
African Pilot Magazine:
Pilot

Africa’s First H125 Virtual Reality Simulator Enhances Pilot Training in Southern Africa
Airbus Helicopters installs Africa’s first H125 virtual reality simulator in Johannesburg to support advanced pilot training and improve regional aviation safety.

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.

First Airbus SIRTAP Prototype Ready to Start Ground Tests
Airbus has completed assembly of the first SIRTAP tactical uncrewed aerial system, now entering ground tests in Spain. The aircraft is set for its maiden flight by the end of 2025, with delivery to the Spanish Armed Forces expected in 2027.

Angolan Ministry of Transport and Boeing Sign Memorandum of Strategic Cooperation to Strengthen Angola’s Aviation Sector
The Angolan Ministry of Transport has signed a strategic cooperation memorandum with Boeing to modernise the national aviation sector. This partnership, involving TAAG Linhas Aéreas de Angola, focuses on fleet development, technical capabilities, and long-term industry growth.

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.

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.
Simuflight’s PC-12 Simulator: A New Era in Advanced Flight Training
Simuflight is revolutionising aviation training with its new PC-12 flight simulator, designed and built in South Africa. The state-of-the-art simulator will provide pilots with realistic, high-quality training, with full system integration and Civil Aviation Authority certification expected by Q3 2025.

French Air and Space Force buys 22 PC-7 MKX Aircraft for Basic Military Pilot Training
The French Air and Space Force has selected the Pilatus PC-7 MKX as its new basic military pilot training system. With 22 aircraft on order, advanced avionics, and a state-of-the-art Ground-Based Training System, this move reinforces France’s commitment to cutting-edge flight training.

Redefining Long-Endurance Surveillance Tasks with the DA62 MPP
The Diamond Aircraft DA62 MPP has completed a 9-hour, 20-minute surveillance mission, showcasing its long-endurance performance, fuel efficiency, and advanced ISR capabilities. With cutting-edge surveillance technology and multi-role adaptability, it is redefining cost-effective aerial surveillance.

Safran and GAL Partner to Ensure Fleet Readiness for UAE Mirage 2000 Aircraft
Safran Aircraft Engines and Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL) have partnered to ensure fleet readiness for the UAE Mirage 2000 aircraft, providing world-class maintenance and operational support for M53 engines.
Grey Wolf Tested for US Air Force Mission
The US Air Force’s MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters have undergone Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) flights, demonstrating their capabilities in simulated emergency response scenarios. Learn how this new aircraft enhances nuclear security and replaces the UH-1N Huey.

Air Cargo Demand up 3.2% in January
The latest IATA report shows global air cargo demand increased by 3.2% in January 2025, marking 18 consecutive months of growth. Explore key insights on freight capacity, regional performance, and trade lane trends.

Zambia Air Force’s Operation Sungulula Concludes as Life Returns to the Kafue River
The Zambia Air Force successfully concludes Operation Sungulula, neutralising an acid spill in the Kafue River. The aerial response effort safeguarded aquatic life, protected downstream communities, and reinforced ZAF’s disaster response capabilities.

From Disks to Digital: Trainer Updates Cut Apache Downtime
Discover how the Apache Longbow Crew Trainers' software updates have transformed from a time-consuming manual process to an efficient automated system. Learn how automation reduces downtime, enhances performance, and improves training reliability.

US Air Force Completes First Flight of L3Harris Viper Shield Electronic Warfare System
L3Harris Technologies’ Viper Shield™ electronic warfare suite has completed its first flight on a single-seat Block 70 F-16, advancing defence capabilities for international F-16 partners.

Boeing Engineering Sparks Magic in First Autonomous Flights – eVTOL Evolution
Discover how Boeing NeXt and HorizonX pioneered the evolution of eVTOL technology, urban air mobility, and autonomous air taxis. Learn about the groundbreaking innovations shaping the future of flight.

Diamond Aircraft Delivers Advanced DA62 MPP Survey Star Special Mission Aircraft to United ATS
Diamond Aircraft has delivered a state-of-the-art DA62 MPP special mission aircraft to United ATS, enhancing its aerial surveying and flight inspection capabilities with Leica CityMapper-2 and Airfield Technology AT-940.

Bridging the Gap: Overcoming Barriers to Save Lives in Air Ambulance Missions
Discover how Universal Air Evac overcomes language barriers, resource constraints, and critical medical challenges to provide life-saving air ambulance services across Africa. Read about their expert team’s resilience in high-risk emergency evacuations.

WFP Delivers Life-Saving Nutrition Supplies to Remote Madagascar Communities via Unmanned Aircraft
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is using unmanned aircraft to deliver life-saving nutrition supplies to remote communities in Madagascar. This innovative approach ensures faster, more efficient humanitarian aid delivery to those most in need.

Saab Signs MOU with HAL for Laser Warning System
Saab has signed an MOU with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to collaborate on the LWS-310 Laser Warning System, strengthening their long-standing partnership. The agreement includes a Maintenance Transfer of Technology, enabling HAL to manufacture the system in India while enhancing defence capabilities and electronic warfare solutions.

Wings of Conservation: MCC Aviation’s Cheetah Relocation Mission
MCC Aviation played a vital role in a groundbreaking conservation mission, relocating five wild cheetahs to Zambia in a single day. Learn how meticulous planning, expert teamwork, and aviation excellence ensured a seamless and safe journey for these endangered big cats.
