African Pilot Weekly Magazine 34:2026
Fleet Expansion
Air Cairo Takes Delivery of 40th Aircraft with New A320neo
Air Cairo has taken delivery of an Airbus A320-251N, recorded by the airline as the fortieth aircraft in its fleet, in a delivery announced from Cairo on 20 August 2026. The airline states the aircraft brings its average fleet age to 5.5 years and links it to increased frequencies on existing routes and entry into new markets across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Registration, basing and acquisition terms have not been disclosed.
Air Cairo Takes Delivery of 40th Aircraft with New A320neo
Air Cairo has taken delivery of an Airbus A320-251N, recorded by the airline as the fortieth aircraft in its fleet, in a delivery announced from Cairo on 20 August 2026. The airline states the aircraft brings its average fleet age to 5.5 years and links…
Fleet Expansion
KlasJet Sets Out Case for ACMI Capacity in Egyptian Fleet Expansion
Egypt’s tourism growth targets and planned airline fleet expansion are increasing pressure on carriers to balance permanent aircraft commitments with seasonal demand. KlasJet argues that ACMI capacity can provide Egyptian airlines with additional flexibility during traffic peaks, aircraft delivery delays and short-term operational disruptions.
ACMI Capacity
Ethiopian Airlines Reports US$9.1 Billion Operating Revenue for 2025/26
Ethiopian Airlines Group generated US$9.1 billion in operating revenue during 2025/26 after transporting 20.7 million passengers and 897,000 tonnes of cargo. The airline also expanded its network and fleet while continuing work on Addis Ababa Bole and Bishoftu international airports.
Airline Results
SAA Welcomes Cabinet Decision to Commence Process to Identify Strategic Equity Partner
South African Airways has welcomed Cabinet’s decision to begin a process to identify a Strategic Equity Partner for the state-owned airline.
African Airline
SACAA Statement on the Airlink Flypast at the DHL Cape Town Stadium
SACAA is reviewing Airlink’s 29 August flypast at DHL Cape Town Stadium after obtaining flight-data recordings and requesting further information from the operator.
Safety & Regulatory News
SACAA Standardises Proof of Theoretical Knowledge Instruction
From 14 September 2026, SACAA will accept only Form CA 61-184 as proof of theoretical knowledge instruction for initial examination attempts.
Training and Skills Development
African Airline
FlySafair Named Africa’s Leading Low-Cost Airline at the 2026 World Travel Awards
FlySafair has been named Africa’s Leading Low-Cost Airline at the 2026 World Travel Awards, marking its first win in the continental category.
FlySafair Named Africa’s Leading Low-Cost Airline at the 2026 World Travel Awards
FlySafair has been named Africa’s Leading Low-Cost Airline at the 2026 World Travel Awards, marking its first win in the continental category.
African Airline
When Global Shocks Test African Aviation
African airlines face renewed pressure from global fuel shocks, exposing thin margins and supply-chain dependence while AFRAA advances joint fuel purchasing, Free Route Airspace and deeper market integration as resilience measures.
Airline Resilience
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US Assistant Secretary Tours Bishoftu International Airport Construction Site in Ethiopia
Airport Investment
US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia toured the Bishoftu International Airport construction site and discussed Ethiopian Airlines fleet modernisation, US aviation products and potential development financing linked to the airport.
National Skills Fund Terminates Flyfofa Aviation Contract
General Aviation & Lifestyle
The National Skills Fund has terminated its Flyfofa Aviation agreement and begun a process to continue the training of affected aviation students.
Caliphate Air Selects LISA Aircraft Records Management Platform
MRO Technology
Caliphate Air, the Sokoto State-backed Nigerian carrier with three Embraer ERJ145 aircraft, has selected LISA Aircraft Records Management as its digital records system, with a custom API integration to the AMOS maintenance and engineering software. The announcement was made by the supplier, AMROS Group. No…
Namibia Says Ethiopian Airlines Talks Remain Exploratory as Namibia Air Planning Continues
Airline Partnership
Namibia is assessing possible cooperation with Ethiopian Airlines as planning for the new national carrier, Namibia Air, continues, with no binding commitments yet concluded and the government also progressing plans for an initial seven-aircraft Embraer fleet.
