African Pilot Weekly Magazine 07:2025
Safran Obtains EASA Certification of the First Electric Motor for New Air Mobility
Safran Electrical & Power has achieved a world first with EASA certification for its ENGINeUS 100 electric motor. This breakthrough, following extensive testing, paves the way for advanced hybrid and electric propulsion in aviation.
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ACSA Had a Bumper Peak Travel Period With a Strong 2026 Outlook
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) reported a successful 2024 peak travel period, with a 91% recovery to pre-pandemic levels and a 5% year-on-year increase in passenger traffic. Despite operational incidents, ACSA’s commitment to efficiency and passenger experience ensured continued growth and success. Learn more about the recovery and operational strategies for the future.
Airlink Receives the 2025 Dirco Ubuntu Economic Diplomacy Award
Airlink has been honoured with the 2025 DIRCO Ubuntu Economic Diplomacy Award for its contribution to South Africa’s economic growth, connectivity, and trade facilitation across Africa. Learn more about this recognition and Airlink’s expanding network.
Embraer and Airlink Sign Contract for Collaborative Inventory Planning
Embraer and Airlink have signed a Collaborative Inventory Planning (ECIP) contract to enhance fleet support for 68 Embraer aircraft. Airlink becomes the first African airline to adopt ECIP, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Botswana Allocates P351 Million for Aviation Projects in 2025 Budget
Botswana has allocated P351 million to aviation infrastructure in its 2025/2026 budget, funding airport maintenance, security upgrades, Maun Airport development, and improved airspace surveillance to enhance connectivity and regional logistics.
Nuuva V300 Takes Off with Successful First Flight
Pipistrel, a Textron company, successfully completed the first hover flight of the Nuuva V300, a hybrid-electric VTOL unmanned aircraft designed for long-range, high-capacity cargo transport. Featuring electric propulsion, autonomous capabilities, and advanced flight control, the Nuuva V300 represents a breakthrough in sustainable aerial logistics and advanced air mobility.
StandardAero Signs 15-Year CFM LEAP Support Agreement with Major Middle East Airline; Engine Inductions Already Underway
StandardAero signed a 15-year agreement with a major Middle Eastern airline to provide MRO services for CFM International LEAP engines. Its San Antonio facility supports LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines with performance restoration, component repairs, and lease engine support, serving airlines across the globe.
HENSOLDT Achieves Order Intake of Over EUR 1.4 Billion Between October 2024 and January
HENSOLDT secured over €1.4 billion in orders between October 2024 and January 2025, strengthening its role in defence technology. Key contracts included the Eurofighter Mk1 radar, Leopard 2 A8 optronic systems, and Bundeswehr’s Electronic Warfare Centre modernisation.
Honeywell Announces Intent to Separate Automation and Aerospace, Enabling the Creation of Three Industry-Leading Companies
Honeywell announces the separation of its Automation and Aerospace businesses, creating three independent, industry-leading companies with distinct strategies. This move aims to enhance shareholder value, drive strategic growth, and optimise financial flexibility.
Digitalisation, Sustainability, and Safety Take Centre Stage in IATA Updates
The 2025 IATA manuals introduce key updates focusing on digitalisation, sustainability, and safety in aviation. With over 350 changes, these updates impact ground handling, air cargo, and airline operations, ensuring the industry keeps pace with technological advancements, environmental goals, and evolving safety standards.
The New Global Pilot Survey Hopes to Understand the State of Pilots
Western University and IFALPA have launched the View from the Flight Deck 2024 survey to explore the evolving role of pilots, focusing on fatigue, mental health, and the impact of automation. This research aims to advocate for better working conditions, improved safety measures, and stronger mental health support in the aviation industry.
ZeroAvia Invited to Join Second Round of UK CAA’s Hydrogen Sandbox Challenge
ZeroAvia has been invited to join the second round of the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Hydrogen Sandbox Challenge. This initiative supports the commercial adoption of hydrogen fuel in aviation, exploring safety, regulatory requirements, and infrastructure development to advance zero-carbon flight.
