African Pilot Weekly Magazine 26:2025

Balancing Regulation and Safety in Aviation

General Aviation | CAASA

CAASA CEO Kevin Storie outlines a call for balanced, collaborative regulation in African aviation at the AFBAA Safety and Training Workshop during Aero SA.

Redefining Business Aviation in Africa: AfBAA’s Focus on Safety, Standards, and Inclusive Growth

AfBAA highlights inclusive growth, safety, and global standards at the AFBAA Safety & Training Workshop during Aero South Africa 2025.

Air Algérie Places Major Order for 16 New ATR 72-600s

Ethiopian Airlines adds Urumqi to its cargo network, boosting Africa–Asia freight connectivity and reinforcing Addis Ababa’s role as a global logistics hub.

South Africa’s Draft Civil Aviation Policy Aims to Transform the Sector

South Africa’s draft aviation policy proposes major reforms to safety, regulation, and infrastructure—aiming to reshape the sector for long-term competitiveness.

Kenya Airways & Qatar Airways Ink An Exciting Strategic Partnership

Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways sign MoU for a strategic partnership, expanding codeshare, cargo, and connectivity between Africa and the Middle East.

Ethiopian Expands Cargo Network in Asia with the Addition of Urumqi in China

Ethiopian Airlines adds Urumqi to its cargo network, boosting Africa–Asia freight connectivity and reinforcing Addis Ababa’s role as a global logistics hub.

ECT Aviation Launches Time-Critical Cargo Routes with the BN2T-4S Islander

ECT Aviation launches high-frequency cargo routes to North Africa using the BN2T-4S Islander, targeting underserved regions with STOL capabilities.

Embraer Offers New Scholarships to Train Master’s Students in Aeronautical Engineering

Embraer and ITA launch 2025 MSc in Aeronautical Engineering with monthly scholarships for 45 new students.

Aero South Africa 2025 – What the GA Pilot Missed

Aero SA 2025 brought together GA pilots, students, and enthusiasts at Lanseria, showcasing everything from diesel Cessnas to electric aircraft and local innovations.

May Air Cargo Demand Up 2.2% Despite Trade Disruptions

IATA reports a 2.2% rise in global air cargo demand in May 2025, with Africa down 2.1%. Asia–North America trade lanes saw double-digit decline.

Passenger Growth Hits 5% in May

Passenger demand rose 5% in May 2025, with African airlines reporting 9.5% growth. The Africa–Asia corridor leads international traffic expansion.

Pushback on ADS-B Data Misuse Raises Concerns

A U.S. bill limiting ADS-B data use is sparking global debate, with growing concerns in Africa over surveillance, privacy, and regulatory misuse in aviation.

Afreximbank Signs Indicative Term Sheet to Finance New Libreville International Airport

Afreximbank signs EUR 290 million term sheet with Gabon and partners to develop the New Libreville International Airport, boosting regional air connectivity.

The Hidden Turbulence Pilots Face Beyond the Skies

Beyond the cockpit, pilots face hidden pressures—fatigue, fear of reporting, and environmental change—raising urgent questions about aviation safety culture.

ACMI in Africa: Insights from AviaDev Panel

At AviaDev Africa 2025, aviation leaders discussed how ACMI leasing can help African airlines scale operations amid rising costs and supply chain constraints.

IATA’s I-ASC Light Assessment Helps Kenya Airways Elevate Safety Culture

Kenya Airways becomes the first airline to adopt IATA’s I-ASC Light, using the safety culture survey to identify improvement areas and strengthen risk management.

Somalia and Tanzania Renew Aviation Pact, Approve Direct Flight Route

Somalia and Tanzania sign aviation pact enabling direct flights between Mogadishu and Dar es Salaam and renew the 1975 Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement.

ASECNA Issues Tender for Civil Engineering Works at Garoua International Airport

ASECNA issues a tender for civil engineering works to upgrade VOR/DME at Garoua International Airport, advancing aviation infrastructure in Cameroon.

Ghana Appoints New Civil Aviation Authority Board to Bolster Safety Oversight

Ghana inaugurates new Civil Aviation Authority Board, tasked with strengthening aviation safety and airspace oversight in line with global ICAO standards.