African Pilot Weekly Magazine 16:2025
The Global and African Airline Industry: A Closer Look at the Latest Report
The AFRAA Q3 2024 Air Transport Report reveals global airline recovery and rising African airline performance. With passenger growth, improving connectivity, and strategic airport hubs, Africa’s aviation sector is poised for long-term expansion despite infrastructure and regulatory challenges.
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) Engages Seabury Solutions to Automate Aviation Safety Security Regulation (ASSR) Functions
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has partnered with Seabury Solutions to automate its aviation safety and security regulatory functions using the eAuthority System, reinforcing Kenya’s aviation oversight capabilities and aligning with ICAO global standards.
FlyAngola Increases Flights From Namibia
FlyAngola has expanded its service from Windhoek to Angola, offering six weekly flights to Benguela, Luanda, and Lubango. The expansion is part of the Air Connect Namibia initiative to boost tourism, trade, and investment.
Paperless Cockpits Can Be a Double-Edged Sword for Initial Pilot Training
As aviation embraces paperless cockpits and Electronic Flight Bags, pilot training academies must balance digital integration with mastering fundamental flying skills. BAA Training's Roma Andreu Rifa weighs in on the benefits and risks of early adoption in ab initio training.
Tariff Wars Are Shaking the Aviation Industry — and Rippling Down to Africa
As global tariff wars disrupt aviation supply chains, Africa faces higher costs, delivery delays, and operational strain. This article explores how protectionist policies from the US and Europe are affecting African airlines, MROs, and long-term aviation growth.
First Airbus A330 MRTT for the Spanish Air and Space Force Enters Into Service
The Spanish Air and Space Force has inducted its first Airbus A330 MRTT into service. The aircraft offers enhanced refuelling, transport, and MEDEVAC capabilities, strengthening Spain’s aerial operations and strategic autonomy.
Kenya Airways goes live with NDC content in Amadeus
Kenya Airways becomes the first airline in Sub-Saharan Africa to launch NDC content through the Amadeus Travel Platform. This strategic move enhances the airline’s retailing capabilities and offers travel sellers improved access to personalised offers and dynamic content.
Gulfstream G800 Earns FAA and EASA Certifications
Gulfstream’s G800 has received FAA and EASA certification, confirming its status as the world’s longest-range business jet. The aircraft features enhanced speed, range, and fuel efficiency, plus industry-leading cabin comfort and design innovations.
Kenya: Presentation of the observations on the Civil Aviation (Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation) Regulations 2024.Legal Notice No.5 of 2025 at the Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation
The CS Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir, alongside Principal Secretaries Mohammed Daghar, Teresia Mbaika and a team of Technocrats from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID), met with the Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation to review the Civil Aviation (Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation) Regulations, 2024, Legal No 5 of 2025.
Key concerns included inconsistent definitions of aviation terms and the potential overlap between the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID) and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
CS Chirchir assured the Committee that the definitions are derived from the Convention on International Civil Aviation and its associated Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), and that AAID and KCAA have worked on a draft bill that updates the definitions and harmonises them with those contained in these regulations.
He also clarified that the AAID, created per ICAO SARPs, is independent and reports directly to the Cabinet Secretary to ensure transparency in investigations.
He confirmed that the investigation reports are publicly released as required by ICAO Annex 13 and submitted supporting documents, including explanatory notes, feedback and recommendations from stakeholders like the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and KCAA.
The Committee agreed to consult more stakeholders before making a final decision.
Zambia Airports Company Issues Statement on Cleaning Services Tender Allegations
Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) has issued a statement refuting allegations of misconduct and corruption in the awarding of cleaning services tenders at major international airports. The corporation affirms its adherence to procurement regulations and legal employment practices.
SA Air Force Aircraft Involved in an Aviation-Related Incident Over Lanseria
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) wishes to state that the passenger-side door that came off an SA Air Force (SAAF) King Air aircraft on Friday, 11 April 2025. was located within a farm erf a short distance north of Lanseria airport precinct, and has been retrieved and taken to Air Force Base Waterkloof. The investigation of the incident continues.
