African Pilot Weekly Magazine 21:2026
African Airline: Events
African Aviation Leaders Tackle Profitability, Connectivity and Growth at AFRAA Convention
African aviation leaders gathered in Johannesburg for the 14th AFRAA Aviation Stakeholders Convention, where profitability, connectivity, fleet strategy, financing and market access shaped the discussion on the continent’s aviation future.
African Aviation Leaders Tackle Profitability, Connectivity and Growth at AFRAA Convention
African aviation leaders gathered in Johannesburg for the 14th AFRAA Aviation Stakeholders Convention, where profitability, connectivity, fleet strategy, financing and market access shaped the discussion on the continent’s aviation future.
African Airline: Events
Advertisement
IATA Sees Egypt Outpacing Global Aviation Growth Through 2050
IATA has highlighted Egypt’s long-term aviation growth potential, with passenger demand forecast to grow above the global average through 2050, supported by infrastructure development, regulatory alignment and sustainable aviation fuel planning.
Commercial & Air Travel: Egypt
Airlink to Launch First Ever Non-Stop Cape Town-Zanzibar Service
Airlink will launch the first-ever non-stop Cape Town-Zanzibar service from 03 October 2026, operating weekly flights with its new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. The Saturday schedule is designed for leisure travellers, offering a direct flight of just over six hours, no middle seats, complimentary meals and…
Commercial & Air Travel
Inside SAA’s Next Chapter with Acting Group CEO Matshela Seshibe
A growing population, an expanding middle class, increasing urbanisation, tourism potential, and intra-African trade opportunities all point to one central issue: connectivity. For Matshela Seshibe, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of South African Airways, aviation sits at the centre of that opportunity.
Speaking to African Pilot Magazine on the sidelines of the 14th Aviation Stakeholders Convention, hosted by the African Airlines Association and South African Airways, Seshibe reflects on his first 30 days in the role, the priorities facing SAA, and the work required to strengthen the airline’s operational, financial and organisational performance.
Seshibe notes the current disruption in the aviation market, including pressure from jet fuel costs, the impact on airline planning, and the measures being taken by SAA to protect cash-positive operations.
Looking ahead, Seshibe outlines what he wants to see within his first 100 days, including the restatement of strategy, alignment across the organisation, implementation of the corporate plan, stronger accountability structures, effective steering and loss-control committees, and the continued maintenance and improvement of SAA’s safety record.
Watch the full interview for insight into South African Airways’ current priorities, the pressures facing African airlines, and the role of connectivity, skills, safety and operational discipline in shaping the future of aviation on the continent.
AFRAA’s Maureen Kahonge on African Airline Collaboration and Connectivity
On the sidelines of the 14th Aviation Stakeholders Convention, hosted by AFRAA and South African Airways, African Pilot Magazine spoke to Maureen Kahonge, Director Commercial & Communications at AFRAA.
Maureen shares her reflections on the key discussions from the Convention, including fleet acquisition, aircraft financing, profitability, intra-African connectivity, market access, airline collaboration, cargo, safety and youth development.
The conversation looks at why collaboration is now an imperative for African airlines, why intra-African connectivity remains too slow, and how African carriers can work together more effectively through partnerships, alliances, joint projects and practical cost-saving initiatives.
She also discusses air cargo as an economic catalyst, the need for improved airport infrastructure, the role of modern retailing and AFRAA’s ongoing work around safety, training and future aviation careers.
Maureen also shares what comes next for AFRAA, including the AFRAA Assembly in Libreville, the MRO conference in Cairo, and more.
Watch the full interview for a clear look at the issues, opportunities and action points shaping African aviation.
New ACSA Board Announced to Steer Next Phase of Strategic Growth
Airports Company South Africa has announced new appointments to its Board of Directors as the company advances its R21 billion airports upgrade programme and focuses on connectivity, passenger experience, governance and operational resilience.
Airports: SA Leadership
IATA Launches Baggage Community System (BCS) to Modernise Global Baggage Messaging
IATA has developed the Baggage Community System, a secure digital platform designed to support the aviation industry’s transition to Modern Baggage Messaging while maintaining connectivity with legacy baggage systems.
