Regulators are cracking down on South Africa’s aviation sector amid rising complaints, fuel supply instability, infrastructure failures, and controversial overbooking practices. Industry stakeholders call for accountability and reform.
Modernising global Air Traffic Management (ATM) is crucial as aviation traffic soars and infrastructure ages. This article explores the shift to digital systems, regional strategies like SESAR and NextGen, sustainability gains, and the pressing need for faster modernisation.
Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) has commenced the maintenance of critical Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs) at key South African airports. While most major airports now have approved procedures in place, access to Richards Bay, Upington, and Bloemfontein airports will be limited due to pending maintenance. ATNS is prioritising swift restoration to ensure operational safety.
GNSS interference through jamming and spoofing is a growing threat to aviation safety. With Africa’s reliance on satellite-based navigation, the continent must take proactive steps to strengthen its air traffic resilience and infrastructure.
The aviation sector is undergoing a significant digital transformation, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) having recently called for more focus on the promotion of digital identity technologies. At the forefront of this initiative is the call for the adoption of Verifiable Credentials (VC) and Decentralised Identifiers (DIDs) as tools to enhance aviation security…
The IFALPA Female Pilots Working Group meeting in Singapore highlighted key issues facing female pilots globally and explored strategies to advance gender equality in aviation.
IATA has launched the Civil Aviation Decarbonisation Organisation (CADO) to manage its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Registry, aimed at building a transparent, global SAF market and accelerating aviation decarbonisation.
A growing number of global airlines are banning or restricting power banks due to safety concerns over lithium-ion batteries. While African carriers have not yet followed suit, industry experts predict similar policies may be adopted soon to align with international safety standards.
At BARSA Summit 2025, BARSA and CAASA signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration between commercial and general aviation, focusing on safety, innovation, and sustainability in South Africa’s aviation sector.
Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy provides an update on efforts to stabilise and rebuild South Africa’s Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS), addressing staffing, infrastructure, outdated flight procedures, and safety management issues.
Discover IFALPA's latest position papers on pilot mental health and well-being. Learn how the aviation industry is shifting towards supportive, non-punitive approaches to mental health assessments, peer support programs, and promoting mental wellness for safer skies.
The Aviation Training Academy of Zimbabwe (ATAZ) has been accredited as a TRAINAIRPLUS Bronze Member by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), marking a significant milestone in Zimbabwe's aviation training sector. This recognition underscores ATAZ's commitment to international aviation standards, enhancing skills development, safety, and innovation in the industry.
Stay Off Social Media, Pilots Are Urged: The IFALPA issues a critical notice urging pilots to avoid social media during work hours, highlighting risks to safety and careers in the aviation industry.
The National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) hosted a cybersecurity workshop to enhance digital security awareness in civil aviation. Experts discussed aviation’s growing reliance on technology, cyber threat mitigation, and ICAO’s cybersecurity strategy. Key recommendations included strengthening digital literacy, investing in training, and developing strategic policies to protect critical infrastructure.
Discover key insights from IATA’s 2024 Safety Report, covering aviation accident rates, fatality risks, and regional safety performance. Learn how the airline industry continues to improve flight safety worldwide.
Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) addresses recent allegations of sexual harassment, reaffirming its commitment to a safe, respectful, and ethical workplace. Learn more about the ongoing investigation and the company’s zero-tolerance policy.
UNIDROIT President Maria Chiara Malaguti welcomed H.E. Maria de Fátima Jardim, Ambassador of Angola, to discuss Angola’s engagement with UNIDROIT instruments, including the Cape Town Convention and MAC Protocol, and plans for a conference in Luanda to promote legal harmonisation.
The 2025 IATA manuals introduce key updates focusing on digitalisation, sustainability, and safety in aviation. With over 350 changes, these updates impact ground handling, air cargo, and airline operations, ensuring the industry keeps pace with technological advancements, environmental goals, and evolving safety standards.
IATA has released the 2025 edition of its industry manuals for cargo and ground handling operations, incorporating over 350 updates to align with evolving standards, regulations, and technologies. Covering Dangerous Goods, Battery Shipping, Live Animals, and more, these manuals are essential for aviation stakeholders.
The Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA) has signed a Training Service Agreement with ICAO to enhance compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). This initiative aims to strengthen aviation safety, security, and regulatory oversight in Zambia ahead of upcoming ICAO audits.
In early January 2025, the Director of Civil Aviation, Poppy Khoza, announced significant amendments to the South African Civil Aviation Technical Standards (SA-CATS) under the Civil Aviation Act, 2009 (Act No. 13 of 2009). These amendments, which come into effect on the date of approval by the Director, focus primarily on technical standards related to…
The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) reported a N$40 million profit in the 2023/2024 financial year, reflecting strong post-COVID-19 recovery. With new airline routes, infrastructure upgrades, and improved aviation safety standards, Namibia’s air transport sector is expanding rapidly.
Mozambique’s Civil Aviation Authority reports significant progress in improving aviation safety standards, aligning air services agreements with international aviation regulations, and launching a USD 380 million master plan to enhance aviation infrastructure and connectivity.
Malawi is modernising its civil aviation sector, with the Malawi Civil Aviation Authority assuming regulatory powers and establishing bilateral air services agreements with Mozambique, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
