African Pilot Weekly Magazine 22:2025
Africa’s Airlines Show Resilience Amid Global Aviation Recovery
Africa’s airlines show resilience in IATA’s 2025 outlook, with modest profit gains, rising demand, and bold moves from Ethiopian, Nigerian, and South African carriers.
EU releases updated Air Safety List and announces ban on All Air Carriers Certified in Tanzania and Suriname
The European Commission has updated the EU Air Safety List, banning all air carriers certified in Tanzania and Suriname from operating in the EU due to serious safety oversight deficiencies.
Eswatini Aviation: Major Investment Opportunities & King Mswati III Airport Expansion
At the inaugural Eswatini Investment Conference, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini shared plans to expand the country’s aviation sector, including upgrades to King Mswati III International Airport and future developments for Eswatini Air, highlighting key investment opportunities.
KAHL and Lift Cargo Partner to Improve Efficiencies in Cool Chain Management
Kenya Airfreight Handling Limited (KAHL) and Lift Cargo Limited have partnered to enhance efficiencies in cool chain management, supporting Kenya’s horticulture exports with advanced temperature-controlled logistics and innovative supply chain solutions.
Zambia and Eswatini Sign Bilateral Air Services Agreement
Zambia and Eswatini have signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement to introduce direct flights, supporting SAATM and regional integration goals. The first route is expected to launch by September 2025.
Policy Shortcomings Put SAF Production at Risk
IATA projects Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production will double to 2 million tonnes in 2025—just 0.7% of global airline fuel needs. High costs and flawed mandates in Europe threaten progress, while India emerges as a key player in global SAF policy.
Ethiopian Airlines Launches New Passenger Route to Sharjah, UAE
Ethiopian Airlines has launched a new four-times-weekly passenger service to Sharjah, UAE, expanding its Middle East network and reinforcing trade and tourism links between Africa and the Gulf region.
Airport Infrastructure in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The African Development Bank is driving critical upgrades to airport infrastructure in the Democratic Republic of Congo through the PPSA2 programme, improving air safety, connectivity, and technical capacity across key aviation hubs.
FlyMachine is Reinventing Aircraft Refurbishment. One 3D Render at a Time
Discover how FlyMachine is revolutionising aircraft refurbishment through cutting-edge 3D modelling, eliminating costly surprises and transforming the client experience from concept to completion.
Wings of Conservation: Female Cheetah Relocated From Western Cape to Mpumalanga
The Endangered Wildlife Trust, alongside The Bateleurs and provincial partners, successfully relocates a female cheetah from Buffelsdrift Game Reserve to Mpumalanga’s Ukuzwana Game Reserve, establishing a new breeding population and advancing cheetah conservation efforts in South Africa.
AERO South Africa and AfBAA Announce Partnership and Safety & Training Workshop
AERO South Africa 2025 and the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) partner to host a dedicated Safety and Training Workshop on 26 June at Lanseria International Airport, advancing safety and professional development in African aviation.
Vrgineers Strengthens Business Relationship with Lockheed Martin
Vrgineers joins Lockheed Martin in a Czech industrial cooperation project supporting F-35 fighter integration with cutting-edge VR pilot training tech.
ALSIM launches its Piper Series with the first of its kind AL100i Pilot 100i Simulator
ALSIM, AL100i simulator, Piper Series simulator, Piper Pilot 100i, flight training devices, Garmin G3X, GNX375, pilot training simulator, flight school simulator, FTD Level 5 simulator, Piper training aircraft, ALSIM flight simulator, immersive flight training, aviation training equipment, flight simulation technology
Tecnam Boasts Major Aircraft Order from FSTC EUROPE: A Look at this Training Aircraft
Tecnam partners with FSTC EUROPE to deliver 25 modern training aircraft, including the P-Mentor and P2006T NG, advancing sustainable pilot training in Europe.
Mozambique Tops List Of Countries Blocking Airlines’ Funds
IATA reports $1.3 billion in airline funds blocked from repatriation as of April 2025, a 25% improvement from October 2024. Ten countries are responsible for 80% of the total.
Air Seychelles Welcomes Inaugural Flight From Abu Dhabi
Air Seychelles has resumed commercial flights to the Middle East with the arrival of its inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in reconnecting Seychelles to key international markets and boosting tourism.
Cessna SkyCourier Marks Five Years of Versatile Performance
Textron Aviation’s Cessna SkyCourier marks five years since its maiden flight, proving itself a versatile, high-performing turboprop for cargo, passenger, and special mission operations across challenging environments worldwide.
