African Pilot Weekly Magazine 27:2025

Single-Pilot Concept Stalls on Safety Grounds – For Now

Civil Aviation

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has concluded its long-anticipated study into reduced cockpit crew operations, bringing a significant halt, for now, to the aviation industry's push toward single-pilot flights. The verdict: the technology and systems currently in place cannot yet match the safety of the traditional two-pilot model.

Absolute Aviation's Aircraft Showcase at Aero South Africa 2025

Explore Absolute Aviation’s static display at Aero South Africa 2025. Featuring the Cessna Caravan, Pipistrel aircraft, Velis Electro and more.

TAAG to Launch Luanda–Nairobi Route in September 2025

TAAG Angola Airlines has announced the introduction of a new Luanda–Nairobi route, with scheduled passenger services set to commence on 1 September 2025. The new service will operate three times per week, enhancing connectivity between Southern and Eastern Africa.

Avia Solutions Group to Complete One of the World’s First Boeing 777-300ER Passenger-to-Freighter Conversions

Avia Solutions Group, through AviaAM Leasing, is completing one of the world’s first Boeing 777-300ER passenger-to-freighter conversions in partnership with Mammoth Freighters, marking a significant milestone in the global cargo aviation market.

TBO Increase to 3600 Hours or 6 Years for the Silent-7 MT Propeller Series

MT-Propeller has increased the TBO of its Silent-7 propeller series to 3,600 hours or 6 years, following outstanding inspection results. This upgrade highlights the durability and performance of MT's 7-bladed composite propellers, used on aircraft such as the Pilatus PC-12 and King Air 350.

Avia Solutions Group Partners With DHL Express to Accelerate SAF Use

Avia Solutions Group partners with DHL Express to cut aviation emissions using Sustainable Aviation Fuel, aligning with global net-zero goals and logistics sustainability.

Earthworks Begin on Casablanca’s New Terminal Project

Earthworks begin on Casablanca’s new terminal at Mohammed V Airport, advancing Morocco’s Airports 2030 vision and future World Cup connectivity.

The Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet: Built for Pilots, Engineered for Safety, Proven on Dirt Strips

A guided tour of the Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet at Aero SA 2025, with Alex Smith sharing key design, avionics, and training features for private pilots.

South Africa’s Aviation Sector Targets Growth, Efficiency, and Sustainability

South Africa targets 42 million airport passengers and 1.2 million tons of airfreight annually, with major investment in ACSA and SAA’s regional growth.

Engineered Fluids Partners With Dovetail Electric Aviation to Develop Immersion-Cooled Batteries for Electric Aircraft

Engineered Fluids and Dovetail Electric Aviation collaborate to develop an advanced immersion-cooled battery system for electric aircraft, using AmpCool technology to improve safety, performance, and thermal stability in zero-emission aviation.

IATA Comments on Misguided Solidarity Levy Proposal

IATA criticises the GSLTF’s proposed air travel tax, warning it could derail global connectivity, hurt developing economies, and undermine aviation’s path to net zero by 2050.

Bristell Classic LSA Walkthrough with Kevin Fouche

Explore the Bristell Classic LSA with Kevin Fouche at Aero SA 2025. Full walkaround, cockpit tour, key features, and real-world performance insights.

Namibia’s Tourist Town to Upgrade Aerodrome

Namibia’s premier destination town, Swakopmund, has announced plans to upgrade the local aerodrome at a cost of R443 million as part of plans to position the aerodrome as a recognised point of entry for tourism and other aviation-related activities.

Injunction to Be Sought as 12-Year Aviation Engine Crisis Brings the Industry to a Halt

The AIC 18.19 Task Team, representing five major aviation bodies in South Africa, is pursuing urgent legal action against the 12-year engine overhaul ruling, which has grounded over 1,400 aircraft and threatens R2 billion in direct losses.

Sling Aircraft at Aero SA 2025: South African-Built, Globally Trusted

Explore Sling Aircraft’s full line-up at Aero SA 2025. Built in South Africa, trusted worldwide—Sling 2, TSi, High Wing and cutting-edge Garmin tech.

NCAA Grants Enugu Air Interim Operational Authorisation via XEJET

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted approval for the commencement of domestic flight operations by Enugu Air. This development aligns with the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s 5-Point Agenda, which supports the growth of indigenous airlines and reflects the Director General of Civil Aviation’s focus on enhancing ease of doing business and advancing sectoral reforms.

Shift5 and Avionica Partner on Real-Time GPS Integrity Solutions for Commercial Aviation

Shift5, an observability platform for onboard operational technology, has partnered with Avionica, a provider of aviation data solutions, to deliver GPS integrity monitoring capabilities to the commercial aviation sector. The collaboration integrates Shift5’s advanced threat detection technology with Avionica’s existing commercial avionics hardware.

AELF Completes $31 Million Financing With Absa Bank Group

AELF secures $31 million in financing with Absa Bank Group for an A330-300 leased to South African Airways, expanding its aviation finance portfolio.