Commercial & Air Travel
Angola and Algeria Update Air Services Agreement to Strengthen African Connectivity
Angola and Algeria have updated their bilateral air services framework, replacing a 1976 agreement and establishing new mechanisms for civil aviation cooperation, regulatory alignment and future air connectivity between North and Southern Africa.
Civil Aviation
Advertisement
Sishen Airfield Tests Emergency Readiness Through Multi-Agency Drill
Sishen Airfield near Kathu in the Northern Cape has conducted a multi-agency emergency drill to test airport emergency response, passenger safety readiness and coordination between aviation, mining, security, medical and disaster management stakeholders.
Civil Aviation
Ebola Outbreak Triggers Continental Emergency Declaration and Travel Restrictions
Africa CDC has declared the Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreak affecting the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security, with travel advisories, entry restrictions and health screening measures now raising wider implications for aviation and regional mobility.
Commercial & Air Travel
DHL Express Expands Global Portfolio with New Heavy Weight Express Service for Shipments Up to 3,000 kg
DHL Express has introduced Heavy Weight Express, an express air solution for shipments of up to 1,000 kg per piece and 3,000 kg per shipment, designed to support time-critical heavyweight cargo across global supply chains.
Air Cargo & Air Freight
Catalina Aircraft Company Advances Modern Amphibious Aircraft Platform for Global Multi-Mission Operations
Catalina Aircraft Company has established U.S. operations in Vero Beach, Florida, to develop the Catalina SPAR, a modern clean sheet FAA Part 25 transport category amphibious aircraft platform designed for firefighting, maritime patrol, search and rescue, humanitarian support, disaster response and commercial transport.
Aircraft
Inside EAMS: How FL Technics Turns Ageing Aviation Assets Into Market Opportunities
FL Technics’ Engines, Airframes & Materials Services division is helping airlines and lessors turn ageing aviation assets into serviceable material as engine shortages, repair delays and rising maintenance costs increase demand for used serviceable material.
MRO: Engines
Ontic Tackles Parts Availability Head-On with Launch of New Strategic Teardown Programme
Ontic has launched a proactive teardown procurement programme to strengthen long-term parts availability for established aircraft platforms, beginning with a Boeing 747-400 formerly operated by Thai Airways.
MRO: Spares
United Airlines Marks Five Years of Non-Stop Flights Between Accra and Washington DC
United Airlines marks five years of non-stop service between Accra and Washington DC, having carried 435,000 passengers on 2,100 flights since 2021.
Air Connectivity
Airports
NAC Acquires N$16 Million Firefighting Truck for Walvis Bay Airport
Namibia Airports Company has acquired a N$16 million aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle from Rosenbauer for Walvis Bay International Airport, supporting aviation safety, emergency response capability and the airport’s Category 6 rescue and firefighting status.
NAC Acquires N$16 Million Firefighting Truck for Walvis Bay Airport
Namibia Airports Company has acquired a N$16 million aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle from Rosenbauer for Walvis Bay International Airport, supporting aviation safety, emergency response capability and the airport’s Category 6 rescue and firefighting status.
Airports
Nigeria Advances Aviation Financing Reforms Through Cape Town Convention Compliance
Nigeria is strengthening its position as a more competitive market for aircraft financing and leasing through Cape Town Convention compliance reforms, improved legal enforcement, IDERA implementation and plans for a Nigerian Aircraft Leasing Company.
Finance & Leasing
AERO South Africa 2026: One Month Out
AERO South Africa runs at Lanseria International Airport from 10 to 12 June 2026, with exhibitors covering the full general aviation value chain.
General Aviation
Wings, Wide Eyes and a Runway Full of Wonder: The 11th Children’s Flight
The 11th Children’s Flight brought 500 children to Jack Taylor Airfield for a day of flying, aircraft displays, community support and inspiration under the slogan Fly, Feed, Love, Inspire.
General Aviation & Lifestyle
The 11th Children’s Flight: 500 Children, 500 Smiles and One Unforgettable Day of Flight
For one day, Jack Taylor Airfield became a place of wide eyes, big smiles and dreams taking off.
The 11th Children’s Flight brought 500 underprivileged children to Krugersdorp for a day created around four words: Fly, Feed, Love, Inspire.
And that is exactly what happened.
