
African Pilot Magazine:
Pilot

When Normal Isn’t Normal: The Risks of Non-Routine Flight Operations
IFALPA warns of safety risks in non-routine flight operations. What does this mean for pilots, operators, and Africa’s growing aviation sector?

Qatar Airways Resumes Flights to Kigali, Rwanda, Increasing Its Network in Africa to 30 Destinations
Qatar Airways resumes Doha–Kigali flights, expanding its Africa network to 30 destinations and reinforcing partnerships with RwandAir and Bugesera Airport.

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.

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.
ECT Aviation Launches Time-Critical Cargo Routes with the BN2T-4S Islander
ECT Aviation launches high-frequency cargo routes to North Africa using the BN2T-4S Islander, targeting underserved regions with STOL capabilities.

The Hidden Turbulence Pilots Face Beyond the Skies
Beyond the cockpit, pilots face hidden pressures—fatigue, fear of reporting, and environmental change—raising urgent questions about aviation safety culture.

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.

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.

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.
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.

Airbus Teams Up with Uncrewed Aircraft Primoco UAV to Fly Joint Surveillance Missions
Airbus and Primoco UAV successfully demonstrated advanced teaming intelligence software for uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), showcasing real-time autonomous surveillance and AI-based target recognition capabilities.

GE Aerospace T901 Engine Powers Black Hawk for First Time in Successful Ground Runs
GE Aerospace successfully completed initial ground runs of the T901 engine on a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, marking a major milestone in the Improved Turbine Engine Programme. This achievement validates the engine’s performance and reinforces its role in modernising the Army’s helicopter fleet.

Dassault Wins Good Design® Award 2024 For NeXus Flight Deck
Discover Dassault Aviation’s award-winning NeXus flight deck for the Falcon 10X. Combining advanced automation, enhanced safety and refined aesthetics, it sets a new standard in aviation innovation.

The New Global Pilot Survey Hopes to Understand the State of Pilots
Western University and IFALPA have launched the View from the Flight Deck 2024 survey to explore the evolving role of pilots, focusing on fatigue, mental health, and the impact of automation. This research aims to advocate for better working conditions, improved safety measures, and stronger mental health support in the aviation industry.

Kitplanes for Africa Announces Leadership Transition
Kitplanes for Africa (KFA) announces a leadership transition as Stefan Coetzee steps down as Accountable Manager, paving the way for Braam Hechter to lead day-to-day operations while the company continues its legacy of crafting world-class bush planes.

Airbus Signs New Study Contract to Define France’s Future Maritime Patrol Aircraft
The French Defence Procurement Agency has signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space and Thales for a risk-assessment study of the A321 MPA, a next-generation maritime patrol aircraft designed for the French Navy. This study will refine technical, economic, and industrial conditions ahead of the aircraft’s planned production launch in 2026.

The Passion of Dominik Motoła
Dominik Motoła is a rising star in aviation, excelling in airshows, aircraft maintenance, and engineering. His expertise with Rotax engines and his BushCat Demo Team performances showcase precision, reliability, and innovation in flight.

Spain Orders 25 Additional Eurofighter Aircraft
Spain has ordered 25 additional Eurofighter aircraft under the Halcón II programme to replace part of its ageing F-18 fleet. This acquisition strengthens Spain’s air-power capabilities, reinforces its role in NATO, and supports its aerospace industry.
