The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) took part in African Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026, despite the event’s strong defence focus. Dean Khumalo, SACAA’s executive responsible for aviation safety operations, explained to African Pilot why the regulator considers the show relevant to its work.
Where Civil and Military Aviation Meet
SACAA regulates civil aviation, but Khumalo said there are areas where the civil and military environments overlap.
“We are here because there are intertwines that do occur between civil and military aviation,” he said.
Not all military flying is combat-related. Khumalo pointed to operations such as the transport of troops and VIPs, which share similarities with civil aviation operations.
Safety and Youth Outreach
SACAA also used AAD 2026 to promote aviation safety and introduce young people to the range of careers available in the industry.
Khumalo said part of the regulator’s role is to promote aviation and “show them that there are different aspects in aviation that one can pursue”.
One Aviation System
The event also gave SACAA an opportunity to engage with different parts of South Africa’s aviation sector.
Khumalo said the country’s aviation system includes the regulator and the organisations and operators that participate in it, from general aviation through to commercial aviation.
“For civil aviation, we are excited and very happy to participate in this event this year,” he said.
