A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft to a New Customer in Africa
Embraer secures a deal to sell four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to an undisclosed African customer. The versatile aircraft will support missions including border surveillance, ISR, tactical air support, counterinsurgency, and pilot training.

High-Speed Internet Takes Flight on ATR Aircraft
Starlink Certification Granted by EASA to ATR 72 Aircraft ATR, a leading regional aircraft manufacturer, continues to elevate the standards of regional air travel by introducing Starlink high-speed internet connectivity onboard its aircraft. After successful test flights carried out on ATR’s 72-600 test aircraft in the past months, the solution has been certified by EASA.…

Lanseria International Airport Welcomes New Executive: Commercial & Business Development
Lanseria International Airport welcomes Mr. Christian Faure as Executive: Commercial & Business Development, bringing extensive expertise to drive commercial growth in the aviation and tourism sectors.

SAA Fleet Expands to 20 Aircraft
South African Airways (SAA) has expanded its fleet to 20 aircraft, marking a significant milestone in its post-business rescue recovery. This growth supports domestic, regional, and intercontinental connectivity.

South African Airways Resumes Flights to Tanzania
South African Airways has resumed daily flights to Tanzania's Julius Nyerere International Airport after five years, strengthening trade, tourism, and diplomatic ties between South Africa and Tanzania.

SACAA Recognised as a Top Employer in Africa
Discover how the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) earned the prestigious title of Top Employer for 2025, highlighting its dedication to diversity, inclusion, and employee growth within the aviation sector.
Fuels Industry Association of SA Collaborates to Mitigate ORTIA Jet Fuel Supply Disruptions
The Fuels Industry Association of South Africa, in collaboration with Transnet and ACSA, is taking proactive measures to mitigate jet fuel supply disruptions at O.R. Tambo International Airport following the Natref refinery fire. Mitigation includes fuel injections and increased rail deliveries.