African Pilot Weekly Magazine 06:2025
Will Boeing’s New 777X Change the Face of Commercial Aviation?
Discover how Boeing’s new 777X is set to change the face of commercial aviation with cutting-edge technology, unmatched fuel efficiency, and enhanced passenger experience.
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Airbus Signs New Study Contract to Define France's Future Maritime Patrol Aircraft
The French Defence Procurement Agency has signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space and Thales for a risk-assessment study of the A321 MPA, a next-generation maritime patrol aircraft designed for the French Navy. This study will refine technical, economic, and industrial conditions ahead of the aircraft’s planned production launch in 2026.
Ampaire Made History with First Hybrid Electric Flight To Long Beach Airport
Ampaire made history with the first-ever hybrid electric aircraft landing at Long Beach Airport, marking a significant step in sustainable aviation. Discover how this milestone advances eco-friendly air travel and supports global sustainability goals.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Honoured with Prestigious “Leadership in Connecting Africa through Transport Award”
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew has been honoured with the “Leadership in Connecting Africa through Transport Award” at the Africa Prosperity Champions Awards, recognising his contributions to transport connectivity and economic integration in Africa.
AASA's Renewed Concerns with South Africa's Aviation Infrastructure
AASA has raised concerns over ongoing aviation infrastructure issues in South Africa, including fuel supply uncertainty, equipment failures, flight procedure suspensions, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Sustainable Horizons for African Aviation
AFRAA and Env-isa have signed an MoU to drive sustainable aviation development in Africa. The collaboration focuses on environmental policies, carbon management, and training to support African airlines in achieving Net Zero emissions.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force Becomes the Launch Customer for the PC-7 MKX Training System
The Royal Netherlands Air Force has become the launch customer for the PC-7 MKX training system by Pilatus. This state-of-the-art solution will enhance basic flight training with advanced avionics, VR-based training, and integrated ground-based systems.
Unpacking the Recent Amendments to the SA-CATS and How ADS-B Plays a Role in Meeting the Requirements
Explore the recent amendments to SA-CATS and how ADS-B technology enhances aircraft position tracking during distress situations. Learn how these changes impact aviation safety and compliance requirements.
Fuel Shortages: Is the Re-Opening of NATREF Really the Light At the End of the Tunnel?
South Africa’s aviation industry faces uncertainty amid jet fuel shortages following the NATREF refinery fire. While the government has secured alternative fuel supplies and plans to reopen NATREF by late February, concerns remain about long-term stability. Will this be the end of the crisis or just a temporary fix?
B-29s to Again Reunite at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025
The world’s only two flying B-29 Superfortresses, ‘Doc’ and ‘FIFI,’ will reunite at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of WWII’s end. Experience history at the world’s greatest aviation celebration from July 21-27, featuring formation flights, static displays, and exclusive flight experiences.
Kitplanes for Africa Announces Leadership Transition
Kitplanes for Africa (KFA) announces a leadership transition as Stefan Coetzee steps down as Accountable Manager, paving the way for Braam Hechter to lead day-to-day operations while the company continues its legacy of crafting world-class bush planes.
Air Transport in Africa: Ways to Promote a Catching-up
Explore the AfDB’s latest study on air transport liberalisation in Africa, highlighting market access, connectivity, and the future of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
Future Career Opportunities in Aviation: Impact of Automation, AI, and Emerging Technologies
Automation, AI, and emerging technologies are transforming aviation careers. From predictive maintenance to AI-assisted air traffic control, new skills are in demand, creating opportunities in cybersecurity, data analytics, and machine learning.
Kenya: Cabinet Implements Airport Charter to Enhance Operational Efficiency Through Improved Agency Coordination
Kenya is implementing an Airport Charter to enhance operational efficiency at its airports. Key measures include improved agency coordination, streamlined passenger processing, enhanced security, and major infrastructure upgrades at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
RTX’s Collins Aerospace Providing Upgraded Avionics for In-Service Cessna Citation Aircraft
Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, announces upcoming upgrades to its Pro Line 21™ avionics system for in-service Cessna Citation business jets, offering enhanced connectivity, advanced communication capabilities, and streamlined operations.
TAAG Angola Airlines Takes Delivery of Its First Boeing 787 Dreamliner
TAAG Angola Airlines has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner, marking a major step in fleet modernization. The fuel-efficient aircraft will support network expansion in Europe, Asia, and North America while enhancing passenger experience and sustainability efforts.
“The delivery of the 787-9 is a pivotal step in our strategy to modernize TAAG Angola Airlines’ fleet,” said Nelson Pedro Rodrigues de Oliveira, CEO of TAAG Angola Airlines. “This airplane brings the efficiency and versatility we need to meet growing market demands, replace our aging widebody fleet, and deliver a world-class experience to our passengers.”
Absolute Aviation Service Centre Receives Stand-Alone San Marino Approval
Absolute Aviation is pleased to announce that its Lanseria International Airport (FALA) based Service Centre has become the first stand-alone San Marino (CAR 145) approved aircraft maintenance organisation in Southern Africa.
Absolute Service Centre (Pty) Ltd has received approval from the San Marino Civil Aviation Authority (SM CAA) to perform all levels of maintenance and issue Certificates of Release to Service for the following San Marino-registered aircraft:
- Cessna Citation: Longitude C700, 680/680A, C510
- Hawker: 700/750/800/850/800XP/900XP
- Beechcraft King Air: B200, B300/350
- Cessna Caravan: 208
- Embraer: 135/135BJ/145
- Dassault Mystère: F50
This approval enhances Absolute Aviation’s ability to provide maintenance services to San Marino-registered aircraft while strengthening its commitment to supporting Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker aircraft as the only Textron Aviation Authorised Service Centre network in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Editor’s note: Sincere congratulations to Absolute Aviation’s Lanseria Service Centre! Comprehensive approvals such as this, from reputable authorities, don’t come easily or without significant cost and Absolute’s management and staff are to be applauded for this significant achievement.
Nigeria’s Aviation Ministry Presents 2025 Budget to National Assembly
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has presented its 2025 budget to the Joint National Assembly Committee on Aviation and Aviation Technology. The presentation took place on 22 January 2025 at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
During the session, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, outlined the ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability, providing insights into the 2024 budget performance. He reported that capital appropriation utilisation stood at 30.9%, while personnel and overhead appropriations were fully utilised at 100% and 99.97%, respectively.
The proposed 2025 budget is set at ₦71.12 billion, with allocations as follows:
- Capital Appropriation: ₦69.22 billion
- Personnel Cost: ₦1.16 billion
- Overhead Cost: ₦745.74 million
The proposed budget reflects the ministry’s strategic priorities to enhance aviation infrastructure, improve service delivery, and support innovation within the aviation and aerospace sectors. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to fostering a safe, efficient, and modern aviation industry for Nigeria.
New Appointments Take Office at Angolan National Civil Aviation Authority
The Angolan National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) swore in the new Director of the Operational Safety Directorate (DSO), Filomeno Luz Conceição Octávio Merlath, and the new Head of the Flight Operations Department (DOV), José Alexandre Monteiro, on 7 February 2025.
Filomeno Luz Conceição, Octávio Merlath and José Alexandre Monteiro have taken on crucial roles within ANAC, overseeing key areas for the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Angola.
Update on the Repatriation of SANDF Members from the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya, informed the Joint Standing Committee on Defence and Military Veterans that the remains of the fallen SANDF members, along with those injured in Goma, were scheduled for repatriation on Wednesday, 5 February 2025. All administrative processes have been completed and handed over to the United Nations. However, the UN’s planned movement for the repatriation of the deceased from the combat zone has been delayed.
