African Pilot Weekly Magazine 21:2025
What’s Next for Drones in Africa? The Sky Is Just the Beginning
Drones are reshaping Africa—from delivering vaccines to farming smarter. Discover how innovation is soaring beyond the skies in 2025 and beyond.
GCAA Celebrates 39 Years of Aviation Excellence and Sets Course for Future Growth
The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) celebrates 39 years of progress, outlining major reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and renewed commitments to aviation safety, innovation, and regional leadership in West Africa.
Ethiopian Airlines Selects Panasonic Avionics Astrova for 777X Fleet
Ethiopian Airlines has selected Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova in-flight entertainment system for its upcoming Boeing 777X fleet, aiming to transform the passenger experience with 4K OLED displays, Bluetooth audio, and USB-C fast charging.
RwandAir Expands Offering with Launch of ‘RwandAir Holidays’ Platform
RwandAir launches its new 'RwandAir Holidays' platform, enabling passengers to book flights, accommodation, transfers, and local experiences in one place. The service reflects a growing trend in African aviation towards integrated travel solutions.
Zambia’s Aviation Chief to Lead AFPP Steering Committee into Strategic Phase IV
Captain Derrick Luembe of the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority has assumed chairmanship of the African Flight Procedures Programme Steering Committee. The article highlights key decisions from the 11th AFPP meeting, including the launch of Phase IV, focusing on PANS-OPS compliance and aviation safety across Africa.
United Airlines Launches New Nonstop Year-Round Service Between Dakar and Washington D.C.
United Airlines launches its first-ever nonstop service between Dakar and Washington, D.C., operating three times weekly. This new route expands United’s presence in Africa and offers travellers enhanced connectivity to the U.S. capital.
Cyber Threats in the Sky: Aviation Industry Steps Up Cybersecurity Efforts
The aviation industry is under cyber siege. Discover how global and African players are strengthening cybersecurity against rising digital threats.
Angola and Hungary Expand Aviation and Economic Cooperation
Angola and Hungary have signed a new Air Services Agreement, reinforcing bilateral cooperation in aviation and infrastructure. The move supports Angola’s aviation modernisation goals and deeper economic ties with Central Europe.
Nigeria Unveils New Insurance Policy to Support Aviation Sector Growth
Nigeria introduces a new insurance policy for leased aircraft, enabling local operators to cede risk internationally and align with global standards. The reform aims to reduce costs, attract investment, and boost aviation sector growth.
Public Input Invited on South Africa’s Draft Comprehensive Civil Aviation Policy
South Africa’s Department of Transport has released the Draft Comprehensive Civil Aviation Policy for public comment. The policy outlines the country’s aviation strategy on safety, infrastructure, economic regulation, transformation, and environmental goals, with submissions invited within 30 days.
Cirium and AFRAA Data Partnership to Drive Growth in African Aviation
Cirium and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) have formed a strategic data partnership to enhance aviation analytics and support sustainable growth in Africa’s air transport sector, aligning with AFRAA’s 2025 strategy for improved connectivity, reduced costs, and digital transformation.
Aviation Talent Shortages: A Global Problem with Local Impacts
Aviation’s global talent shortage has far-reaching implications for Africa. This article explores the challenges and opportunities facing the continent’s aviation workforce and outlines coordinated actions needed to ensure future growth.
uAvionix Introduces Trakr: Assured, Real-time Drone Monitoring and Low-Altitude Airspace Awareness in FlightLine
uAvionix launches Trakr, a cutting-edge drone monitoring solution integrating real-time UAS telemetry with ADS-B aircraft data through its FlightLine platform, enhancing low-altitude airspace awareness for critical drone operations.
Training Aircraft Skids Off Runway in Ilorin – NSIB Launches Investigation
A Diamond DA42 training aircraft skidded off the runway at General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, on 23 May 2025. The NSIB has launched a full investigation, with initial findings expected within 30 days.
Nigeria’s MMIA Terminal Set for Full Reconstruction in Drive to Modernise Aviation Sector
Nigeria plans a full reconstruction of the old terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, increasing capacity to 20 million passengers annually as part of a broader aviation sector overhaul.
Hartzell Engine Tech Acquires E-MAG Manufacturers of Electronic Ignition Systems
Hartzell Engine Tech, a Signia Aerospace Company, has acquired E-MAG, known for its lightweight electronic ignition systems. The move aims to bring certified, self-powering ignition solutions to the general aviation market.
