African Pilot Weekly Magazine 28:2025

Humanitarian Aviation in Action, UNHAS 2024 Report

Humanitarian Aviation

The United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), managed by the World Food Programme (WFP), has released its 2024 Annual Review, reflecting two decades of service in delivering humanitarian access to the world’s most isolated and crisis-affected regions. Established to bridge the gap where commercial aviation cannot operate, UNHAS continues to provide essential air links for aid agencies navigating conflict zones, climate emergencies, and geographically remote areas.

FuelCo’s Mobile Aviation Refuelling Solutions for Africa

FuelCo presents innovative mobile aviation refuelling systems at Aero South Africa 2025, including self-bunded tanks and rapid-deployment fuel storage tailored for remote African airstrips.

WFP Airdrops Food to Prevent Catastrophe as Hunger Surges in Conflict-Hit Parts of South Sudan

CFS Aviation Group, formerly Comair Flight Services, has restructured its ownership and brand following approval from South Africa’s Competition Commission. The group is now fully independent under Parrot Aviation and CEO Justin Reeves.

CFS Aviation Group Announces Strategic Shareholding Restructure and Brand Evolution

CFS Aviation Group, formerly Comair Flight Services, has restructured its ownership and brand following approval from South Africa’s Competition Commission. The group is now fully independent under Parrot Aviation and CEO Justin Reeves.

Jotron Supplies Full VHF Coverage for Angola’s Luanda FIR

Jotron has completed the installation of a nationwide VHF radio communication system for Angola’s Luanda FIR, enhancing aviation safety and modernising the country’s air navigation infrastructure under an ICAO and ENNA partnership.

African Airlines’ Performance Updates by AFRAA – June 2025

AFRAA’s June 2025 update highlights African airline traffic growth, market share trends, infrastructure investments, regulatory developments, and passenger revenue gains across the continent.

Vaisala Next-Generation Helideck Monitoring Software To Optimise Offshore Operations

Discover Vaisala’s next-generation Elements Helideck Monitoring Software, now featuring lidar wind profiling, lightning detection, and real-time forecasting to enhance offshore safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Air Du Cap On-Demand Charter Flights in South Africa

Air Du Cap is redefining private aviation in South Africa with on-demand charter flights, digital booking, and premium Beechcraft Baron 58 aircraft based in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Cirrus Invests $13M to Expand Grand Forks Manufacturing Facility

Cirrus is investing $13 million to expand its Grand Forks facility by 30,000 sq ft, supporting increased production of the SR Series and Vision Jet, with new jobs and capabilities coming by 2026.

Insect Season: An Overlooked Threat to Aircraft Efficiency

Insect buildup on aircraft surfaces during warmer months can raise fuel consumption by up to 4.4%. Discover how robotic cleaning is helping airlines combat this hidden threat.

Ethiopian Airlines Launches a New Passenger Service to Abu Dhabi

Ethiopian Airlines expands its Gulf network with a new daily service connecting Addis Ababa to Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, strengthening ties with Etihad Airways.

VoltAero’s HPU 210 Hybrid Power Unit

VoltAero unveils its HPU 210 hybrid power unit at EAA AirVenture, opening reservations for light aircraft propulsion slots. First U.S. appearance announced.

Saft and Safran Co-Develop a High-Voltage Battery System for Aviation Electrification

Safran and Saft partner to co-develop a high-voltage battery system for aircraft electrification, advancing net-zero aviation goals by 2050.

ATS Continues Growth Through Q2 With Expansion of Client Base and Regulatory Approvals

ATS Group continues its 2025 growth with new regulatory approvals, key leadership appointments, and international maintenance agreements with Ethiopian Airlines and AJet, strengthening its presence across the Middle East and Africa.

PBS Unveils Its Most Powerful Jet Engine to Date, the TJ200

PBS GROUP has unveiled its most powerful jet engine to date, the PBS TJ200, at the Paris Air Show. Designed for high-performance unmanned systems and marine applications, the TJ200 features advanced FADEC control, seawater resistance, and a compact footprint, marking a major innovation in aerospace propulsion.

Rotortrade: Shifting Landscape of Helicopter Sales

Following the release of the Rotortrade Global Helicopter Market Report 2024–2025, CEO Philippe Lubrano shares insights on financing trends, fleet shortages, and global expansion strategies as demand outpaces supply across regions like Africa and South America.

Bell to Build X-Plane for Phase 2 of DARPA Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) X-Plane Programme

Bell Textron has been selected for Phase 2 of DARPA’s SPRINT X-Plane programme, advancing high-speed VTOL technology with a new demonstrator featuring stop/fold rotor innovation.

Archer Begins Test Flights in Abu Dhabi

Archer has completed the initial flight of its Midnight eVTOL aircraft at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi, testing VTOL performance under UAE-specific conditions. The test supports Archer’s Launch Edition programme with Abu Dhabi Aviation ahead of commercial air taxi deployment.

Joby Advances Commercial Air Taxi Operations with Dubai Test Flights

Joby Aviation launches air taxi readiness work in Dubai with piloted eVTOL flights and begins vertiport construction at Dubai International Airport.

Meshmerize and 8devices Launch RoboNode-M: Compact Dual-Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Module for Robotics and Drone Swarms

Meshmerize and 8devices introduce RoboNode-M, a compact dual-radio Wi-Fi 6 mesh module built for mobile robots, autonomous systems, and drone swarms.

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.

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.

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.

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.