Latest issued NOTAM Bulletin from Namibia Civil Aviation Authority – 20/04/2025
DownloadGeorge Mashababe Appointed Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe
The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) has announced the appointment of Mr. George Mashababe as its new Director General, effective 1 April 2025. His appointment complies with the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act and the Civil Aviation Act.
Mr. Mashababe brings over 37 years of aviation experience, beginning his career with the Air Force of Zimbabwe in 1988 before joining CAAZ in 2002 as an Airworthiness Inspector. He most recently served as Head of the Directorate of Air Accidents and Serious Incidents Investigation in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
An internationally recognised aviation safety expert, Mr. Mashababe has held roles including Assistant National Continuous Monitoring Coordinator for ICAO, member of the Regulations Development Committee (REDCOM), and ICAO AIGP panel representative. He is also a certified auditor and subject matter expert under ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme.
He holds a Master of Commerce in Business Administration from Great Zimbabwe University and a Bachelor of Business Leadership from Calvary University.
ExecuJet and Acher Aviation: Elevating Africa’s Helicopter and Fixed-Wing Services
ExecuJet and Acher Aviation have built a leading helicopter division serving Africa’s VIP, humanitarian, mining, and offshore sectors. With a versatile fleet and fixed-wing capabilities, the partnership offers high-level aviation solutions across the continent.
Namene Kalili Joins Namibia Airports Company to Steer Commercial and Strategic Direction
Namibia Airports Company has appointed economist Namene Kalili as Executive for Commercial Services and Strategy. Kalili will lead NAC’s revenue growth efforts and the implementation of a five-year strategic business plan, strengthening Namibia’s position in regional aviation.
Bucher to Supply Galley Solutions for Ethiopian Airlines’ Next-Generation Boeing 777-9 Fleet
Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with Bucher to supply advanced galley systems for its new Boeing 777-9 fleet. Announced at AIX Hamburg, the collaboration focuses on enhancing cabin functionality and passenger comfort through innovative interior solutions.
IATA: Air Cargo Key to Supply Chain Resilience
At the 18th World Cargo Symposium, IATA reaffirmed the critical role of air cargo in global supply chains, calling for stronger safety, faster digitalisation, and sustainable aviation fuel support. The industry’s resilience depends on coordinated global action.
LMS Partners With PT Dirgantara to Modernize the NC212i
LMS has partnered with PT Dirgantara Indonesia to modernise the NC212i aircraft with advanced Fuel Quantity Measurement Systems, enhancing its performance, reliability, and efficiency. Initial deliveries are expected in late 2025 or early 2026.
INTEGRAL E Continues Its Test Campaign and Performs Its First Inverted Flight, a Major Step in the Certification Process of the First All-Electric Aerobatic Aircraft
AURA AERO’s INTEGRAL E, the world’s first all-electric aerobatic aircraft, has completed its first inverted flight. This major certification milestone confirms its reliability and advances the decarbonisation of light aviation with an expected service entry in 2026.
SITA Acquires CCM to Bring to Life the Airports of the Future by Integrating Travel Tech With High-End Design
SITA has acquired CCM to integrate advanced travel technology with high-end airport design. The partnership redefines how airports operate—enhancing efficiency, space usage, and passenger experience through seamless tech-enabled environments.
Kenya: Senator Abass Wants Answers on the Commercialisation and Accessibility of Wajir Airport
Senator Mohammed Abass has called for answers on the continued military control of Wajir Airport, raising concerns over limited public access, inadequate infrastructure, and the need for full commercialisation to support economic growth in Northern Kenya.
CorroLogic®: The Smart Solution for Corrosion Protection at Airport Tank Farms
CorroLogic® offers an advanced corrosion protection solution for aboveground storage tanks at airports. Its vapour-phase action enhances tank floor protection, complements cathodic protection systems, and reduces downtime—all without requiring power or draining fuel.
Predictive Maintenance Revolution: Why Digital Twins and Skilled Technicians Are a Winning Combo
Digital twins and predictive maintenance are transforming aircraft MRO, but a global shortage of skilled aviation technicians could limit their impact. Aerviva’s Jekaterina Shalopanova explores how airlines can harness this tech revolution while closing the growing skills gap.
