
African Pilot Magazine:
Pilot

EMAS: The Runway Safety Net Pilots Still Aren’t Using
Why are pilots avoiding EMAS during runway overruns? Explore how Africa can lead the way in safety innovation with proper pilot training and local solutions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Daher Aircraft Delivers the First TBM 960 “Birddog” Aeroplanes to Conair in Support of Wildfire Air Attack Missions
Daher Aircraft has delivered the first TBM 960 “birddog” aircraft to Conair Group for wildfire air attack operations. The high-performance turboprop aircraft will support aerial firefighting missions, offering advanced technology, superior safety features, and enhanced situational awareness.

Zambia Flying Doctor Service Expands Reach with First-Ever Medical Helicopter
The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has unveiled its first-ever helicopter, 9J-KDK, named after the late President Dr Kenneth Kaunda. This milestone enhances medical emergency response, particularly in remote areas. Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon Frank Museba Tayali MP, highlights the transformative impact on healthcare accessibility.
