African Pilot Weekly Magazine 33:2025

Supporting the Unsung Heroes of Aviation – The Story of Mayday-SA

Pilots: Mental Health

In the high-pressure world of aviation, safety is paramount, but the wellbeing of those who ensure that safety often goes overlooked. In South Africa, a remarkable volunteer-based organisation is changing that. Mayday-SA is a confidential, peer-based support network dedicated to the emotional and mental wellbeing of aviation licence holders, from pilots and cabin crew to engineers, air traffic controllers, and even management.

Braking Action Intelligence – The Next Frontier in Runway Safety

Real-time runway friction reporting could transform aviation safety in Africa. We explore ICAO’s Global Reporting Format, IFALPA’s concerns, and the technical hurdles to turning aircraft into live braking action sensors.

UNEP and ICAO Launch $82.5 Million Project to Eliminate Harmful Firefighting Foams in African Airports

Airport: Operations

UNEP and ICAO launch $82.5m project to phase out toxic PFAS firefighting foams in African airports, setting a global benchmark for safe, sustainable aviation.

Mango Breathes its Last Breath

Mango Airlines has flown its last flight, leaving a gap in South Africa’s budget travel market, even as SAA experiences unprecedented growth. Discover the impact on domestic flights and tourism.

Court Victory: Sakeliga Wins BEE Case Against Air Services Regulator

In a consequential BEE victory for Sakeliga and the aviation industry, the Pretoria High Court yesterday declared it unlawful to subject air service licences to B-BBEE or race-based criteria. This court order increases commercial freedom and the availability of air services to all in South Africa.

FlySafair’s Business Booster Competition Returns for a Fourth Year

FlySafair’s Business Booster empowers South African SMEs with flights, exposure, and growth opportunities to scale locally and globally.

When Normal Isn’t Normal: The Risks of Non-Routine Flight Operations

IFALPA warns of safety risks in non-routine flight operations. What does this mean for pilots, operators, and Africa’s growing aviation sector?

EASA Certifies Hartzell Polaris Propeller for Diamond DA40 NG

Aircraft

Hartzell Propeller’s three-blade Polaris carbon fibre propeller has earned EASA certification for the Diamond DA40 NG. Now available as a factory-installed option, it delivers enhanced performance, durability, and quieter operation.

Embraer Defense Europe Signs Strategic MoUs with Lithuanian Partners, Strengthening Aerospace Cooperation and Innovation

Embraer Defense Europe has signed strategic MoUs with leading Lithuanian partners to strengthen aerospace cooperation, advance innovation, and support the local defence industry, following Lithuania’s selection of the C-390 Millennium aircraft.

Growthpoint and FlySafair Launch Industry-First Travel Benefit for Joburg Office Tenants

Growthpoint Properties has partnered with FlySafair to launch SmartFlight, an industry-first travel benefit for Johannesburg office tenants, allowing up to 30% of tenant installation allowances to be converted into blockchain-based flight vouchers for business travel.

Greene Tweed to Deliver Advanced Thermoplastic Composite Components for Next-Generation Jet Engines

Greene Tweed secures a 10-year aerospace agreement to supply lightweight Xycomp® DLF™ thermoplastic composite components for next-generation jet engines.

Joby Achieves the First Piloted eVTOL Air Taxi Flight Between Two Public Airports

Joby completes first piloted eVTOL air taxi flight between two public airports, marking a key milestone in aviation readiness and urban air mobility.

GöKHUN Unmanned Aerial System Lift Off With Sky Power Engines

The GöKHUN Unmanned Aerial System from ESEN is a tactical VTOL drone powered by Sky Power International’s SP 210 FI SG engine, offering long endurance, GNSS independence, modular payload capability, and robust performance for ISR, security, and civil applications.

ICAO, Universal Postal Union Strengthen Airmail Security Against Rising Threats

ICAO and the Universal Postal Union have strengthened their partnership to enhance global airmail security, introducing advanced screening technologies, improved training, and data sharing to safeguard international mail operations.

Opinion: What It Means to Build a Connected Airport Network

ACSA unveils plans for three aerotropolises and six smart airport cities, transforming South Africa’s airports into global economic powerhouses.

South Africa Strengthens Position in Afreximbank with Cabinet Approval of Class A Shareholding

South Africa has secured Cabinet approval to join the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) as a Class A shareholder, enhancing its influence, unlocking trade finance opportunities, and supporting intra-African trade and economic integration.

South Africa Joint Statement on US Tariffs

South Africa has announced a comprehensive five-point strategy to address the United States’ 30% tariffs, focusing on negotiations, export diversification, economic support, trade defence measures, and boosting domestic market demand.

Uganda CAA Hosts Aviation Weather Awareness Workshop

Uganda CAA and Meteorological Services hosted a workshop in Entebbe to enhance aviation safety, forecasting, and inter-agency collaboration.

Signia Aerospace Acquires Precise Flight, Expanding Capabilities in Aviation Safety and Performance

Signia Aerospace has acquired Precise Flight, a leading developer of aviation safety systems, expanding its capabilities in innovative aerospace technology and enhancing service to global aviation customers.

AFG Aviation Ireland Limited Expands African Footprint with CRJ1000 Finance Lease to Nigeria’s Cally Air

AFG Aviation Ireland delivers two CRJ1000 aircraft on finance lease to Cally Air, boosting fleet growth and regional connectivity in Nigeria and West Africa.