African Pilot Magazine:
News
International Aircraft Dealers Association Reports Strong Q1 Sales Amid Growing Market Caution
The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) reports a 24% year-on-year increase in aircraft sales for Q1 2025, with a cautious outlook due to economic uncertainty and tariff impacts. Explore key market insights, pricing trends, and dealer perspectives in the full IADA Market Report.
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.
Henley Group Holdings Announces Trevor Carver as Manager of Henley Component Repair & Overhaul
Henley Group Holdings appoints Trevor Carver as Manager of Henley Component Repair & Overhaul, enhancing its Approved Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) with specialised helicopter component repair and overhaul services.
SAF Registry Goes Live
IATA has launched the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Registry, now managed by CADO, creating a global platform to support the aviation sector’s transition to net zero emissions by 2050 through transparent SAF tracking and accountability.
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.
The Stars Belong to Africa Too: African Space Agency Pushes for Space Sovereignty
The African Space Agency is driving Africa’s transition from a consumer to a producer of space technologies. Speaking at SIADE 2025, Dr Tidiane Ouattara highlighted space as a necessity for Africa’s security, economy, and innovation, calling for strategic investment and collaboration.
Aviation Industry Doubles Down on Cybersecurity as IT Spend Climbs to New Highs
SITA’s 2024 Air Transport IT Insights report highlights how airlines and airports are investing in cybersecurity, biometrics, and sustainable IT to tackle digital threats, improve passenger experience, and move towards net-zero aviation. Discover key trends shaping the future of air travel.
African Union Summit Adopts Bold Strategies for Clean and Sustainable Energy and Transport Pathways
The 38th African Union Summit saw the adoption of groundbreaking strategies for sustainable energy and transport, including green hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuels, energy efficiency, and climate-smart infrastructure. These initiatives will drive Africa’s economic growth, climate resilience, and regional integration.
Delta Airlines Requests Flight Adjustments to South Africa for Peak Tourist Season
Delta Air Lines has requested adjustments to its flight schedules between the United States and South Africa to meet rising demand during peak tourist season. The airline aims to shift two weekly flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, increasing service to the city. This move comes as Cape Town grows in popularity among U.S. travellers.…
Ethan Beswick named General Counsel for the Experimental Aircraft Association
Ethan Beswick has been named General Counsel for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). With extensive experience in aviation and corporate law, Beswick also holds a commercial pilot certificate and is a Certified Flight Instructor.
Nigeria – Festus Keyamo Reaffirms Commitment to Aviation Workers’ Welfare at Industry Event
Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, reaffirms his commitment to workers' welfare and unionism at the 11th Aviation Workers’ Week. The event highlighted the role of trade unions in advancing ministerial mandates, with Keyamo receiving an award for his proactive leadership in the Nigerian aviation sector.
Ethiopian Airlines Introduces Africa’s First A350-1000 with Thales AVANT Up Inflight Entertainment
Ethiopian Airlines takes delivery of Africa’s first Airbus A350-1000 equipped with Thales’s AVANT Up Inflight Entertainment system, redefining passenger experiences with 4K QLED HDR displays and advanced connectivity features.
AerCap Signs Sale and Leaseback Agreement for One New Boeing 787-9 Aircraft with New Customer TAAG Angola Airlines
AerCap has signed a sale and leaseback agreement with TAAG Angola Airlines for a new Boeing 787-9 aircraft, marking a significant step in TAAG's fleet modernisation and sustainability efforts.
Soroti University to Launch Aviation Science Programme
Soroti University is set to launch Aviation Science courses in partnership with Ethiopian Aviation University. This initiative aims to address staffing challenges and provide specialised training in Uganda’s growing aviation sector.
Kabalega International Airport Nears Completion
Kabalega International Airport in Uganda, 96% complete and set for commissioning in September 2025, will support the country’s oil production goals while boosting logistics, agriculture, and tourism in the Albertine region.
China Road and Bridge Corporation Secures Contracts for Two Airport Projects in Kyrgyzstan
China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) has secured contracts to renovate and expand Manas and Osh airports in Kyrgyzstan. These projects will enhance air transport capacity, safety, and regional economic development.
Ghana Launches New Chip-Embedded Passports
Ghana launches new chip-embedded e-passports featuring advanced biometric security and Adinkra symbols. This innovation enhances document security, curbs identity theft, and aligns with ICAO standards.
FIASA, NATREF, and ACSA Collaborate on Risk Mitigation to Ensure Continued Operations at O.R. Tambo Airport After Refinery Fire
FIASA, NATREF, and ACSA implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure continued jet fuel supply at O.R. Tambo Airport after the NATREF refinery fire. Measures include scheduled fuel deliveries, pipeline injections, and alternative sourcing.
ECOWAS Regional Strategy to Slash Aviation Taxes and Charges by 2026
Economic Community of West African States Air Transport Ministers Endorse Regional Strategy to Remove Taxes from Air Transport and Reduce Charges By 25%, Effective January 1, 2026 In November 2024, Air Transport Ministers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) convened in Lomé, Togo, to address the pressing challenges of high air transport costs…
Kenya Airways to Resume Direct Flights to Luanda in Two Months
Kenya Airways is set to resume direct flights to Luanda, Angola, by March 2025 following discussions between Presidents William Ruto and João Lourenço. Angola plans to waive visa requirements for Kenyan travellers, strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation.
Zambia Airports Corporation Limited Renews Trust in Thales with a 3-Year Agreement for Safer Skies
Zambia Airports Corporation Limited renews its partnership with Thales through a 3-year agreement to modernise and enhance the safety of Zambian skies. The contract covers ATC solutions, radar system maintenance, and airspace capacity improvements.
Battery Thermal Runaway Incidents on Board Passenger and Cargo Aircraft Hit Record High as Passengers Remain Largely Unaware of Risks
Battery thermal runaway incidents on passenger and cargo aircraft have reached a record high, according to ULSE's 2024 report. The rise underscores the risks of lithium-ion batteries onboard, with new strategies for passenger education, crew training, and aviation standards being explored to enhance safety.
New Kerosene Depot to Be Constructed at Zouérate Airport, Mauritania
Zouérate Airport may not be among the busiest airports, averaging just one flight per day. These flights typically involve small to medium-sized aircraft such as the Embraer ERJ-145, Embraer E-175, Boeing 737-500, Boeing 737-700, and Boeing 737-800. However, this scenario could soon change following the recent decision to issue a tender for the construction of…
Royal Canadian Air Force to Use PC-21 Next Generation Trainers in the Future
Discover how the Royal Canadian Air Force is set to modernise pilot training with 19 state-of-the-art PC-21 aircraft from Pilatus. Learn about the advanced, cost-effective training system supporting Canada’s Future Aircrew Training programme.
Wild Aviation Dream – Crocodiles Above the Clouds
The incredible story of a Pilatus PC-12 flying 16 young West African crocodiles from Geneva to Morocco, marking a groundbreaking conservation effort to reintroduce the species after a 60-year absence.
EASA Have Ordered Inspections for Loose Rivets on the Left and Right Pylon
EASA has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Airbus AH EC 175 B helicopters after loose rivets and a crack were discovered on pylon reinforcement fittings, mandating regular inspections and repairs.