African Pilot Weekly Magazine 37:2025
Africa’s Aviation Growth: A Snapshot
African Airlines & Aviation
Across Africa, aviation has long been seen as a key driver of economic development, connecting vast regions, enabling trade, and stimulating tourism. But in recent years, the continent’s aviation landscape has become more dynamic, with emerging players, ambitious plans, and even a few surprising twists. From Libya’s internal conflict affecting Afriqiyah Airways’ financial health to a remarkable comeback for Air Mauritius, Africa’s skies are growing, albeit through a complex patchwork of successes and challenges.
High Expectations for 42nd ICAO Assembly
International Civil Aviation AuthorityIATA has submitted 14 working papers to the 42nd ICAO Assembly, focusing on SAF production, CORSIA, aviation taxes, consumer protection, spectrum, safety, and pilot age limits.
Emirates Welcomes Its First Retrofitted Boeing 777 in Africa
Commercial & Air Travel
Emirates debuts Premium Economy on its retrofitted Boeing 777 in Cape Town and Johannesburg, showcasing refreshed cabins and next-generation interiors.
New Collaboration To Tackle Air Travel Growth And Innovate Africa’s Passenger Experience
African AirlineEthiopian Airlines partners with SITA to drive innovation, enhance passenger experiences, and shape the future of African aviation.
Ethiopian Airlines Hosts Two-Day Bishoftu Airport Project Showcase for Stakeholders
African Airport ProjectEthiopian Airlines and partners hosted a two-day Bishoftu Airport Project showcase, presenting the project structure, financing strategy and stakeholder roles.
NCAA Grants RPAS Operations Certificate to Caverton Helicopters
Regulatory: RPAS Operations CertificateDiscover how Brigade’s tailored GSE safety systems can reduce ground damage costs by up to 42%, protecting aircraft and preventing costly AOG downtime.
Kenya Airways Pays NCAA Sanction Fee Following Consumer Protection Infractions
African Airline: RegulatoryKenya Airways has paid an NCAA sanction fee over consumer protection breaches. The Authority stresses safety and operational improvements remain a priority.
World’s Largest Bell HEMS Operator Adds Bell 429s to Emergency Services Fleet
Helicopter: EMSGlobal Medical Response has ordered seven Bell 429s, with options for eight more, strengthening its position as the world’s largest Bell HEMS operator.
ATNS and Dans Sign Strategic Agreement to Enhance Flight Procedure Design Capabilities
Air Traffic and Navigation ServicesATNS and Dubai Air Navigation Services have signed a three-year SLA to strengthen flight procedure design, enhance safety, and support global collaboration.
Atech, an Embraer Group Company, Signs Contract with ATNS to Modernise Air Traffic Flow Management in South Africa
Air Traffic Control: South Africa
Atech and ATNS sign contract to install a new ATFM system at Johannesburg’s ATC centre, improving flight efficiency, safety, and regional airspace coordination.
International: Joby To Bring Blade’s Air Mobility Services To The Uber App
Future Flight: eVTOL
Joby and Uber to integrate Blade flights into the Uber app, paving the way for Joby’s quiet, zero-emissions air taxi service worldwide.
Skunk Works and FalconWorks Announce Strategic Collaboration
Future Flight: Uncrewed Autonomous Air SystemsLockheed Martin Skunk Works and BAE Systems FalconWorks partner at DSEI to develop modular uncrewed air systems with electronic warfare capability.
Garmin Certifies the GFC 600 Digital Autopilot in Piper PA-31T Cheyenne and Cheyenne II Aircraft
General Aviation: AvionicsGarmin secures FAA certification for the GFC 600 autopilot in Piper PA-31T Cheyenne aircraft, enhancing safety and performance in general aviation.
Avidyne Announces Certification of Vantage 12 for Cirrus
General Aviation & Lifestyle: AvionicsAvidyne secures FAA certification for its Vantage 12 Flight Display System, offering a cost-effective upgrade for more than 4,000 Cirrus SR20/22 aircraft.
RTX’s Pratt & Whitney and PBS Group to Develop Next-Generation Auxiliary Power Unit
Spotlight: Innovation AircraftPratt & Whitney, an RTX business, and PBS Group will co-develop a next-generation auxiliary power unit (APU) for commercial and military aircraft, enhancing power density and efficiency.
Uganda Airlines And Air India Forge New Interline Partnership, Enhancing Connectivity Between Africa And India
African Airline: PartnershipUganda Airlines partners with Air India to expand connectivity, offering seamless travel from Entebbe to over 25 Indian cities and global hubs.
Minister of Aviation Performs Groundbreaking of Air Peace MRO Facility in Lagos
MRO - Maintenance, Refurb & OverhaulNigeria’s Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo breaks ground on Air Peace’s new MRO facility in Lagos, set to create 50,000 jobs and boost regional maintenance capacity.
Air Charter Service Gives Half Year Sales Update
Air CharterAir Charter Service reports 14% revenue growth in H1 2025, driven by private jets, cargo and group charter, with global expansion plans underway.
The Many Faces of Charter Aviation: Black Tie Events, Wild Animal Rescues and Sky-High Parties
Air CharterCharter aviation goes beyond luxury: from black tie events and themed parties to wild animal rescues and unique missions in the sky.
Judgement Reserved for Three Weeks in Application Against 12-Year Engine Rule
General Aviation: AIC 18.19 Task Team UpdateJudgement on the 12-year engine overhaul rule case has been reserved for three weeks, leaving 1,372 aircraft idle as industry braces for potential impacts.
