African Pilot Weekly Magazine 04:2025

Angola Working to Fulfil ICAO Recommendations
Discover how Angola is advancing its civil aviation sector by fulfilling ICAO recommendations, achieving international airport certification, and implementing SAATM principles. Learn about Angola's plans for airspace liberalisation, aviation hub development, and TAAG’s fleet expansion.
ReadCirrus Approach Flight Training App
Discover the newly relaunched Cirrus Approach app, offering advanced flight training tools, augmented reality pre-flight features, and a comprehensive Private Pilot Program. Optimised for iPad, it delivers engaging, interactive learning for pilots and instructors.

SAA Fleet Expands to 20 Aircraft
South African Airways (SAA) has expanded its fleet to 20 aircraft, marking a significant milestone in its post-business rescue recovery. This growth supports domestic, regional, and intercontinental connectivity.

South African Airways Resumes Flights to Tanzania
South African Airways has resumed daily flights to Tanzania's Julius Nyerere International Airport after five years, strengthening trade, tourism, and diplomatic ties between South Africa and Tanzania.

Lanseria International Airport Welcomes New Executive: Commercial & Business Development
Lanseria International Airport welcomes Mr. Christian Faure as Executive: Commercial & Business Development, bringing extensive expertise to drive commercial growth in the aviation and tourism sectors.

Proflight Zambia Signs First European Airline Partnership
Proflight Zambia has signed its first interline agreement with a European carrier, Turkish Airlines, enhancing travel options between Southern Africa and Europe. The airline, which operates direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Livingstone and Lusaka, will now offer improved connectivity for travellers from Europe via Turkish Airlines’ network.

Zambia Identifies Aviation as Growth Catalyst
Zambia is leveraging aviation as a key driver of economic growth, with major airport upgrades, the relaunch of Zambia Airways, and passenger numbers recovering to 119% of pre-COVID-19 levels. Discover how Zambia is positioning itself as a regional transport and logistics hub.

Fuels Industry Association of SA Collaborates to Mitigate ORTIA Jet Fuel Supply Disruptions
The Fuels Industry Association of South Africa, in collaboration with Transnet and ACSA, is taking proactive measures to mitigate jet fuel supply disruptions at O.R. Tambo International Airport following the Natref refinery fire. Mitigation includes fuel injections and increased rail deliveries.
SACAA Recognised as a Top Employer in Africa
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has been recognised as a Top Employer for 2025 by the globally respected Top Employers Institute. This accolade underscores SACAA’s commitment to fostering a world-class work environment, with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
High-Speed Internet Takes Flight on ATR Aircraft
ATR, a leading regional aircraft manufacturer, continues to elevate the standards of regional air travel by introducing Starlink high-speed internet connectivity onboard its aircraft. After successful test flights carried out on ATR’s 72-600 test aircraft in the past months, the solution has been certified by EASA.
Cirrus Celebrates 600 Vision Jet Deliveries
Cirrus announced the delivery of its 600th Vision Jet, a major milestone for the company and a defining moment in the evolution of personal aviation. As the world’s first and only single-engine jet to receive FAA certification, the Vision Jet has redefined personal aviation by combining advanced technology, exceptional safety features and outstanding performance in a light, sleek design.

Cessna Citation Ascend Continues to Progress Through Certification Program, Will Deliver with Latest Update of Garmin G5000 Avionics Suite
Textron Aviation have announced that the Cessna Citation Ascend is progressing through its certification programme and will feature the latest enhancements to the Garmin G5000 avionics suite. This advanced flight deck is set to provide pilots with cutting-edge technological capabilities upon its expected entry into service in 2025.

Uganda Airlines Launches the Flight Path Sustainability Project to Enhance Aviation Safety and Environmental Stewardship
Uganda Airlines launches the Flight Path Sustainability Project to reduce bird strikes at Entebbe Airport by 40% through strategic waste management, protect Mabamba Bay wetlands, and empower Kigungu communities. The project aligns with Uganda’s COP29 climate goals.
Zambia Airports Corporation Clarifies Solwezi Airport Operations
Zambia Airports Corporation (ZACL) clarifies that Solwezi Airport is not facing closure due to gully erosion. The airport remains operational, and measures to address the erosion issue are in place. ZACL is also planning a new greenfield airport in Solwezi as part of its strategic vision for the future of aviation in Zambia.
ATNS signs MOU with Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA)
The Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) SOC Limited and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on January 17, 2025, at the entity’s Head Office in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Embraer Sells Four A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft to a New Customer in Africa
Embraer secures a deal to sell four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to an undisclosed African customer. The versatile aircraft will support missions including border surveillance, ISR, tactical air support, counterinsurgency, and pilot training.

Emergency Airworthiness Directive – EASA EAD 2025-0023-E
Learn about the latest Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD 2025-0023-E) issued by EASA for Pipistrel Vertical Solutions Virus SW models, addressing flaperon bell crank bolt installations to ensure aeroplane safety and control stick functionality.
IATA Follows Successful Guyana CORSIA EEU Procurement Event with Second Event in Q1
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced its intention to hold regular procurement events in 2025 for airlines to purchase Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs). This followed the successful conclusion of IATA’s first procurement event with the following highlights...
Botswana’s Aviation Industry Rebounding
Botswana’s aviation sector is on a strong recovery path, with 784,832 passengers and over 1.48 million kg of cargo recorded from April 2023 to March 2024. Key airports like Maun, Kasane, and Sir Seretse Khama lead the rebound, with full recovery expected by 2025.
Minister Tayali Reaffirms Government Commitment to Zambia Airways’ Growth
Minister Museba Frank Tayali has reaffirmed the Zambian government's commitment to Zambia Airways' growth as the national flag carrier. A recent stakeholders' meeting addressed operational concerns and discussed introducing a second Boeing 737-800 to meet increased demand.
ACI Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition 2025: Navigating Towards a Greener Future
Discover how the ACI Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition 2025, hosted by the Tanzania Airports Authority in Arusha, will bring together global leaders to shape sustainable aviation and tourism for economic prosperity and a greener future.


