
African Pilot Magazine:
Pilot

Hanwha Systems and Milkor Aerospace and Defence Sign Strategic MoU to Integrate AESA SAR Radar on Milkor 380 UAV for Global Export
Hanwha Systems and Milkor Aerospace and Defence signed an MoU at the Paris Air Show 2025 to integrate AESA SAR radar on the Milkor 380 UAV, creating a globally exportable ISR solution with advanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
EGYPTAIR Discloses Order for an Additional Six Airbus A350 Aircraft
EGYPTAIR has placed a firm order for six additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft, expanding its total order to 16 as part of its long-haul network and fleet modernisation strategy. The move supports sustainability goals and reinforces the airline’s partnership with Airbus.

Embraer Celebrates A-29 Super Tucano 600,000 Flight Hours
Embraer celebrates 600,000 flight hours for the A-29 Super Tucano, a globally proven light attack and training aircraft selected by 22 air forces. The A-29N variant offers NATO interoperability and cost-effective, multi-role capabilities.

Airlink selects the Embraer E195-E2; plans to lease from Azorra
Airlink plans to lease 10 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft from Azorra to enhance its fleet efficiency, expand its sub-Saharan African network, and reduce emissions. Deliveries are expected between 2025 and 2027.

Bell signs first SUBARU Bell 412EPX order in Africa
Bell Textron has signed a fleet purchase agreement for 12 SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopters with the Tunisian Air Force—the first order for this variant in Africa. The aircraft will support multi-role military and security missions, expanding Tunisia's fleet of Bell helicopters.

Ethiopian Airlines Secures Top Honours at SKYTRAX 2025
Ethiopian Airlines was crowned Best Airline in Africa for the eighth consecutive year at the 2025 SKYTRAX World Airline Awards, also winning in three additional categories including Best Business Class and Best Onboard Catering in Africa.
Focus on Africa Symposium Opened Professional and Government Affairs Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya
The IFALPA Professional and Government Affairs Meeting opened with the Focus on Africa Symposium in Nairobi, highlighting pilot advocacy, safety, and regulatory engagement across Africa’s aviation sector.

Mozambique Tops List Of Countries Blocking Airlines’ Funds
IATA reports $1.3 billion in airline funds blocked from repatriation as of April 2025, a 25% improvement from October 2024. Ten countries are responsible for 80% of the total.

Ethiopian Airlines Launches New Passenger Route to Sharjah, UAE
Ethiopian Airlines has launched a new four-times-weekly passenger service to Sharjah, UAE, expanding its Middle East network and reinforcing trade and tourism links between Africa and the Gulf region.

Passenger Growth Accelerates to 8% in April
Global air passenger demand rose 8% in April 2025, driven by strong international growth. IATA reports record load factors and regional travel trends.

Air Seychelles Welcomes Inaugural Flight From Abu Dhabi
Air Seychelles has resumed commercial flights to the Middle East with the arrival of its inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in reconnecting Seychelles to key international markets and boosting tourism.

Vrgineers Strengthens Business Relationship with Lockheed Martin
Vrgineers joins Lockheed Martin in a Czech industrial cooperation project supporting F-35 fighter integration with cutting-edge VR pilot training tech.

Ethiopian Airlines Selects Panasonic Avionics Astrova for 777X Fleet
Ethiopian Airlines has selected Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova in-flight entertainment system for its upcoming Boeing 777X fleet, aiming to transform the passenger experience with 4K OLED displays, Bluetooth audio, and USB-C fast charging.

United Airlines Launches New Nonstop Year-Round Service Between Dakar and Washington D.C.
United Airlines launches its first-ever nonstop service between Dakar and Washington, D.C., operating three times weekly. This new route expands United's presence in Africa and offers travellers enhanced connectivity to the U.S. capital.

Bell Celebrates its 6,000th Commercial Aircraft Built at Bell Textron Canada Centre
Bell Textron Canada marks a major milestone with the delivery of its 6,000th commercial aircraft, including two SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopters for critical missions by the Sûreté du Québec, supporting public safety across the province.