Airbus delivers first Pratt & Whitney powered A321XLR to Wizz Air
Wizz Air has become the first airline globally to operate the Airbus A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, and the first low-cost carrier in Europe to introduce the aircraft. This marks the start of deliveries from a total order of 47 A321XLRs.
Configured with 239 seats in a single class, the aircraft features Airbus’ new Airspace cabin, which includes an innovative lighting system designed to enhance the passenger experience during various phases of the flight. The addition of the A321XLR will support Wizz Air’s efforts to strengthen connectivity between Europe and the Middle East.
As an all-Airbus operator, Wizz Air currently flies a fleet of over 230 A320 Family aircraft, with 295 more still on order.
The A321XLR is the latest development in the A320neo Family, offering an extended range of up to 4,700 nautical miles, 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, and reduced emissions. Over 500 orders have been placed for the aircraft to date.
The A321XLR is capable of operating with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel, with Airbus targeting 100% SAF capability by 2030.
Uganda Airlines Powers New Air Cargo Corridor in Support of AfCFTA Goals, connecting Nigeria with East and Southern Africa
As part of a landmark initiative to bolster Nigeria’s trade logistics under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Uganda Airlines has taken on a central role in a new strategic air cargo corridor connecting Nigeria with East and Southern Africa. Developed in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this logistics-focused initiative aims to significantly reduce export costs and delivery times for Nigerian businesses.
The corridor offers scheduled flights with subsidised freight rates and guaranteed delivery timelines, streamlining the movement of goods to key regional hubs in Entebbe, Nairobi, and Johannesburg. Coordinated through UNDP, the initiative is designed to support the growth of Nigeria’s non-oil exports and improve the operational efficiency of regional trade under AfCFTA.
Uganda Airlines’ involvement provides dedicated logistics support, allowing exporters to benefit from up to 75% cost reductions. This is particularly significant for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including women-led businesses, who often face barriers related to trade infrastructure and affordability.
The partnership with Uganda Airlines forms part of a broader three-pronged strategy to position Nigeria as a continental trade leader by addressing logistics challenges, strengthening productive capacity, and facilitating access to new markets across Africa.
Ladoke Akintola International Airport Set to Launch International Flights in Early 2026
The Oyo State Government has confirmed that international flight operations from the Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Ibadan will commence in early 2026. This forms part of a wider upgrade project initiated in September 2024 to bring the airport up to international standards. Local flight operations, suspended in March 2025 to accelerate construction, are expected to resume by the end of the year pending regulatory approvals.
Key components of the ongoing upgrade include the extension of the runway from 2,400 to 3,000 metres and its widening from 45 to 60 metres to support wide-body aircraft. Enhancements to the airfield lighting system to CAT C standards and upgraded fire-fighting capabilities are also underway.
Facilities for Customs, Immigration, and other essential border control services are being developed in line with international requirements. While runway and airside infrastructure is currently at 55% completion, the international terminal—currently at 15%—is scheduled for completion by June 2026. The airport is also set to handle Hajj operations from Ibadan next year, as part of broader efforts to elevate its regional and international relevance.
Emirates Opens First Experiential Travel Store in West Africa
Emirates has officially opened its first experiential travel retail store in West Africa, located at Stanbic Heights in Accra, Ghana. This marks the airline’s 13th global travel store and its latest initiative to enhance customer engagement through immersive experiences and smart technologies.
The 310 m² Emirates Travel Store features a full-size replica of the A380 Onboard Lounge, interactive selfie mirrors, and self-service kiosks. Five customer service counters staffed by expert consultants offer a range of services including itinerary planning, ticketing, and general travel enquiries.
Inaugurated by Emirates’ SVP Adil Al Ghaith alongside Ghanaian Ministers of Tourism and Transport, the store reflects Emirates’ long-standing commitment to the region. Since beginning operations in Ghana in 2004, the airline has flown over 2 million passengers and currently operates a daily Boeing 777 service from Accra.
Textron Aviation to Deliver Up to 12 New Citation Jets to Mexico’s Leading Business Aviation Operator
Textron Aviation secures a fleet order from Aerolíneas Ejecutivas for up to 12 Cessna Citation business jets, including Citation Latitude, CJ3 Gen2, and CJ3 Gen3 models, to be delivered from 2026 for MexJet’s fractional ownership operations.
