African Pilot Weekly Magazine 15:2026
GA - Aircraft Engines
Advancing Flight Through Continental Jet-A Retrofit Engines
Continental Aerospace Technologies’ CD-155 Jet-A retrofit engine enhances efficiency, reduces fuel burn, and modernises Cessna, Piper, and Diamond aircraft with advanced diesel technology.

Advancing Flight Through Continental Jet-A Retrofit Engines
Continental Aerospace Technologies’ CD-155 Jet-A retrofit engine enhances efficiency, reduces fuel burn, and modernises Cessna, Piper, and Diamond aircraft with advanced diesel technology.

GA - Aircraft Engines
Abelo Confirms Three Additional ATR 72-600 Options
Abelo confirms three additional ATR 72-600 options, strengthening its regional aviation strategy and expanding sustainable fleet growth.

Aircraft
NAF Explores Airbus C-295 Acquisition to Strengthen Tactical Airlift Capability
The Nigerian Air Force engages Airbus in Spain to evaluate the C-295 aircraft and enhance tactical airlift capability, mobility and operational effectiveness.

Military & Defence
Cape Verde Reinforces Its Ambition as a Logistics Hub with the Start of Air Cargo Transport from Brazil to Cape Verde by LATAM Cargo
Cape Verde advances its logistics hub strategy as LATAM Cargo launches air cargo operations from Brazil to Sal Island, boosting global connectivity.

Air Cargo & Air Freight
African Airline
Eight Decades of Soaring High: Ethiopian Airlines Marks 80 Years of Service
Ethiopian Airlines celebrates 80 years of service, marking a major milestone in African aviation with growth, innovation and global connectivity.

Eight Decades of Soaring High: Ethiopian Airlines Marks 80 Years of Service
Ethiopian Airlines celebrates 80 years of service, marking a major milestone in African aviation with growth, innovation and global connectivity.

African Airline
SAA Announces Resignation of Group Chief Executive Officer, Prof. John Lamola
African Airline
South African Airways CEO Prof John Lamola will step down at the end of April 2026, with Air Chefs CEO Matshela Seshibe appointed as Acting GCEO.
Malawi Suspends Public Access to VIP Airport Lounges Pending Review
Commercial & Air Travel
Malawi has suspended commercial access to VIP lounges at Kamuzu and Bakili Muluzi International Airports from 20 April 2026 to review operational protocols, security, and access criteria.
Côte d’Ivoire Removes Customs Visa Requirement for Mali and Burkina Faso Trade Flows
Commercial & Air Travel
Côte d’Ivoire removes customs visa requirements for exports to Mali and Burkina Faso, streamlining trade flows and accelerating regional transit operations.
Ground Handling
Future Ground Handling: Automation, Accountability and the Human Factor
Automation is transforming airport ground handling, but safety, human oversight and clear regulation remain critical as autonomy increases in aviation operations.

Future Ground Handling: Automation, Accountability and the Human Factor
Automation is transforming airport ground handling, but safety, human oversight and clear regulation remain critical as autonomy increases in aviation operations.

Ground Handling
Angola Reassesses Aviation Tax Burden to Boost Competitiveness and Hub Ambitions
Angola reviews aviation taxes to boost competitiveness and position AIAAN as a regional hub, with ANAC leading sector reforms and policy alignment.

Aviation Policy
Embraer and ALADA Sign Agreement to Drive New Business Opportunities in Latin America and Africa
Embraer and ALADA sign an MoU to explore government-to-government defence opportunities, expanding aerospace exports and market access across Latin America and Africa.

Military & Defence
Azorra Acquires Nine GE CF34-10E Engines from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise
On 2 April 2026, Azorra announced the successful acquisition of nine General Electric CF34-10E engines from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd, strengthening its engine leasing platform and long-standing relationship with DAE. The CF34-10E engines, which power Embraer E190 and E195 aircraft, will be integrated into…

Aircraft Engines
African Airline
Jambojet Unveils Integrated Operations Control Centre to Drive Next Phase of Growth
Jambojet unveils an Integrated Operations Control Centre to enhance operational efficiency, improve reliability, and support fleet expansion and growth in Kenya’s aviation sector.

Jambojet Unveils Integrated Operations Control Centre to Drive Next Phase of Growth
Jambojet unveils an Integrated Operations Control Centre to enhance operational efficiency, improve reliability, and support fleet expansion and growth in Kenya’s aviation sector.

African Airline
Orqa Launches H7 WingCore: The High-Performance, Fully NDAA-Compliant Flight Controller for Fixed-Wing and VTOL Platforms
Orqa launches the NDAA-compliant H7 WingCore flight controller for fixed-wing and VTOL platforms, delivering high performance for defence and enterprise use.

Future Flight
MTU Aero Engines Expands Its Portfolio to Include UAV Propulsion Systems
MTU Aero Engines acquires AeroDesignWorks to expand into UAV propulsion systems, strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities and advancing next-generation aerospace technologies.

Military & Defence
Rwanda Issues Tender for Construction of Aviation Skills Centre Infrastructure at Kigali International Airport
Rwanda has issued an international tender for academic blocks and an aircraft hangar at Kigali International Airport, supporting the Centre of Excellence for Aviation Skills with AfDB and OPEC Fund financing.

African Infrastructure & Projects
Madagascar Issues Tender for Airport Strategic Plan Under World Bank-Funded Project
Madagascar invites consultants to develop a 2026–2035 strategic plan for Airports of Madagascar (ADEMA) under the World Bank-funded PTML project.

Business Opportunities
African Airline
TAAG Angola Airlines Operates First Commercial Flight to Abidjan and Strengthens Regional Connectivity
TAAG launches Luanda–Abidjan route, boosting regional connectivity, trade, and passenger links between Angola and Côte d’Ivoire.

TAAG Angola Airlines Operates First Commercial Flight to Abidjan and Strengthens Regional Connectivity
TAAG launches Luanda–Abidjan route, boosting regional connectivity, trade, and passenger links between Angola and Côte d’Ivoire.

African Airline
Children’s Flight 2026: The Final Push
Support Children’s Flight South Africa 2026. Help fund aircraft, event services and children’s experiences at this unique aviation charity initiative.

General Aviation & Lifestyle
Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium Successfully Concludes Cold Weather Campaign in Sweden
Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium proves Arctic capability in Sweden, showcasing cold-weather performance and Agile Combat Employment readiness.

Military & Defence
South Africa Invites Applications for Civil Aviation Appeal Committee Appointments
Civil Aviation
South Africa invites applications and nominations for appointments to the Civil Aviation Appeal Committee, a statutory body responsible for aviation regulatory appeals. Deadline: 04 May 2026.