Minister for Transport Inaugurates Task Force to Establish Ghana’s National Airline
Ghana's Minister for Transport inaugurates a 10-member Task Force to lead the establishment of a new national airline, aiming to position the country as a strategic aviation hub in West Africa.

Emirates and Air Seychelles Form New Codeshare Agreement
Emirates and Air Seychelles have signed a new codeshare agreement, enhancing connectivity between Mahé and Praslin Island. The partnership supports seamless travel and extends Emirates’ network reach across the Seychelles.

EGYPTAIR Partners With SITA to Modernise Network Infrastructure for Future Growth
EGYPTAIR has partnered with SITA to modernise its network infrastructure with cloud-native, secure connectivity solutions, aiming to enhance operational efficiency, resilience, and passenger service across its expanding regional and international network.

Airline Ethiopian Airlines Signs Agreements with GE Aerospace to Power New Widebody Aircraft
Ethiopian Airlines expands its partnership with GE Aerospace by selecting GEnx engines for 11 new Boeing 787-9 aircraft and reaffirms GE9X engines for eight Boeing 777-9s, supporting fleet modernisation and sustainability goals.

London Gatwick Grows African Connectivity With Only UK to Uganda Service
London Gatwick launches the only direct UK-Uganda service with Uganda Airlines flying to Entebbe, expanding African connectivity and boosting trade, tourism, and regional links.

New IATA Report Indicates Aviation Sector Contributes about Ksh425 Billion to Kenya’s Economy
A new IATA report reveals aviation contributes Ksh425 billion to Kenya’s economy, supporting 460,000 jobs and transporting 380,000 tonnes of cargo. Released as Nairobi hosts the IATA Ground Handling Conference, the findings highlight Kenya’s role in driving African aviation growth.
Fastjet Partners with APG Zambia as General Sales Agent
Fastjet Zimbabwe has appointed APG Zambia as its official General Sales Agent, strengthening its presence in Zambia following the launch of the Harare–Lusaka route. The partnership aims to boost customer support and regional growth.

Qatar Airways Revolutionises In-Flight Connectivity in African Skies with Ultra-High-Speed Starlink Internet
Qatar Airways introduces ultra-fast, complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi on Cape Town–Doha flights starting 1 June 2025, marking another milestone in its 20-year presence in South Africa and broader connectivity investment across the continent.

SAA Operations Resilient Post Cyber Incident – Digital Forensic Investigation Underway
South African Airways confirms a major cyber incident affecting its systems, with digital forensic investigations underway and core operations restored. SAA assures customers of swift containment, regulatory compliance, and continued service reliability.
KC-390 Millennium: Embraer’s Multi-Mission Tanker Gains Ground Globally
Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium is gaining traction globally as a modern, multi-mission tanker and airlifter. With operational capability and a growing list of international operators, it’s redefining tactical airlift and aerial refuelling.

ExecuJet and Acher Aviation: Elevating Africa’s Helicopter and Fixed-Wing Services
ExecuJet and Acher Aviation have built a leading helicopter division serving Africa’s VIP, humanitarian, mining, and offshore sectors. With a versatile fleet and fixed-wing capabilities, the partnership offers high-level aviation solutions across the continent.

Paperless Cockpits Can Be a Double-Edged Sword for Initial Pilot Training
As aviation embraces paperless cockpits and Electronic Flight Bags, pilot training academies must balance digital integration with mastering fundamental flying skills. BAA Training's Roma Andreu Rifa weighs in on the benefits and risks of early adoption in ab initio training.

First Airbus A330 MRTT for the Spanish Air and Space Force Enters Into Service
The Spanish Air and Space Force has inducted its first Airbus A330 MRTT into service. The aircraft offers enhanced refuelling, transport, and MEDEVAC capabilities, strengthening Spain’s aerial operations and strategic autonomy.