The Plane Factory is Making its Mark in the Aviation Industry
The Plane Factory is reshaping the aviation industry with its global presence in aircraft sales, leasing, training, and consultancy. With offices in South Africa, the USA, Mexico, and Brazil, the company provides end-to-end aviation solutions backed by decades of industry expertise.
African Union Calls for Visa-Free Movement to Boost Regional Integration
The 38th African Union Summit spotlights the push for a visa-free Africa, with the AU and AfDB urging governments to remove travel restrictions. Leaders discuss how visa liberalisation can enhance regional integration, trade, and economic development, aligning with Agenda 2063’s vision of a borderless continent.
Dassault Wins Good Design® Award 2024 For NeXus Flight Deck
Discover Dassault Aviation’s award-winning NeXus flight deck for the Falcon 10X. Combining advanced automation, enhanced safety and refined aesthetics, it sets a new standard in aviation innovation.
CAAC Certifies ExecuJet MRO Services Malaysia as an Approved Maintenance Organisation for Falcon Aircraft
ExecuJet MRO Services Malaysia has received CAAC approval to perform line and base maintenance on China-registered Falcon 7X and Falcon 2000EX EASy aircraft, marking a significant milestone in its expansion within the Asian business aviation market.
Goodyear to Celebrate 100 Years of Airship Flying at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025
Goodyear is celebrating 100 years of airship flying at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, bringing two airships to the iconic aviation event. Discover the history of Goodyear blimps and their role in aviation innovation.
Experience 6 Days of Aviation Utopia at EAA Oshkosh 2025
For aviation enthusiasts, EAA Oshkosh 2025 is fast approaching, and Designer Tours is offering an exclusive 6-day tour to this world-renowned event. 2025 marks Calvin’s Designer Tours’ 27th tour to EAA Oshkosh, offering a seamless experience for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the thrill of aviation.
EAA Oshkosh is one of the largest aviation gatherings, featuring thousands of aircraft, air shows, and aviation professionals. The 2025 tour package includes 7 nights of luxury accommodation, luxury coach travel from Chicago—including a visit to the Harley Davidson Museum—hourly shuttle services, and additional comforts to enhance the experience.
Priced at R42,400 per person, the tour offers a stress-free and well-organised journey to one of the most anticipated events in aviation.
Seats are limited, and bookings are now open. Click here for more details or contact Calvin at Calvin@Designer.co.za.
Zambia Signs Training Service Agreement with ICAO
The Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA) has signed a Training Service Agreement with ICAO to enhance compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). This initiative aims to strengthen aviation safety, security, and regulatory oversight in Zambia ahead of upcoming ICAO audits.
IATA Releases Updated 2025 Manuals Reflecting Latest Industry Standards for Cargo and Ground Handling Operations
IATA has released the 2025 edition of its industry manuals for cargo and ground handling operations, incorporating over 350 updates to align with evolving standards, regulations, and technologies. Covering Dangerous Goods, Battery Shipping, Live Animals, and more, these manuals are essential for aviation stakeholders.
Skyway and MatrixSpace Partner to Elevate Aerospace Navigation with Advanced Air Traffic and Drone Detection Solutions
Skyway and MatrixSpace partnered to enhance aerospace navigation with AI-powered air traffic and drone detection solutions. Their collaboration improves situational awareness, optimises vertiport operations, and advances safety in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) applications.
Qatar Airways Cargo Transports 25 Million Red Roses from Kenya for Valentine’s Day
Qatar Airways Cargo transported 1,600 tonnes of fresh-cut Kenyan red roses for Valentine’s Day, supporting Kenya’s floriculture sector and global flower trade. The airline’s Boeing 777 freighters ensured seamless transportation from Nairobi to Doha and Liège, reinforcing its role in Africa’s agribusiness economy.
