African Pilot Weekly Magazine 05:2025
Boom Supersonic Achieves Supersonic Flight
Boom Supersonic has successfully completed the first supersonic flight of its XB-1 demonstrator aircraft, reaching Mach 1.122. The flight marks a milestone in developing the Overture supersonic airliner, which will offer high-speed, sustainable travel for future passengers.
ReadZambia Flying Doctor Service Expands Reach with First-Ever Medical Helicopter
The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has unveiled its first-ever helicopter, 9J-KDK, named after the late President Dr Kenneth Kaunda. This milestone enhances medical emergency response, particularly in remote areas. Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon Frank Museba Tayali MP, highlights the transformative impact on healthcare accessibility.
Tanzania’s PAC Commends Progress on Msalato International Airport, Calls for Timely Completion
Tanzania’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) has praised the construction progress of Msalato International Airport, highlighting its economic and tourism potential. The 84% complete project is set to enhance air connectivity in Dodoma.
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.
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority Seeks Advanced Air Traffic Control Training Simulator
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has issued a tender for a 3D Panoramic Tower, Approach, and Area Air Traffic Control Training Simulator. This initiative aims to modernise ATC training, enhance air traffic management, and align Kenya’s aviation sector with international standards.
EAA National Convention & Aero Club AirWeek Set for March 2025
The EAA National Convention & Aero Club AirWeek returns to Middelburg Airfield, Mpumalanga, from 6–9 March 2025. A premier event for aviation enthusiasts, pilots, and aircraft owners, featuring airshows, aircraft displays, aviation forums, and workshops.
Piper Aircraft Announces Fleet Agreement with FTEJerez
Piper Aircraft has announced a fleet agreement with FTEJerez, acquiring 20 new Piper Archer DX aircraft. This expansion enhances FTEJerez’s training capabilities, reinforcing its position as a leader in professional pilot training and airline partnerships.
Hartzell Debuts Carbon Voyager Propellers Optimised for Cessna Skywagons
Hartzell Propeller introduces the Carbon Voyager, a lightweight carbon fibre composite propeller optimised for the Cessna Skywagon fleet. With improved performance, durability, and weight reduction, it represents the next evolution in aircraft propeller technology.
The Passion of Dominik Motoła
Dominik Motoła is a rising star in aviation, excelling in airshows, aircraft maintenance, and engineering. His expertise with Rotax engines and his BushCat Demo Team performances showcase precision, reliability, and innovation in flight.
Transport on Jet Fuel Secured for OR Tambo International Airport
The National Department of Transport has confirmed that 121.1 million litres of jet fuel have been secured for OR Tambo International Airport, ensuring continued flight operations until the NATREF refinery reopens at the end of February 2025.
Riyadh Air Secures First Advanced Flight Simulator License, Enhancing Pilot Training
Daher Aircraft has delivered the first TBM 960 “birddog” aircraft to Conair Group for wildfire air attack operations. The high-performance turboprop aircraft will support aerial firefighting missions, offering advanced technology, superior safety features, and enhanced situational awareness.
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.
MAUREVA and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Announce Strategic Partnership
Maureva and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) have announced a strategic partnership to advance Africa’s aviation industry. The collaboration aims to enhance airline operations through innovative software solutions, cost optimisation, and improved digitalisation for sustainable growth.
The Composite Aircraft Propeller Revolution: Hartzell’s Advanced Composite Carbon Fibre Propeller Blade Technology
With a history dating back to the Wright Brothers, Hartzell Propeller has long been at the forefront of aviation propeller technology. As aircraft have become increasingly complex—and with the emergence of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and electric/hybrid flight—Hartzell has continued to lead the industry with innovative structural composite propeller blades, utilising state-of-the-art materials and cutting-edge engineering and manufacturing processes.
Recently, Hartzell Propeller released a white paper titled “The Composite Aircraft Propeller Revolution: Hartzell’s Advanced Composite Carbon Fibre Propeller Blade Technology,” which provides not only a fascinating look at the history of the composite propeller but also insights into what the future holds for propelling the next generation of flight.
Get the white paper here: https://hartzellprop.com/wp-content/uploads/white_paper_composite_prop_rev.pdf
SAWS ICT Systems Targeted in Second Cyberattack
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has reported that its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems were compromised on the evening of Sunday, 26 January 2025, following a security breach by criminal actors. This attack marks the second attempt in as many days, with an initial breach on Saturday, 25 January 2025, having been successfully thwarted.
ICT service providers have been on-site since the incident, working diligently to investigate the breach. Efforts are also underway to implement both interim and long-term solutions aimed at restoring the affected systems and resuming normal services.
Daher Aircraft Delivers the First TBM 960 “Birddog” Aeroplanes to Conair in Support of Wildfire Air Attack Missions
Daher Aircraft has delivered the first TBM 960 “birddog” aircraft to Conair Group for wildfire air attack operations. The high-performance turboprop aircraft will support aerial firefighting missions, offering advanced technology, superior safety features, and enhanced situational awareness.
International Aircraft Dealers Association Reports Strong Preowned Business Jet Sales and Optimistic Forecast for 2025
The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) has reported a significant increase in preowned business aircraft sales for 2024, coupled with an optimistic forecast for 2025. Detailed in IADA’s Fourth Quarter 2024 Market Report, released today, the results highlight robust market confidence and the strength of the preowned aircraft market.
According to the report, IADA dealers completed 1,559 transactions in 2024, with an impressive 562 aircraft deals finalised in the fourth quarter alone. The continued momentum in preowned business jet sales reflects the resilience of the market and reinforces expectations of sustained growth in 2025.
Read the full report here: https://aircraftexchange.com/market-report
Uganda Airlines Suspends Flights to Kinshasa Due to Unrest
Uganda Airlines has announced the immediate suspension of its flights to Kinshasa, citing ongoing unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including in the capital city, Kinshasa.
The airline has stated that flights will remain suspended until conditions improve and it is deemed safe to resume normal operations.
For any enquiries regarding affected flights, customers are advised to contact Uganda Airlines’ Global Call Centre at +256 200 406 400.
EAA Welcomes Sean Duffy as U.S. Secretary of Transportation
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has congratulated Sean Duffy on his confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Transportation. EAA CEO Jack J. Pelton expressed optimism about working with Secretary Duffy to support general aviation, which is experiencing record safety and growth.
Pelton also urged the swift confirmation of a new FAA Administrator. Duffy, a former U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s 7th District (2011–2019), has experience in infrastructure and transportation policy. During his confirmation hearing, he emphasised balancing safety, innovation, and technology—priorities aligned with EAA’s mission.
How Are African Airlines Positioned in Air Cargo Demand Growth?
African airlines experienced an 8.5% year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in 2024, alongside a 13.6% rise in capacity. However, December 2024 presented a slight slowdown, with demand decreasing by 0.9% year-on-year, the lowest decline among all global regions, while capacity increased by 1.8%.
Globally, air cargo demand continued its upward trajectory across most trade lanes. Notably, however, the Africa-Asia connection diverged from the trend, registering a 4% decline in demand.
These insights are drawn from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) report on the 2024 global air cargo market performance, which provides a comprehensive analysis of year-long and December performance metrics.
Read the full report here: IATA Air Cargo Market Analysis – December 2024