Aircraft filled the airfield. Pilots gave their time. Sponsors, volunteers, aircraft owners and operators came together. Children who may never have imagined themselves inside an aircraft were given the chance to experience flight, colour, sound, movement and the energy of South Africa’s aviation community up close.
There was food, music, lucky packets, face painting, colouring books, jumping castles, blankets and the unmistakable excitement that comes when children realise the day has been built for them.
From helicopters and gyrocopters to fixed-wing aircraft and the Flying Lions display, the airfield carried the feeling of a true aviation celebration.
The South African Air Force supported the event, with the newly appointed Chief of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Carl Moatshe, in attendance, and Brigadier General Pat Cele serving as Flight Display Director.
Now in its 11th year, the Children’s Flight remains one of the most special days on the South African general aviation calendar. Not because of the aircraft alone, but because of what those aircraft made possible.
A day of joy.
A day of wonder.
A day 500 children will remember.
Fly, Feed, Love, Inspire.
AASA Calls for Practical Action on Fuel Security, Regulation and Aviation Sustainability
Southern Africa’s airlines are navigating survival, recovery and growth, but several pressures are constraining momentum.
African Pilot Magazine caught up with Aaron Munetsi, Chief Executive Officer of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa, during the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s National Aviation Conference.
Munetsi highlighted three major areas of concern for airlines: geopolitics, fuel security and costs.
He also cautioned that fragmented regulation, policy and administration remain a significant constraint on the sector.
On sustainability, Munetsi argued that SAF is important, but should not be treated as the only solution. Engine efficiency, lighter aircraft, improved ground equipment, digitalised flight procedures and better routing also have a role to play in reducing emissions.
For Africa, the feedstock question is critical. SAF development must not come at the expense of food security, and should prioritise agricultural waste, industrial waste and other responsible feedstock options.
AASA is also advancing work with AFCAC and IATA, including Carbon Connect, a facility that enables airlines to record and report their emissions.
SACAA Highlights SAF, Mental Health and Safety Performance at National Aviation Conference
African Pilot Magazine caught up with Poppy Khoza, Director of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of the South African Civil Aviation Authority, during the SACAA-hosted National Aviation Conference.
Key themes from the two-day event included sustainable aviation fuel, fuel diversification, mental health in safety-critical aviation roles, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
Khoza highlighted the importance of South Africa’s ICAO business implementation study into the production and distribution of sustainable aviation fuel, particularly as geopolitical disruption continues to place pressure on fuel supply and cost.
She also stressed that mental health must be treated as part of aviation safety, with professionals able to report concerns without fear of punitive consequences.
South Africa’s latest aviation safety performance was also a major point of pride, with the country improving from 91.23% in 2023 to 95% and ranking seventh globally.
Qatar Airways to Enhance Operations in Africa
Increased Services Are Set to Begin from 16 June 2026, Strengthening the Airline’s Network in the Region Airline to Launch Three Weekly Flights to Port Sudan from 2 July 2026 Qatar Airways is expanding its African network, with flight resumptions and frequency increases launching from…
Commercial & Air Travel
Team SkyAlyne Completes Factory Acceptance of First CT-157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC-21) Destined for RCAF
SkyAlyne has completed factory acceptance of the first CT-157 Siskin II (PC-21) at Pilatus in Stans for the RCAF Future Aircrew Training programme.
Military & Defence
NAHCO Approves Dividend and Bonus Share Issue at 45th AGM
Ground Handling
Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc shareholders have approved a ₦6.25 kobo dividend per share, a one-for-seven bonus share issue, an increase in share capital and the appointment of PwC as external auditors at the company’s 45th AGM.
Egypt and Tajikistan Sign Bilateral Air Transport Services Agreement
Civil Aviation
Egypt and Tajikistan have signed their first bilateral air transport services agreement, together with an operational memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening air connectivity, expanding airline cooperation and supporting tourism and trade.
Togo Grants 30-Day Visa Exemption for African Passport Holders
Commercial & Air Travel: Visa
Togo has introduced a 30-day visa exemption for nationals of African States holding valid national passports, effective from 18 May 2026. Travellers must still complete a prior travel declaration on the official government platform at least 24 hours before arrival.
