African Pilot Weekly Magazine 25:2025
Africa’s Next Flight: Modern Airline Retailing Unlocked
Discover how TPConnects and AFRAA are reshaping airline distribution in Africa through their latest whitepaper. Explore key insights on NDC adoption, digital transformation, and the future of modern airline retailing across the continent.
Absolute Aviation Sign MOA to Acquire Shares in Century Avionics
Absolute Aviation has signed a Memorandum of Agreement to acquire a stake in Century Avionics, enhancing its integrated aviation offering. Century will retain its identity and leadership, continuing to operate independently within the Absolute Aviation Group.
IATA Releases SAF Matchmaker to Connect Airlines and SAF Suppliers
IATA has launched the SAF Matchmaker platform to connect airlines with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) suppliers. This centralised tool streamlines SAF procurement and supports the global push towards net-zero aviation by 2050.
Angola’s Aviation Security System Earns ICAO Recognition
Angola’s aviation security system achieves high ICAO audit scores, signalling strong compliance ahead of the new Dr António Agostinho Neto Airport launch.
Egypt and France Strengthen Civil Aviation Cooperation Through New Technical Agreement
Egypt and France sign a civil aviation agreement to boost safety, sustainability and airport development, reinforcing Egypt’s African aviation hub ambitions.
First Airbus SIRTAP Prototype Ready to Start Ground Tests
Airbus has completed assembly of the first SIRTAP tactical uncrewed aerial system, now entering ground tests in Spain. The aircraft is set for its maiden flight by the end of 2025, with delivery to the Spanish Armed Forces expected in 2027.
Drone Forge Places Inaugural Order of Airbus Flexrotor
Drone Forge places the largest order to date for Airbus' Flexrotor uncrewed aerial systems, enhancing Asia-Pacific operations with advanced VTOL drones featuring maritime-optimised engines, Starlink connectivity, and high-resolution imaging technology.
Garmin GI 275 EIS Now Available for 7-Cylinder Engine Installations
Garmin has announced that its GI 275 engine indication system now supports select 7-cylinder radial engines, bringing advanced engine monitoring, real time data access and touchscreen functionality to vintage aircraft
Airbus A400M Firefighting Kit Completes a Successful Test Campaign in France
Airbus completes successful tests of the A400M firefighting kit in France, highlighting its rapid deployment, capacity, and versatility for wildfire response.
KlasJet Secures IATA Membership After Demonstrating Global Safety Standards
KlasJet joins IATA after passing the IOSA audit, marking a key milestone in aviation safety, compliance, and operational excellence in global charter services.
New Members on the Pilatus Board of Directors and Management Announced
Pilatus announces leadership changes, with Bruno Cervia joining the Board of Directors and Igor Medici appointed as VP Engineering from January 2026.
EASA and IATA Publish Comprehensive Plan to Mitigate Risks of GNSS Interference
EASA and IATA reveal a robust plan to combat rising GNSS interference, focusing on reporting, mitigation, airspace safety, and global aviation co-ordination.
Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy Complete First Autonomous Flight of Leonardo AW139 Helicopter
Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy complete the first autonomous flight of a Leonardo AW139, advancing USMC aerial logistics and uncrewed flight systems.
Qatar Airways Resumes Flights to Kigali, Rwanda, Increasing Its Network in Africa to 30 Destinations
Qatar Airways resumes Doha–Kigali flights, expanding its Africa network to 30 destinations and reinforcing partnerships with RwandAir and Bugesera Airport.
First Aero-Medical Cessna SkyCourier to Be Delivered to Tassili Travail Aérien in Africa, Launching New Era of Medevac Services
Tassili Travail Aérien orders Africa’s first aero-medical Cessna SkyCourier to support medevac and transport missions across Algeria’s energy sector.
VÆRIDION and AURA AERO Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance Electric Flight
VÆRIDION and AURA AERO have announced a strategic partnership at the Paris Air Show to accelerate the development of electric conventional take-off and landing (eCTOL) aircraft. The collaboration aims to advance sustainable aviation technologies and support the transition to zero-emission regional flight in Europe.
Daher Among Five Partners Advancing Medium Altitude Long Endurance Drone Technology
Daher has been selected by the French Defence Procurement Agency to develop a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone demonstrator. This Plug & Fly drone, developed with Thales, features modular architecture, rapid deployment, and compatibility with ITAR-free defence electronics.
Angola and Côte d’Ivoire Sign Air Services Agreement, Enabling TAAG Route Between Luanda and Abidjan
Angola and Côte d’Ivoire sign an open skies air services agreement, enabling TAAG’s planned Luanda–Abidjan route and advancing African aviation integration.
Proflight Zambia Champions a Connected Continent
Proflight Zambia calls for aligned policies, infrastructure upgrades, and PPPs to drive air connectivity and unlock Africa’s regional aviation potential.
A French Aerospace Consortium Launches an Initiative to Develop Hybrid-Electric Propulsion for General Aviation, Specifically Light Aircraft
Daher, Safran, Collins Aerospace and Ascendance launch TAGINE a joint hybrid-electric propulsion R&D project targeting greener light aircraft by 2027.
Aviation AFRICA 2025 Attracts Headline Speakers to Outline African Airline Restructuring
Aviation Africa 2025 in Kigali will feature key industry leaders, including James Hogan and Knighthood Capital, discussing airline restructuring across Africa.
TAAG to Transfer All International Operations to Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport from September 2025
TAAG Angola Airlines has confirmed plans to transfer its full international flight operations from 4 de Fevereiro International Airport to the newly inaugurated Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN), effective 15 September 2025.
According to the airline, this transition will see major international routes—including Lisbon, São Paulo, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Lagos, Windhoek, São Tomé and Maputo—shift to AIAAN. These services will be joined by regional flights to Brazzaville and Kinshasa, which have already been operating from the new airport.
The transfer aligns with Executive Decree No. 06/2025, issued on 27 May, which supports the Angolan government’s strategy to position Luanda’s new airport hub, located in Bom Jesus, Icolo and Bengo Province, as a key node for the movement of people and goods. The goal is to establish Luanda as a regional and global air transport hub, facilitating both North-South and East-West connectivity.
TAAG stated that efforts are underway to ensure clear and effective communication to passengers and stakeholders regarding the transition. The relocation of commercial passenger services to AIAAN is also expected to enhance operational efficiency through the centralisation of logistics and fleet management at the new facility.
Egypt Advances Airport Development Through Strategic International Partnerships
Egypt's Minister of Civil Aviation, Dr Sameh El-Hefny, held high-level meetings with major international airport operators at the Paris Air Show to explore partnerships focused on airport modernisation, smart operations, and sustainable development—advancing Egypt’s Vision 2030 strategy.