General Aviation & Lifestyle
What AAD 2026 Offers General Aviation Businesses
CAASA CEO Kevin Storie explains how general aviation operators, AMOs, ATOs and other aviation businesses can approach AAD 2026 as a trade opportunity.
What AAD 2026 Offers General Aviation Businesses
CAASA CEO Kevin Storie explains how general aviation operators, AMOs, ATOs and other aviation businesses can approach AAD 2026 as a trade opportunity.
General Aviation & Lifestyle
Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency Orders First Airbus H160 to Bolster Emergency Preparedness
Japan’s FDMA has ordered its first Airbus H160, which will be based in Kumamoto for disaster-response reconnaissance and real-time visual intelligence.
Civil Aviation
Gripen F Completes Its First Flight
Saab’s two-seat Gripen F has completed its first 40-minute flight in Linköping, beginning the airborne test campaign ahead of delivery to Brazil.
Military & Defence
AFRAA Routes Report Shows Intra-African Traffic Trailing Domestic and International Markets
AFRAA’s Routes and Connectivity Report for the second half of 2025 puts intra-African traffic on the top 100 regional routes at 4.1 million passengers, against 13.4 million on the top 100 domestic routes and 9.3 million on the top 100 international routes. Cape Town-Johannesburg was…
Route Connectivity
Cameroon Launches SAF Feasibility Study
Cameroon has launched a six-month feasibility study to assess the technical, economic and environmental viability of producing sustainable aviation fuel locally, with support from ICAO and the European Union.
Sustainability
EASA Report Examines Atmospheric Icing Risks in a Changing Climate
EASA has published a report examining atmospheric icing risks and how changing climatic conditions could affect the frequency, altitude and severity of icing hazards faced by aviation.
Aviation Safety Research
The Pilot Shortage Paradox: Why Many Cadets Still Struggle to Get Their First Airline Job
BAA Training examines why long-term pilot shortage forecasts can coexist with intense competition for entry-level First Officer jobs and what airlines increasingly expect from cadets.
Training and Skills Development
Zanzibar Airport Terminal 2 Reaches 90% Completion
Zanzibar Airports Authority says construction of Terminal 2 at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport has reached 90% completion, alongside ongoing apron and terminal-link projects intended to expand airport capacity and improve ground operations.
Airport Infrastructure
NASA Establishes State Hubs to Grow Technical Aerospace Workforce
NASA has awarded approximately $10.5 million to seven institutions to establish state-based pathways into skilled technical aerospace careers.
Training and Skills Development
FlySafair Evolves its Business Booster into the Travel Booster, a New Platform Dedicated to South Africa’s Tourism Economy
FlySafair has launched Travel Booster, offering four South African tourism businesses flights and national brand exposure as the airline refocuses its former Business Booster programme.
Business Opportunities
Air Charter Service Promotes Simo Nkosi to Private Jets Director, Africa
Air Charter Service has promoted Simo Nkosi to the newly formed role of Private Jets Director, Africa, overseeing further growth of its private charter business.
General Aviation & Lifestyle
Babanango Game Reserve Opens a New Gateway to the Wild with Approved Eagle’s View Airstrip
Babanango Game Reserve has opened Eagle’s View Airstrip, providing direct access for private and charter aircraft to the KwaZulu-Natal safari reserve.
General Aviation & Lifestyle
Brian Rohloff Begins Tenure as Textron Aviation president & CEO
Brian Rohloff has begun his tenure as president and CEO of Textron Aviation after 29 years in roles spanning customer support, manufacturing, sales and finance.
General Aviation & Lifestyle
New High-Tech Composite Center for 300 Employees in Central Switzerland Begins Operations
Pilatus has opened its CHF 100 million Schwarzhorn composite centre in Switzerland, consolidating composite development and production for around 300 employees.
Aerospace Manufacturing
Pretoria Airshow Finds Its Own Frequency
Pretoria Airshow’s second edition used a GA-led flying programme, live cockpit coverage and community elements to establish a clearer standalone identity at Rhino Park.
General Aviation & Lifestyle
