African Pilot Weekly Magazine 10:2025
Odette Bertasso: It’s More Than Possible to Thrive as a Woman in Aviation
Discover the inspiring journey of Odette Bertasso, at Luxaviation Africa, as she shares insights into aviation leadership, charter sales growth, and innovation in luxury travel. Learn about her career, challenges, and the evolving landscape of private aviation.
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Ethiopian Airlines Celebrates International Women’s Day with Vibrant Events
Ethiopian Airlines celebrates International Women’s Day with all-women-operated flights to six destinations across five continents, highlighting its commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in aviation.
SkyTeam’s 2025 RISE Women’s Leadership Development Programme Takes Off
SkyTeam’s 2025 RISE Women’s Leadership Development Programme has launched in Nairobi, Kenya, with 28 participants from across its member airlines. Focused on advancing gender equality in aviation, the programme aligns with IATA's 25by2025 and aims to foster female leadership and career growth.
Simuflight’s PC-12 Simulator: A New Era in Advanced Flight Training
Simuflight is revolutionising aviation training with its new PC-12 flight simulator, designed and built in South Africa. The state-of-the-art simulator will provide pilots with realistic, high-quality training, with full system integration and Civil Aviation Authority certification expected by Q3 2025.
Passenger Demand Growth Accelerates to 10% in January
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports a 10% year-on-year increase in global passenger demand for January 2025, with record-high load factors and strong growth across international and domestic markets. Read the full analysis on airline capacity, load factors, and regional trends.
Air Cargo Demand up 3.2% in January
The latest IATA report shows global air cargo demand increased by 3.2% in January 2025, marking 18 consecutive months of growth. Explore key insights on freight capacity, regional performance, and trade lane trends.
Zimbabwe’s Aviation Training Academy Achieves ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS Bronze Certification
The Aviation Training Academy of Zimbabwe (ATAZ) has been accredited as a TRAINAIRPLUS Bronze Member by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), marking a significant milestone in Zimbabwe's aviation training sector. This recognition underscores ATAZ's commitment to international aviation standards, enhancing skills development, safety, and innovation in the industry.
What is the Most Popular Turboprop in Africa?
Discover why the Cessna Grand Caravan 208 is the most popular turboprop in Africa. Explore its versatility, reliability, and impact on regional connectivity, economic development, and remote transportation across the continent.
Zambia Air Force’s Operation Sungulula Concludes as Life Returns to the Kafue River
The Zambia Air Force successfully concludes Operation Sungulula, neutralising an acid spill in the Kafue River. The aerial response effort safeguarded aquatic life, protected downstream communities, and reinforced ZAF’s disaster response capabilities.
SANSA Hartebeesthoek Ground Station to Provide Critical TT&C Support for IM-2 Lunar Mission
SANSA’s Hartebeesthoek Ground Station is providing critical tracking, telemetry, and command (TT&C) support for the Intuitive Machines-2 (IM-2) lunar mission, contributing to global lunar exploration efforts and strengthening South Africa’s role in space innovation.
From disks to digital: Trainer updates cut Apache downtime
Discover how the Apache Longbow Crew Trainers' software updates have transformed from a time-consuming manual process to an efficient automated system. Learn how automation reduces downtime, enhances performance, and improves training reliability.
French Air and Space Force buys 22 PC-7 MKX Aircraft for Basic Military Pilot Training
The French Air and Space Force has selected the Pilatus PC-7 MKX as its new basic military pilot training system. With 22 aircraft on order, advanced avionics, and a state-of-the-art Ground-Based Training System, this move reinforces France’s commitment to cutting-edge flight training.
Grey Wolf Tested for US Air Force Mission
The US Air Force’s MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters have undergone Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) flights, demonstrating their capabilities in simulated emergency response scenarios. Learn how this new aircraft enhances nuclear security and replaces the UH-1N Huey.
The Stars Belong to Africa Too: African Space Agency Pushes for Space Sovereignty
The African Space Agency is driving Africa’s transition from a consumer to a producer of space technologies. Speaking at SIADE 2025, Dr Tidiane Ouattara highlighted space as a necessity for Africa’s security, economy, and innovation, calling for strategic investment and collaboration.
Nigeria – Festus Keyamo Reaffirms Commitment to Aviation Workers’ Welfare at Industry Event
Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, reaffirms his commitment to workers' welfare and unionism at the 11th Aviation Workers’ Week. The event highlighted the role of trade unions in advancing ministerial mandates, with Keyamo receiving an award for his proactive leadership in the Nigerian aviation sector.
Vivo Energy Maroc and Royal Air Maroc Launch First Morocco-Europe Flight Powered by Sustainable Fuel
Vivo Energy Maroc and Royal Air Maroc have launched Morocco’s first carbon-neutral flight to Europe using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), marking a major step towards decarbonising air transport. Discover how this initiative supports energy transition and responsible tourism.
Catalyst Turboprop Engine Achieves FAA Certification
GE Aerospace’s Catalyst turboprop engine has achieved FAA certification. Catalyst is the first, new centerline, clean-sheet advanced turboprop of the 21st century and the first turboprop engine to be certified to the latest standards, which include more than 20 significant new requirements.
Blackhawk Aerospace Receives FAA STC Approval for the XP67A Engine+ Upgrade on Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion® Equipped King Airs
Blackhawk Aerospace has received FAA STC approval for the XP67A Engine+ Upgrade on Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion-equipped King Air 350i and 360 aircraft. This upgrade enhances performance, fuel efficiency, and avionics integration. Learn more about the benefits and compatibility.
Hartzell Unveils Composite Kestrel Propeller for Rotax 916-Powered CubCrafters’ Carbon Cub UL
Hartzell Propeller introduces the Kestrel, a lightweight composite constant speed propeller designed for Rotax 916-powered aircraft. As the first in the new Falcon series, the Kestrel enhances the Carbon Cub UL with superior performance, durability, and efficiency.
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.
Redefining Long-Endurance Surveillance Tasks with the DA62 MPP
The Diamond Aircraft DA62 MPP has completed a 9-hour, 20-minute surveillance mission, showcasing its long-endurance performance, fuel efficiency, and advanced ISR capabilities. With cutting-edge surveillance technology and multi-role adaptability, it is redefining cost-effective aerial surveillance.
SAA Has a New CEO, But Naturally, it is Clouded in Controversy
The appointment of Professor John Lamola as SAA’s Group CEO has sparked political controversy in South Africa, with allegations of undue political influence. Despite criticism, Lamola’s leadership has overseen SAA’s first profit in over a decade and significant operational expansion.
Safran and GAL Partner to Ensure Fleet Readiness for UAE Mirage 2000 Aircraft
Safran Aircraft Engines and Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL) have partnered to ensure fleet readiness for the UAE Mirage 2000 aircraft, providing world-class maintenance and operational support for M53 engines.
Aviation Industry Doubles Down on Cybersecurity as IT Spend Climbs to New Highs
SITA’s 2024 Air Transport IT Insights report highlights how airlines and airports are investing in cybersecurity, biometrics, and sustainable IT to tackle digital threats, improve passenger experience, and move towards net-zero aviation. Discover key trends shaping the future of air travel.
