African Pilot Weekly Magazine 19:2025
Supporting the Skies: The Critical Role of Pilot Assistance Programmes
The aviation industry is one of many that relies on precision, mental acuity, and emotional resilience. Supporting the wellbeing of airline pilots has never been more crucial. Pilot Assistance Programmes (PAPs), long championed by the International Federation of Airline Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA), are increasingly seen not just as supportive initiatives but as essential components of global flight safety.
Aircare International Launches Advanced Emergency Diagnostic Platform for Business Aviation
Aircare International launches the Aircare Emergency Diagnostic Platform (AEDP), a state-of-the-art inflight diagnostic solution offering secure, real-time medical support for business aviation crews and passengers.
Ghana’s Chip-Embedded Passport Rollout Begins
Ghana has officially launched its chip-embedded passport system, meeting ICAO standards with advanced security features, 24-hour service, e-tracking, and reduced application fees to modernise the passport process and enhance citizen experience.
Aviation Africa 2025 highlights the future of Advanced Air Mobility
Aviation Africa 2025 will spotlight the continent's growing focus on advanced air mobility, featuring drones and eVTOL technologies, with dedicated discussions led by the African Drone Forum on regulation, investment, and real-world applications across key sectors.
Qatar Airways Revolutionises In-Flight Connectivity in African Skies with Ultra-High-Speed Starlink Internet
Qatar Airways introduces ultra-fast, complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi on Cape Town–Doha flights starting 1 June 2025, marking another milestone in its 20-year presence in South Africa and broader connectivity investment across the continent.
Fastjet Partners with APG Zambia as General Sales Agent
Fastjet Zimbabwe has appointed APG Zambia as its official General Sales Agent, strengthening its presence in Zambia following the launch of the Harare–Lusaka route. The partnership aims to boost customer support and regional growth.
IFALPA Warns of Safety Risks as Emerging Aircraft Enter Global Airspace
Pilots’ federation IFALPA calls for strict global safety standards as drones, air taxis, and supersonic jets prepare to enter commercial airspace.
Training for the Unthinkable: New Global Guidance on Pilot Incapacitation Has Been Released
In response to a mid-air medical emergency, IFALPA has released new global guidelines on pilot incapacitation training. The paper stresses early recognition, mental health awareness, and simulator preparedness, with growing relevance for African aviation safety.
SAA Operations Resilient Post Cyber Incident – Digital Forensic Investigation Underway
South African Airways confirms a major cyber incident affecting its systems, with digital forensic investigations underway and core operations restored. SAA assures customers of swift containment, regulatory compliance, and continued service reliability.
Air to Jet Fuel: United Announces Investment in Power-to-Liquid Fuels Company Twelve
United invests in Twelve, a UK-relevant clean tech innovator producing sustainable aviation fuel from CO₂ and water, accelerating carbon-neutral flight.
Namibia to Take Over Air Traffic Services Over Oceanic Airspace
Namibia is preparing to take control of air traffic services over its oceanic and southern airspace from South Africa, following infrastructure upgrades, regulatory improvements, and a successful ICAO audit.
Air Transport as a Means of Integrating West Africa – Strategies for Reducing Air Ticket Costs
ECOWAS Parliament met in Lomé to address the high cost of air travel in West Africa, proposing actionable strategies to reduce ticket prices, enhance regional mobility, and implement air liberalisation policies.
South Africa: AISI Calls for Aerospace and Defence Manufacturers to Apply for Supplier Development Support
South Africa’s Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) invites aerospace and defence manufacturers to apply for funding and technical support aimed at enhancing competitiveness and integrating into global supply chains.
South Africa’s Transport Department Moves to Modernise Aviation Licensing
ACIA Aero Leasing appoints Bradley Gordon as SVP Banking & Capital Markets. With over $2bn in structured aviation finance experience, Gordon joins from Investec to lead debt raising and investor relations.
South Africa’s Transport Department Seeks to Appoint Consultant to Advise Regulating Committee on ACSA and ATNS Tariff Permissions (2026/27–2030/31)
South Africa’s Department of Transport has issued a tender to appoint a consultant to advise the Regulating Committee on tariff permissions for ACSA and ATNS for the 2026/27–2030/31 period, ensuring compliance with aviation regulation and international best practice.
Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority Reinforces Regional Leadership at ACI Africa Conference
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) reaffirmed its leadership in Africa’s aviation sector during a high-level panel at the 73rd ACI Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition in Arusha. The session, titled “Clearing the Runway – Overcoming Challenges to Build a Thriving Air Transport Industry in Africa”, brought together leading aviation experts to examine the key challenges facing the continent’s air transport sector.
Tanzania’s progressive regulatory reforms, infrastructure development, and adoption of modern aviation technologies were recognised as central to the country’s commitment to safety, innovation, and regional connectivity—core pillars of its sustainable aviation strategy.
The discussion also addressed regulatory and operational hurdles impacting airports and airlines, with several proposals put forward to align domestic and international air travel with global standards.
TCAA continues to lead on initiatives to modernise air navigation services, streamline regulations, and attract private sector investment—all in pursuit of positioning Tanzania as a regional aviation hub. The session concluded with a strong call for greater collaboration among African states, global institutions, and private stakeholders to unlock the full potential of air transport across the continent. Tanzania’s participation underscored its readiness to help lead this transformation through focused policy and regional cooperation.
ICAO Council Condemns Radio Frequency Interference Affecting Civil Aviation Safety, Urges DPRK to Stop Disruptive Activities
Through its decision published on 17 April 2025, the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) noted with grave concern the continuing incidents of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) radio frequency interference in the Incheon Flight Information Region (FIR), which have been ongoing since 2 October 2024.
The Council noted that these interference incidents, originating from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), continue despite previous Council decisions. These incidents jeopardise the safety of international air navigation and contradict principles enshrined in the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention) and its Annexes.
The Council strongly urged the DPRK to fully implement those previous decisions and to comply strictly with its obligations under the Chicago Convention. The Council has also reiterated its call to the DPRK to ensure that similar occurrences do not recur in the future.
Given the serious and continuous risk to international civil aviation, the Council will shortly consider reporting this matter to the 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly to be held in September 2025, in accordance with Article 54(k) of the Chicago Convention.
The Council will continue to maintain close oversight of developments regarding this situation.
Saudia Group Discloses Order for 10 Airbus A330neo Aircraft for flyadeal
Saudia Group has announced an order for 10 Airbus A330-900 aircraft for its low-cost subsidiary, flyadeal — marking the airline’s first widebody order. The deal supports flyadeal’s long-haul expansion and its aim to operate the youngest fleet among Middle Eastern LCCs, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to connect 250 destinations and boost tourism.
The A330neo offers enhanced passenger comfort and operational efficiency, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and capable of flying 13,300 km non-stop. This follows a 2024 order of 105 Airbus aircraft, including 54 A321neos for flyadeal.
At the end of March 2025, the A330 Family had won over 1,800 firm orders from more than 130 customers worldwide. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330 family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and is targeting up to 100% SAF capability by 2030.
ICAO Launches Safety Oversight Sub-Group for Africa and Indian Ocean Region
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has launched the Safety Management and Oversight Sub-Group (SMO/SG) under the Africa-Indian Ocean Aviation System Planning and Implementation Group (AASPG). Announced during an opening meeting in Nairobi on 24 April 2025, the new sub-group replaces the Safety Support Teams (SSTs) of RASG-AFI and will take a project-based approach to addressing aviation safety challenges in the region.
ICAO ESAF Deputy Regional Director Mr Arthémon Ndikumana underscored the critical role of a safe, resilient, and sustainable aviation system in supporting economic development and connectivity. The SMO/SG aims to enhance regional safety standards and oversight, in alignment with ICAO’s global framework. The meeting also included the adoption of terms of reference and the election of leadership.
African airlines record -13.4% drop in demand for air cargo in March 2025, slowest of all regions - IATA
Following the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) analysis of the air cargo market during March 2025. Demand for air cargo is a useful barometer of trade, with many high-value items transported by air, such as smart phones and IT equipment, automotive components, precious metals and gems, perishable food items and pharmaceuticals. E-commerce shipments and other courier items are also a growing component of the air cargo industry.
During March 2025, African airlines recorded:
- A -13.4% year-on-year decrease in demand for air cargo, the slowest among the regions.
- A 10.5% year-on-year increase in cargo capacity. Most of which is belly cargo hold space on passenger aircraft.
- A cargo load factor of 37.1% (a year-on-year fall of -10.4 ppt). In other words, a little more than one-third of the available capacity was taken up by the market.
This is in stark contrast with the global industry, which saw a 4.4% rise in demand vs March 2024.
