African Pilot Weekly Magazine 20:2025
AI Takes Flight: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Aviation in Africa
Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming the aviation industry—from smart airports and predictive maintenance to enhanced passenger experiences. Explore AI's growing role in Africa and what the future holds.
Gulfstream Delivers 50th G700
Gulfstream Aerospace celebrates the delivery of its 50th G700 business jet, marking a major milestone in the programme’s development. The aircraft features a spacious, customisable cabin and sets industry benchmarks in speed, comfort, and innovation.
Bell Celebrates its 6,000th Commercial Aircraft Built at Bell Textron Canada Centre
Bell Textron Canada marks a major milestone with the delivery of its 6,000th commercial aircraft, including two SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopters for critical missions by the Sûreté du Québec, supporting public safety across the province.
Liberia’s Transport Minister Describes Aviation as the Gateway to National Development
During Aviation Awareness Week, Liberia’s Transport Minister, Honourable Sirleaf Ralph Tyler, called for the country’s aviation sector to be declared a national emergency, citing its vital role in national development and economic growth.
Minister for Transport Inaugurates Task Force to Establish Ghana’s National Airline
Ghana's Minister for Transport inaugurates a 10-member Task Force to lead the establishment of a new national airline, aiming to position the country as a strategic aviation hub in West Africa.
EGYPTAIR Partners With SITA to Modernise Network Infrastructure for Future Growth
EGYPTAIR has partnered with SITA to modernise its network infrastructure with cloud-native, secure connectivity solutions, aiming to enhance operational efficiency, resilience, and passenger service across its expanding regional and international network.
Ground Handling Priorities: Safety, Baggage, Global Standards and Sustainability
Explore the key highlights from IATA’s Ground Handling Conference 2025 in Nairobi. Learn about aviation safety, global standardisation, enhanced baggage operations, and building a sustainable and inclusive future for ground handling.
Global ATC Overhaul: A New Era in Aviation Infrastructure and Safety
Global air traffic control is being overhauled as the US commits $12.5B and South Africa addresses systemic ATC failures. A new era of aviation safety begins.
Rescued Secretary Bird Flown to Safety in Easter Weekend Conservation Mission
A juvenile secretary bird rescued in the Karoo was flown to safety in Dullstroom by The Bateleurs in a coordinated Easter weekend conservation mission supporting the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Birds of Prey Programme.
Emirates and Air Seychelles Form New Codeshare Agreement
Emirates and Air Seychelles have signed a new codeshare agreement, enhancing connectivity between Mahé and Praslin Island. The partnership supports seamless travel and extends Emirates’ network reach across the Seychelles.
Cirrus Announces SR Series G7+ Featuring Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland
Discover the Cirrus SR Series G7+, the world’s first single-engine piston aircraft equipped with FAA-approved Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland, delivering unprecedented safety, automation, and innovation to personal aviation.
Airline Ethiopian Airlines Signs Agreements with GE Aerospace to Power New Widebody Aircraft
Explore the key highlights from IATA’s Ground Handling Conference 2025 in Nairobi. Learn about aviation safety, global standardisation, enhanced baggage operations, and building a sustainable and inclusive future for ground handling.
London Gatwick Grows African Connectivity With Only UK to Uganda Service
Global air traffic control is being overhauled as the US commits $12.5B and South Africa addresses systemic ATC failures. A new era of aviation safety begins.
New IATA Report Indicates Aviation Sector Contributes about Ksh425 Billion to Kenya’s Economy
A new IATA report reveals aviation contributes Ksh425 billion to Kenya’s economy, supporting 460,000 jobs and transporting 380,000 tonnes of cargo. Released as Nairobi hosts the IATA Ground Handling Conference, the findings highlight Kenya’s role in driving African aviation growth.
Kenya Airways Joins Forces with IATA to Pilot the New Integrated Sustainability Programme (ISP)
Kenya Airways partners with IATA to pilot the Integrated Sustainability Programme (ISP), showcasing leadership in environmental and social responsibility within African aviation. The initiative introduces new standards in sustainable procurement, social engagement, and performance monitoring.
South Africa: Transport Ministry Advances Sector Transformation with Integrated Charter and New Development Funds
South Africa’s Department of Transport is advancing sector-wide transformation through revised Transport Sector Codes, a new Enterprise and Supplier Development Fund, and targeted initiatives by SANRAL, PRASA, Transnet, and ACSA to promote inclusive growth and black economic participation.
Tanzania Grounds All Tanzanian-Registered Helicopter Operations Pending Recertification
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) has suspended all operations of Tanzanian-registered helicopters effective 8 May 2025, pending a full recertification process to ensure regulatory compliance and safety standards.
Gambia Invites Bids for New Airport Terminal Under PPP Model
The Government of The Gambia has invited bids for the construction of a new airport terminal and ancillary facilities at Banjul International Airport under a Public-Private Partnership model to meet growing air transport demand.
Uganda Airlines Appoints APG as UK Sales Agent for Entebbe–London Route
Uganda Airlines has appointed APG as its General Sales Agent (GSA) in the United Kingdom to support its newly launched direct flights between Entebbe and London Gatwick. The route, which commenced on 18 May 2025, operates four non-stop flights weekly, marking the first direct air link between Uganda and the UK in over 20 years.
APG will lead sales, marketing, and reservation support in the UK, and work with travel trade partners to promote the route. The service is operated using Uganda Airlines’ Airbus A330-800neo, featuring Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins.
Richard Burgess, President of APG Network, highlighted the strategic importance of the route for trade and travel, while Uganda Airlines continues to grow its international network. The carrier currently serves 16 African destinations and plans further expansion into Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Zambia Airways Launches Harare Route With Tri-Weekly Service
Zambia Airways has announced the launch of a new regional route connecting Lusaka and Harare, with scheduled services commencing on 17 June 2025. Flights will operate three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—with early morning departures from both cities.
Flight ZN 303 will depart Lusaka at 06:00 and arrive in Harare at 07:10, while the return flight ZN 302 will depart Harare at 07:55 and land in Lusaka at 09:05.
Commenting on the launch, Zambia Airways CEO Thomas Gebreyohannes Woldesenbet said the new route represents more than just connectivity—it strengthens regional ties, promotes bilateral trade, and supports tourism and business across both countries. The addition of Harare expands the airline’s growing regional network, which also includes Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam, and Nairobi, alongside four domestic destinations.
Investec and Acorn Partner on Financing for Four A330-300 Aircraft
Investec’s Aviation team has closed a financing deal with Acorn Capital Management for four Airbus A330-300 aircraft managed by EirTrade. The aircraft, currently leased to a global airline, will be dismantled for parts upon lease return.
Investec acted as Structuring Agent, Mandated Lead Arranger, and Lender. The financing structure is notable for its focus on part-out, a less common but innovative approach within the industry. Legal counsel was provided by Milbank (for Investec) and Clifford Chance (for Acorn).
The transaction reflects a growing interest in mid- and end-of-life aircraft due to strong passenger demand and aircraft delivery delays. The collaboration between Investec, Acorn, and EirTrade underscores the value of tailored, asset-based aviation finance solutions in a dynamic market.
Investec Aviation Finance, part of FTSE 250-listed Investec Bank plc, has originated $10 billion in aviation debt and managed over $9 billion in aircraft assets globally.
New AfBAA Leadership Shares Plans to Revitalise African Business Aviation Organisation at EBACE 2025
The African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) unveils a revitalised vision under new leadership. Chairperson Dawit Lemma and Vice Chair Craig Middleton share their strategy to expand membership, strengthen governance, and raise the profile of African business aviation at EBACE 2025.
