African Pilot Weekly Magazine 03:2025
New Kerosene Depot to Be Constructed at Zouérate Airport, Mauritania
Zouérate Airport may not be among the busiest airports, averaging just one flight per day. These flights typically involve small to medium-sized aircraft such as the Embraer ERJ-145, Embraer E-175, Boeing 737-500, Boeing 737-700, and Boeing 737-800. However, this scenario could soon change following the recent decision to issue a tender for the construction of a new kerosene depot at Zouérate Airport. The tender for this project has been issued by the Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM) and DME – Direction des Marchés et de l’Externalisation.
ReadAERO South Africa will host its fifth edition on 25-27 June 2025 at Lanseria International Airport
Join AERO South Africa 2025 at Lanseria International Airport from 25-27 June, showcasing the latest innovations and developments in the General Aviation industry with workshops, demo flights, and more.
Ethiopian Airlines Introduces Africa’s First A350-1000 with Thales AVANT Up Inflight Entertainment
Ethiopian Airlines takes delivery of Africa’s first Airbus A350-1000 equipped with Thales’s AVANT Up Inflight Entertainment system, redefining passenger experiences with 4K QLED HDR displays and advanced connectivity features.
TAAG Promotes Internship Program With Educational Institutions in Angola
Discover how TAAG Linhas Aéreas de Angola is empowering young Angolans through its “Take Off with TAAG” internship program in partnership with educational institutions, providing career-defining opportunities in civil aviation.
Qatar Airways Marks 20 Years of Service to South Africa with Record Passenger Numbers
Qatar Airways celebrates 20 years of service to South Africa with record passenger numbers during the 2024 festive season. Connecting South Africa to over 170 destinations, the airline reinforces its commitment to the country’s growth and aviation excellence.
Emirates Set to Become the World’s First Autism Certified Airline
Emirates is set to become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™, redefining inclusive air travel through specialised training and services for autistic and sensory-sensitive travellers.
ATR’s Strategic Alliance with Ethiopian Airlines Group Moves Forward
Discover how ATR and Ethiopian Airlines Group are advancing ATR aircraft maintenance in Africa and the Middle East with a new Joint Comprehensive Action Plan, set to revolutionise regional aviation infrastructure and training.
Ethiopian Airlines Resumes Flight to Monrovia, Liberia
Ethiopian Airlines has resumed flights to Monrovia, Liberia, strengthening African connectivity, boosting trade and tourism, and offering seamless travel experiences from Addis Ababa.
Uganda Airlines Leases A320-200 to Boost Winter Operations
Uganda Airlines has leased a 9.3-year-old Airbus A320-200 from Lithuanian carrier DAT to boost operational efficiency for its winter schedule. This lease enhances capacity on key routes and supports growing passenger and cargo demand.
Kabalega International Airport Nears Completion
Kabalega International Airport in Uganda, 96% complete and set for commissioning in September 2025, will support the country’s oil production goals while boosting logistics, agriculture, and tourism in the Albertine region.
Turbotech, Safran and Air Liquide Validate Feasibility of Liquid Hydrogen-Fuelled Turbine for Light Aviation
Turbotech, Safran, and Air Liquide successfully ground tested the first liquid hydrogen-fueled turbine engine for light aviation, marking a major milestone in decarbonised aircraft propulsion under the BeautHyFuel project.
Zambia Airports Corporation Limited Renews Trust in Thales with a 3-Year Agreement for Safer Skies
Zambia Airports Corporation Limited renews its partnership with Thales through a 3-year agreement to modernise and enhance the safety of Zambian skies. The contract covers ATC solutions, radar system maintenance, and airspace capacity improvements.
Kenya Airways to resume direct flights to Luanda in two months
Kenya Airways is set to resume direct flights to Luanda, Angola, by March 2025 following discussions between Presidents William Ruto and João Lourenço. Angola plans to waive visa requirements for Kenyan travellers, strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation.
Government Unveils Major Reforms to Enhance Passenger Experience at JKIA
The Kenyan Government unveils major reforms at JKIA, introducing advanced technologies, streamlined customs processes, and enhanced customer service to create a world-class passenger experience.
AerCap Signs Sale and Leaseback Agreement for One New Boeing 787-9 Aircraft with New Customer TAAG Angola Airlines
AerCap has signed a sale and leaseback agreement with TAAG Angola Airlines for a new Boeing 787-9 aircraft, marking a significant step in TAAG's fleet modernisation and sustainability efforts.
Ghana Launches New Chip-Embedded Passports
Ghana launches new chip-embedded e-passports featuring advanced biometric security and Adinkra symbols. This innovation enhances document security, curbs identity theft, and aligns with ICAO standards.
Wild Aviation Dream – Crocodiles Above the Clouds
The incredible story of a Pilatus PC-12 flying 16 young West African crocodiles from Geneva to Morocco, marking a groundbreaking conservation effort to reintroduce the species after a 60-year absence.
Read
Fire Incident Contained at Angola’s 4 de Fevereiro International Airport
The Airport Management Company, S.A. (SGA, S.A.) has announced a fire incident that occurred on the afternoon of 15th January at the Cargo Terminal of 4 de Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda.
The fire began at approximately 15:07 in the export cargo inspection warehouse, an area under the control of the General Tax Administration (AGT). The exact cause of the fire is under investigation by the relevant authorities.
Swift action by the firefighting and security teams at the airport, supported by the National Air Force’s Anti-Aircraft Brigade and firefighters from Luanda’s Main Station and Main Command, successfully contained the fire, preventing further damage.
SGA, S.A. confirmed that no casualties were recorded during the incident. The organisation is actively collaborating with all stakeholders to restore normal operations as soon as possible and minimise disruptions.
Further updates will be shared as they become available.
EASA Have Ordered Inspections for Loose Rivets on the Left and Right Pylon
EASA has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Airbus AH EC 175 B helicopters after loose rivets and a crack were discovered on pylon reinforcement fittings, mandating regular inspections and repairs.
FIASA, NATREF, and ACSA Collaborate on Risk Mitigation to Ensure Continued Operations at O.R. Tambo Airport After Refinery Fire
FIASA, NATREF, and ACSA implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure continued jet fuel supply at O.R. Tambo Airport after the NATREF refinery fire. Measures include scheduled fuel deliveries, pipeline injections, and alternative sourcing.
ECOWAS Regional Strategy to Slash Aviation Taxes and Charges by 2026
ECOWAS Air Transport Ministers have approved a regional strategy to remove aviation taxes and reduce charges by 25% by January 2026. This initiative aims to make air travel more affordable, enhance security, and promote economic integration across West Africa.
International: China Road and Bridge Corporation Secures Contracts for Two Airport Projects in Kyrgyzstan
China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) has secured contracts to renovate and expand Manas and Osh airports in Kyrgyzstan. These projects will enhance air transport capacity, safety, and regional economic development.
Soroti University to Launch Aviation Science Programme
Soroti University is set to launch Aviation Science courses in partnership with Ethiopian Aviation University. This initiative aims to address staffing challenges and provide specialised training in Uganda’s growing aviation sector.
International: Royal Canadian Air Force to Use PC-21 Next Generation Trainers in the Future
Discover how the Royal Canadian Air Force is set to modernise pilot training with 19 state-of-the-art PC-21 aircraft from Pilatus. Learn about the advanced, cost-effective training system supporting Canada’s Future Aircrew Training programme.