Angola National Air Transport Facilitation Programme Approved by the Council of Ministers
The decree approving the National Air Transport Facilitation Programme (PNFTA) was reviewed on Tuesday, January 28, by the Council of Ministers during its first ordinary meeting, presided over by President João Lourenço.
The programme aims to coordinate and harmonise the interests of all entities involved in air transport facilitation, including airline and airport operators and institutions operating at airports.
This includes entities such as the National Police, Criminal Investigation Service, Health Authority, Phytosanitary Services, Migration and Foreigners Services, General Tax Administration, and others.
With this initiative, the government seeks to simplify formalities for aircraft, crews, passengers, baggage, and cargo on both domestic and international flights, while ensuring compliance with aviation security regulations. The ultimate goal is to promote a safe, reliable, and viable air transport industry.
Egypt Hosts Arab Civil Aviation Organisation’s Information and Communication Committee Meeting
The Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority hosted the second meeting of the Information and Institutional Communication Committee on 5-6 February 2025, with representatives from Arab member states and the organisation’s secretariat in attendance.
H.E. Captain Amr Al Sharqawi, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, welcomed participants and expressed appreciation for the ongoing support from member states. Eng. Abdennebi Manar, Director General of the Arab Civil Aviation Organisation, praised the committee’s efforts in developing information and communication strategies, emphasising the importance of regional and international cooperation.
The meeting reviewed the implementation of previous recommendations, discussed decisions from the 71st Executive Council, and highlighted the need for coordinated communication strategies to address challenges in the civil aviation sector.
AirlinePros International Appointed as Ethiopian Airlines GSA in Eswatini
AirlinePros International has been appointed as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Ethiopian Airlines in Eswatini, strengthening the airline’s presence in the region and expanding its global connectivity. Ethiopian Airlines, renowned for its extensive network across 22 domestic and 141 international destinations, aims to provide seamless travel options via its Addis Ababa hub.
AirlinePros International CEO Shreyas Nanavati highlighted the partnership’s potential to enhance travel accessibility for Swazi passengers. The collaboration will position Ethiopian Airlines as the preferred international carrier from Eswatini, aligning with the country’s 140% growth in outbound travel in 2023.
Managing Director of AirlinePros Eswatini, Fundzile Msibi, emphasised the agreement’s role in offering competitive travel options and superior service for Eswatini’s travellers.
O.R. Tambo International Airport Among Top 10 Busiest in MEA
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) acknowledges OAG’s Global Airline Schedules ranking, which places O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) among the Top 10 busiest airports in the Middle East and Africa for 2024, with over 12 million scheduled seats.
As South Africa’s primary international gateway, ORTIA handled 17.8 million passengers and over 204,000 aircraft movements in the 2023/24 fiscal year, reinforcing its status as Africa’s busiest airport.
Algeria Participates in AFCAC Meeting in Dakar
The Director General of ANAC, Mr. Hassan Boulefelfel, attended the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) meeting in Dakar, Senegal, from January 29 to 31, 2025, following Algeria’s election as Vice President for North Africa.
AFCAC President Florent Serge Dzota and Secretary-General Adefunke Adeyemi outlined the commission’s strategic vision for 2023-2025 and discussed the 2025-2027 roadmap. Mr. Boulefelfel reaffirmed Algeria’s longstanding commitment to AFCAC, highlighting its early ratification of AFCAC’s constitution in 1970 and dedication to African solidarity and cooperation.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of a roadmap for achieving AFCAC’s objectives for 2025-2027.
ATNS Aviation Training Academy Retains ICAO TRAINAIR Plus Platinum Status
Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) Aviation Training Academy has successfully retained its ICAO TRAINAIR Plus Platinum Status for its contributions to global aviation skills development.
The Platinum Member Award was presented to Rodney Subramany, ATNS ATA Head of Learning and Development, by ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar at the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS 2025) in Abu Dhabi on February 11, 2025.
