
African Pilot Weekly Magazine 14:2025
Helihacking: A New Approach to Ecosystem Restoration
Helihacking combines helicopter aviation and mountaineering to combat invasive species in South Africa's Western Cape. Using HEC Bell 407 helicopters, MCC Aviation supports high-risk operations to remove alien vegetation and restore biodiversity in hard-to-reach mountain areas.
Garmin Introduces GCO 14 – Its First Carbon Monoxide Detector for Aircraft
Discover the Garmin GCO 14, a certified remote-mount carbon monoxide detector for aircraft. Seamlessly integrated with Garmin avionics, it enhances cockpit safety with real-time CO monitoring and alerts.

Ongoing Concerns About GNSS Interference – Where Does Africa Fall in This Global Challenge?
GNSS interference through jamming and spoofing is a growing threat to aviation safety. With Africa’s reliance on satellite-based navigation, the continent must take proactive steps to strengthen its air traffic resilience and infrastructure.

The IFALPA Tackles the Controversy of Reduced Crew Operations
The aviation industry faces growing debate over Reduced Crew Operations, including Single-Pilot and Extended Minimum Crew Operations. IFALPA and pilot unions raise serious safety concerns, emphasising the irreplaceable role of two pilots in commercial aviation.
Cessna Caravan Celebrates 40 Years of Adventures as One of the Most Versatile Aircraft in the Industry
The restoration of Sabre 361 by Montagu Thorne and Matthew Olivier celebrates aviation heritage through meticulous craftsmanship. The project, conducted at the South African Air Force Museum, involved polishing, panel beating, and replacing corroded fasteners to restore this historic aircraft for public display.
Air Methods Expands Its Fleet with Airbus, Including H140 Helicopters
Air Methods expands its fleet with new Airbus helicopters, including the H140, H125, and H135, enhancing air medical transport capabilities. Learn more about the latest innovations in emergency medical aviation.

IATA Ground Handling Conference 2025 to Focus on People, Processes and Performance
The 37th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) will take place in Nairobi from 13–15 May 2025, focusing on operational modernisation, workforce investment, and performance improvement across Africa’s aviation ground handling sector.

Boom’s Pursuit of Civil Supersonic Flight Prompts New International Standards
Boom Supersonic advances global supersonic travel with support from ICAO and FAA, leading to new international noise standards. Discover how Boom’s Overture aircraft and XB-1 demonstrator are paving the way for quiet, fast, and sustainable civil aviation.

FlySafair Sees an Exodus of South African Pilots to Greener, More Well-Paying Pastures
FlySafair is facing pilot departures amid discontent over a new rostering system and growing global competition for skilled flight crew. With overseas salaries rising sharply, South African pilots are seeking better pay and conditions abroad.
ATNS Instrument Flight Procedure Maintenance Programme Update
Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) has commenced the maintenance of critical Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs) at key South African airports. While most major airports now have approved procedures in place, access to Richards Bay, Upington, and Bloemfontein airports will be limited due to pending maintenance. ATNS is prioritising swift restoration to ensure operational safety.
South African Regulations that impact the aviation sector as released at the end of March 2025:
Embraer and Denel sign MoU to cooperate on the KC-390 Millennium
Embraer and Denel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore collaboration on the KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, focusing on manufacturing and MRO activities to enhance strategic airlift capabilities in Africa.

Africa’s Leading Flight School with Global Reach - 43 Air School
In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, Phillippa Dean speaks with Attie Niemann, CEO of 43 Air School, about the school’s landmark training partnership with TAAG Angola Airlines and the remarkable legacy of one of Africa’s largest and busiest flight schools.
Established during World War II, 43 Air School has evolved into one of the top three privately owned flight schools in the world. With campuses in Port Alfred and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa, the school offers a full end-to-end training solution—from student selection through to type rating—preparing graduates for real-world airline operations.
The conversation covers:
- The historic roots and evolution of 43 Air School
- A new partnership with TAAG Angola Airlines, training around 100 students annually
- Integrated ATPL programmes serving over 340 full-time students
- Global partnerships with Vietnam Airlines and IndiGo
- A 50-aircraft fleet, 45 instructors, and cutting-edge simulation tech
- The growing influence of technology in aviation training
43 Air School is widely recognised for its rigorous, technology-driven programmes. With advanced facilities, including an ATC simulator and its own engineering division, the school delivers high-quality, structured training tailored to meet international airline standards.
Whether you’re a prospective pilot, aviation enthusiast, or industry professional, this interview offers meaningful insights into the future of pilot training in Africa—and how one institution continues to lead the way.
Qatar Airways Nears Boeing 777 Fleet-Wide Starlink Upgrade, Set to Expand to Airbus A350 this Month
Qatar Airways nears completion of its Boeing 777 Starlink WiFi rollout and will soon begin equipping Airbus A350 aircraft, including those flying to Durban and Cape Town, with high-speed inflight connectivity.

Interministerial Meeting Addresses the Future of AIBD SA and Air Senegal SA
An interministerial meeting chaired by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko outlined strategic reforms to revitalise Air Senegal SA and AIBD SA. The plan includes debt clearance, audits, infrastructure upgrades, and new aviation policies aligned with Vision Senegal 2050.

African Development Bank and Mozambique Launch Drone-Based Initiative to Boost Disaster Preparedness
The African Development Bank, Mozambique, and Korea’s Busan Technopark have launched a drone-based disaster management initiative to improve early warning systems and real-time flood response in high-risk zones.

Uganda Airlines’ First Direct Entebbe–London Gatwick Flight Set for 18 May 2025
Uganda Airlines will launch direct flights from Entebbe to London Gatwick on 18 May 2025, marking its first European route. The new service includes four weekly flights and benefits both passenger and cargo operations.

Ethiopia and Uganda Sign Eight Bilateral Agreements — Three Focused on Aviation Cooperation
Ethiopia and Uganda signed eight bilateral agreements during the 4th Joint Ministerial Commission, including three focused on aviation: air services, training, and aircraft incident investigation. The deals aim to boost regional cooperation and sectoral development.

Competition Tribunal South Africa Approves Dubai Aerospace Merger with Nordic Aviation Capital
The South African Competition Tribunal has unconditionally approved the merger between Dubai Aerospace Enterprise and Nordic Aviation Capital, strengthening Dubai Aerospace’s global position in the aircraft leasing market.
SAF Registry Goes Live
IATA has launched the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Registry, now managed by CADO, creating a global platform to support the aviation sector’s transition to net zero emissions by 2050 through transparent SAF tracking and accountability.
IATA Has Promoted Increase in Digital Identity, But How Likely is a Swift Uptake in Africa?
IATA is urging global adoption of digital identity in aviation, but Africa’s uptake may be slowed by infrastructure, cost, and regulatory challenges. The article explores whether the continent is ready to embrace this shift and how it could benefit.
Parliamentary Committees Consider Inquiry into Anti-Competitive Practices in South Africa’s Low-Cost Airline Sector
South Africa’s Portfolio Committees on Trade, Industry and Competition, and Transport are considering a parliamentary inquiry into anti-competitive behaviour in the low-cost airline industry, focusing on overbookings, overpricing, and market dominance post-Covid.