Passenger Growth Accelerates to 8% in April
Global air passenger demand rose 8% in April 2025, driven by strong international growth. IATA reports record load factors and regional travel trends.
New Satellite Connectivity Service Keeps Airports Online
Stay connected anytime, anywhere. SITA Managed Satellites delivers high-speed, resilient LEO satellite connectivity for airports and airlines in over 130 countries.
Air Cargo Demand up 5.8% in April
Global air cargo demand rose 5.8% YoY in April 2025, with strong growth in Asia and Latin America. IATA highlights key trends and trade route shifts.
Eswatini Signs Bilateral Air Services Agreements with Zambia and Zimbabwe
On the sidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) AFI Week held in Victoria Falls, the Kingdom of Eswatini concluded the signing of two bilateral Air Services Agreements (ASAs) with Zambia and Zimbabwe. These agreements are fully aligned with the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and aim to enhance regional connectivity and economic integration.
The signing was attended by high-level representatives from the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), including members of the Bureau and the Secretary General, underlining strong institutional support for SAATM implementation across the continent.
For Eswatini, a landlocked nation, improved regional air access is a strategic priority rather than a luxury. The new agreements represent a critical step in unlocking economic opportunities, strengthening regional integration, and improving air connectivity both within Southern Africa and across the continent.
In addition to the ASA signings, Eswatini’s delegation held discussions with the Director of International Cooperation from the Republic of Korea. The engagement focused on potential collaboration in technical training and capacity building for Eswatini’s aviation professionals. Such partnerships are seen as essential for strengthening regulatory frameworks, improving safety oversight, and advancing sustainable development in the aviation sector.
Eswatini continues to demonstrate its commitment to meaningful aviation partnerships that foster growth and align the country with global standards.
Zambia Targets Lower Air Transport Costs to Boost Regional Aviation
During the 10th Africa and Indian Ocean Aviation Week held in Victoria Falls, the Zambian government reaffirmed its commitment to making air transport more affordable and accessible. As part of its broader transport and logistics strategy, Zambia is currently developing measures aimed at reducing the cost of aviation, with a particular focus on lowering aviation fuel prices—an essential factor in driving down airfares and operational expenses.
Feasibility studies have been conducted to assess the viability of these cost-reduction initiatives, which are expected to enhance the competitiveness of Zambia as a preferred destination for both passenger and cargo flights. The government’s ambition is to position the country as a regional transport and logistics hub, with improved infrastructure and streamlined regulatory processes.
In alignment with continental goals for greater air connectivity, Zambia is actively promoting regional cooperation by granting Fifth Freedom rights to neighbouring countries. These rights allow international airlines to carry traffic between foreign states via Zambian territory, fostering increased intra-African connectivity and supporting the objectives of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
International civil aviation stakeholders have welcomed Zambia’s progressive approach to aviation policy, infrastructure development, and market liberalisation. The ongoing collaboration between Zambia and global aviation institutions is expected to further strengthen the country’s role in regional aviation and support the growth of African carriers in markets traditionally dominated by non-African operators.
Algeria Ground Support Equipment Spare Parts
The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, through its Ministry of National Defence, has announced National and International Open Call for Tenders No. 03/2025/222. Issued by the Public Industrial and Commercial Establishment – Etablissement de Rénovation des Matériels Spécifiques Chahid Farib Abdelhamid – the tender covers the procurement of spare parts for specific operational equipment and accessories.
This call includes spare parts for aircraft fire-fighting vehicles (types BAI and ROSENBAUER), runway sweepers (IVECO EUROCARGO ML.170E21H and ML.170E22H), and 8-horn alarm sirens (REMELEC SPH 008).
The deadline for submissions is 31 July 2025.
Contact our editor for further information:
newsdesk@africanpilot.africa
VivaJets Secures Air Operator Certificate, Expands Role in African Aviation
Falconaero brand -VivaJets, has officially received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. This milestone provides the company with commercial access to 34 African countries that have ratified the Yamoussoukro Decision, a precursor to the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), enhancing its capacity to operate across borders within the continent.
Over the past two years, VivaJets has demonstrated significant growth, both in fleet size and international reach. The firm has been actively involved in global industry forums, using its platform to promote the liberalisation of air travel in Africa. Its efforts aim to address the longstanding fragmentation of the continent’s skies and to advocate for a unified aviation strategy.
