South Africa’s Aviation Industry Goes to War With the SACAA
South Africa’s aviation industry faces turmoil as SACAA enforces a 12-year engine overhaul rule, grounding aircraft and threatening jobs and businesses.
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SACAA Gives Clarity on the Withdrawal of AIC 18.19 and the Impact on 12-Year Engine Overhaul Regulations
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) clarifies the withdrawal of AIC 18.19 and its impact on 12-year engine overhaul requirements. The update affects general aviation operators using Textron Lycoming and Teledyne Continental engines, with compliance required by November 2024. The engines affected in this dispute are: Textron Lycoming and Teledyne Continental.
Zambia’s Aviation Chief to Lead AFPP Steering Committee into Strategic Phase IV
Captain Derrick Luembe of the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority has assumed chairmanship of the African Flight Procedures Programme Steering Committee. The article highlights key decisions from the 11th AFPP meeting, including the launch of Phase IV, focusing on PANS-OPS compliance and aviation safety across Africa.
Liberia’s Transport Minister Describes Aviation as the Gateway to National Development
During Aviation Awareness Week, Liberia’s Transport Minister, Honourable Sirleaf Ralph Tyler, called for the country’s aviation sector to be declared a national emergency, citing its vital role in national development and economic growth.
Tanzania Grounds All Tanzanian-Registered Helicopter Operations Pending Recertification
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) has suspended all operations of Tanzanian-registered helicopters effective 8 May 2025, pending a full recertification process to ensure regulatory compliance and safety standards.
Namibia to Take Over Air Traffic Services Over Oceanic Airspace
Namibia is preparing to take control of air traffic services over its oceanic and southern airspace from South Africa, following infrastructure upgrades, regulatory improvements, and a successful ICAO audit.
Tanzania Grounds All Tanzanian-Registered Helicopter Operations Pending Recertification
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) has suspended all operations of Tanzanian-registered helicopters effective 8 May 2025, pending a full recertification process to ensure regulatory compliance and safety standards.
Namibia to Take Over Air Traffic Services Over Oceanic Airspace
Namibia is preparing to take control of air traffic services over its oceanic and southern airspace from South Africa, following infrastructure upgrades, regulatory improvements, and a successful ICAO audit.
Laser Strikes on Aircraft Soar, Threatening Aviation Safety
Laser strikes on aircraft are rising globally, posing serious risks to pilots and passengers. Learn how Africa’s aviation sector is responding to the threat.
Federal Airlines and Mayday-SA Sign MoU
Federal Airlines and Mayday-SA have signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding—the first of its kind in Africa—to promote mental health, peer support, and wellbeing across aviation operations, reinforcing safety and crew performance.
ATNS Provides Update on Instrument Flight Procedure Maintenance Programme
Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) reports progress on its Instrument Flight Procedure Maintenance Programme, with key submissions to SACAA and a strengthened ATCO workforce to support aviation safety and air traffic management in South Africa.
South African Civil Aviation Authority Tables Strategic Plan for 2025–2030
The South African Civil Aviation Authority’s Strategic Plan for 2025–2030 focuses on strengthening compliance with ICAO standards, developing aviation skills, promoting ethical governance, and supporting South Africa’s sustainable economic growth.
ATNS Provides Update on Instrument Flight Procedure Maintenance Programme
Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) reports progress on its Instrument Flight Procedure Maintenance Programme, with key submissions to SACAA and a strengthened ATCO workforce to support aviation safety and air traffic management in South Africa.
South African Civil Aviation Authority Tables Strategic Plan for 2025–2030
The South African Civil Aviation Authority’s Strategic Plan for 2025–2030 focuses on strengthening compliance with ICAO standards, developing aviation skills, promoting ethical governance, and supporting South Africa’s sustainable economic growth.
Minister Creecy Provides Update on ATNS Stabilisation Efforts
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.
Mental Health in Aviation: A New Approach to Supporting Pilots’ Well-Being
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.
Zimbabwe’s Aviation Training Academy Achieves ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS Bronze Certification
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 as Recent Events Strengthen the Call
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.
ANAC Organises Workshop on Cybersecurity in Civil Aviation
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.
IATA Releases 2024 Safety Report
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 Sexual Harassment Allegations Under Investigation
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 receives H.E. the Ambassador of the Republic of Angola
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.
Digitalisation, Sustainability, and Safety Take Centre Stage in IATA Updates
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 Releases Updated 2025 Manuals Reflecting Latest Industry Standards for Cargo and Ground Handling Operations
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.
Zambia Signs Training Service Agreement with ICAO
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.
Unpacking the Recent Amendments to the SA-CATS and How ADS-B Plays a Role in Meeting the Requirements
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 Makes Positive Returns
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 Makes Progress in Improving Safety Standards
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 Modernising Civil Aviation
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.
