African Pilot Weekly Magazine 24:2025
South Africa’s Low-Cost Airlines Are Taking Off – Again
South Africa’s budget airlines are taking off — with FlySafair winning big, Airlink upgrading, and Mango possibly returning to the skies.
EGYPTAIR Discloses Order for an Additional Six Airbus A350 Aircraft
EGYPTAIR has placed a firm order for six additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft, expanding its total order to 16 as part of its long-haul network and fleet modernisation strategy. The move supports sustainability goals and reinforces the airline’s partnership with Airbus.
Kenya’s Safarilink to Acquire Six ERA Hybrid-Electric Aircraft from AURA AERO
Safarilink Airlines has signed a Letter of Intent with AURA AERO to acquire six ERA hybrid-electric aircraft. The 19-seater aircraft will support Safarilink’s transition to sustainable aviation and expand its eco-efficient safari and regional operations.
Airlink selects the Embraer E195-E2; plans to lease from Azorra
Airlink plans to lease 10 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft from Azorra to enhance its fleet efficiency, expand its sub-Saharan African network, and reduce emissions. Deliveries are expected between 2025 and 2027.
Bell signs first SUBARU Bell 412EPX order in Africa
Bell Textron has signed a fleet purchase agreement for 12 SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopters with the Tunisian Air Force—the first order for this variant in Africa. The aircraft will support multi-role military and security missions, expanding Tunisia's fleet of Bell helicopters.
Embraer Celebrates A-29 Super Tucano 600,000 Flight Hours
SITA’s Baggage IT Insights 2025 report shows the Middle East & Africa achieved one of the lowest mishandled baggage rates globally in 2024, highlighting the benefits of smart infrastructure and automation in a year of record air travel demand.
Ethiopian to Enhance Regional Operations with Two Twin Otter 300-G Aircraft Orders from De Havilland Canada
Ethiopian Airlines has ordered two Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft from De Havilland Canada to expand its regional operations and connect more remote destinations across Ethiopia and East Africa.
Angolan Ministry of Transport and Boeing Sign Memorandum of Strategic Cooperation to Strengthen Angola’s Aviation Sector
The Angolan Ministry of Transport has signed a strategic cooperation memorandum with Boeing to modernise the national aviation sector. This partnership, involving TAAG Linhas Aéreas de Angola, focuses on fleet development, technical capabilities, and long-term industry growth.
Angola and France Deepen Strategic Transport Cooperation
Angola and France have reaffirmed their strategic cooperation in civil aviation, with key discussions centred around fleet modernisation, safety protocols, and updated bilateral agreements. The talks reflect Angola's wider transport reforms and France’s growing role in infrastructure development.
Aviation Finance Requires Deep Sector Expertise and a Bespoke Approach – Absa Business Banking
Absa Business Banking highlights the importance of tailored aviation finance in supporting South Africa’s growing aviation sector. With deep industry expertise, Absa offers flexible funding solutions to meet the needs of operators, charter services, and entrepreneurs.
AURA AERO Unveils ENBATA, Its Sovereign, Multi-Mission, Controlled Costs MALE Drone
AURA AERO has launched its sovereign ENBATA MALE drone at the Paris Air Show 2025, with support from the French Ministry of Defence. The ITAR-free, multi-mission drone is set to fly by end-2026 and aims to meet strategic European defence needs.
Tanzania Responds to EU Air Safety Listing with Coordinated Mitigation Measures
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority has responded to the EU’s inclusion of Tanzanian-certified airlines on the Air Safety List with clear measures to maintain international connectivity and ensure continued aviation safety. Domestic and regional operations remain unaffected as engagement with the EU continues.
Hanwha Systems and Milkor Aerospace and Defence Sign Strategic MoU to Integrate AESA SAR Radar on Milkor 380 UAV for Global Export
Hanwha Systems and Milkor Aerospace and Defence signed an MoU at the Paris Air Show 2025 to integrate AESA SAR radar on the Milkor 380 UAV, creating a globally exportable ISR solution with advanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
SACAA Gives Clarity on the Withdrawal of AIC 18.19 and the Impact on 12-Year Engine Overhaul Regulations
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) clarifies the withdrawal of AIC 18.19 and its impact on 12-year engine overhaul requirements. The update affects general aviation operators using Textron Lycoming and Teledyne Continental engines, with compliance required by November 2024. The engines affected in this dispute are: Textron Lycoming and Teledyne Continental.
CAE Forecasts 1.5 Million Civil Aviation Professionals Needed Over Next 10 Years
CAE’s 2025 Aviation Talent Forecast reveals a global need for 1.5 million aviation professionals by 2034, including pilots, maintenance technicians, cabin crew, and for the first time, air traffic controllers. The report outlines challenges and innovations shaping aviation’s future workforce.
South Africa’s Aviation Industry Goes to War With the SACAA
South Africa’s aviation industry faces turmoil as SACAA enforces a 12-year engine overhaul rule, grounding aircraft and threatening jobs and businesses.
Ethiopian Airlines Secures Top Honours at SKYTRAX 2025
Ethiopian Airlines has once again been named the ‘Best Airline in Africa’ at the 2025 World Airline Awards, marking its eighth consecutive win in this category. Announced at a prestigious ceremony during the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport, the airline also received accolades for Best Economy Class in Africa, Best Business Class in Africa, and Best Business Class Onboard Catering in Africa.
These awards affirm Ethiopian Airlines’ ongoing investment in fleet modernisation, customer service excellence, and sustainable aviation. Operating across more than 140 international destinations, the airline continues to play a leading role in shaping Africa’s air transport industry.
Recognised as the “Oscars of the Aviation Industry”, the SKYTRAX World Airline Awards are based on the largest airline passenger satisfaction survey conducted globally.
