African Pilot Weekly Magazine 38:2025
Africa Speaks with One Voice at ICAO 42nd Assembly: United for Greater Representation in Global Aviation
Regulatory: ICAO 42nd Assembly
Africa has arrived at the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), taking place in Montreal from 23 September to 3 October 2025, united and determined to strengthen its global voice. The African Union Commission (AUC), working with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the AU Member States, is presenting eight African countries as candidates for election to the ICAO Council—signalling a historic step in advancing Africa’s role in international aviation governance.
Understanding the Changes in Africa’s Aviation Landscape
Association News: AFRAAAFRAA’s Abderahmane Berthé highlights Africa’s aviation opportunities, connectivity challenges, and the need for liberalisation, sustainability and fleet renewal.
Business Aviation: An Essential Enabler for Africa’s Growth
Association News: AfBAA
Dawit Lemma highlights business aviation’s vital role in Africa’s economy, from UAVs to medevac, calling for stronger industry recognition.
Airline Industry at a Crossroads: IATA’s Message to African Stakeholders
Event News: Airline IndustryIATA’s Kamil Al-Awadhi urges African governments to cut costs, liberalise skies, and invest in infrastructure to unlock aviation growth.
Airbus Highlights Path to Growth and Decarbonisation at Aviation Africa Summit
Event News: AirbusAirbus outlines customer support expansion, supply chain recovery, and its plan for decarbonisation and growth across Africa at Aviation Africa 2025.
AfBAA Flying High at Aviation Africa 2025
Association News: AfBAAAfBAA signs MoUs with AFCAC, CAASA and AASA, launches RPAS committee, and outlines a strategic plan to advance business aviation across Africa.
AFRAA: Addressing Safety, Taxes & Connectivity for Africa’s Airlines
Association News: AFRAAAfrican Airlines Association (AFRAA) Secretary General Abderahmane Berthé and Maureen Kahonge discuss safety, taxes, blocked funds, connectivity and plans, including the first AFRAA MRO Africa event in 2026.
Behind the Scenes: Emirates’ First Retrofitted Boeing 777 in Africa
Air Traffic and Navigation ServicesStep inside Emirates’ first retrofitted Boeing 777 in Africa. See the debut of Premium Economy in South Africa, refreshed Business and First Class cabins, and a fully upgraded interior.
Empowering Women in Aviation: African Section Ninety-Nines Inspires the Next Generation
Event News: African Section Ninety-Nines
Ivana Alvares-Marshall of the African Section Ninety-Nines shares how their initiatives inspire women in aviation through youth programmes, STEM education, and scholarships.
Rwanda’s Stakeholder Collaboration Sets the Blueprint for Strengthening Africa’s Aviation Sector
Association News: IATA AfricaAt the recent Aviation Africa 2025 summit in Kigali, African Pilot Magazine editor Phillippa Dean sat down with IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Al-Awadhi.
The discussion explores Rwanda’s collaborative approach to aviation development, the country’s strong aviation business case, and the significant GDP contribution of the sector. Kamil highlights challenges facing African airlines, including high fuel prices, landing fees, and operational costs, as well as the need for greater regulatory alignment and collaboration among stakeholders.
The conversation also addresses safety compliance, inter-African connectivity, air cargo opportunities, and the importance of governments and operators working together to achieve sustainable aviation growth. IATA’s mission is to drive safe, sustainable aviation worldwide and calls on African states to collaborate to unlock the full potential of aviation for the continent.
A Pan-African Airline Alliance: Still a Dream on the Horizon?
Commercial Aviation: A Pan-African Airline Alliance
South African Airways has pulled out of a planned pan-African airline alliance with Kenya Airways, leaving the continent’s largest airlines seeking new partners. Could a unified African airline network transform connectivity and trade across Africa?
ICAO Pushes for Stronger Fatigue Management in Aviation
Pilot: Fatigue ManagementICAO calls for a review of global fatigue management guidance, urging practical frameworks to support pilots and operators, especially in Africa.
IATA Study Confirms that SAF Technology Rollout is Main Bottleneck to Net Zero, not Feedstock Availability
Fuel: SAFIATA and Worley Consulting confirm SAF feedstock is sufficient to achieve net zero by 2050, but rapid tech rollout and policy support are critical.
Strengthening Pilot Training: Nationwide Aviation Adds Two ALSIM AL100i Simulators
Training & Skills Development: SimulatorsNationwide Aviation adds two ALSIM AL100i simulators, delivering advanced, Piper Pilot 100i–replica training with Garmin G3X and GNX 375 avionics.
Continental’s AvGas Engine Training Returns to Lanseria, South Africa
General Aviation: MROContinental returns to Lanseria for AvGas engine training, equipping African mechanics with hands-on skills and awarding factory training certificates.
The Piper Seminole DX Powered by DeltaHawk
General Aviation: AircraftThe Piper Seminole DX is a next-generation diesel-powered PA-44 featuring DeltaHawk’s DHK4A180 engine, delivering 40% better fuel efficiency and lower costs.
SolitAir Expands Global South Network with New Africa Routes
Air Cargo & Air FreightSolitAir has expanded its network with eight new African routes, directly linking Dubai World Central with key trade hubs across the continent.
CubCrafters XCub and NXCub Aircraft Available in Amateur Kit Form
General Aviation & Lifestyle: CubCraftersCubCrafters launches XCub and NXCub E-AB kits, giving builders industry-leading performance, rugged backcountry capability, and full builder support.
International: Do228 Fleet Maintenance Contract Signed Between Bangladesh Navy and Do228 OEM General Atomics AeroTec Systems
AircraftBangladesh Navy and GA-ATS sign a new contract for heavy maintenance, pilot training, and radar upgrades for two Do228 special mission aircraft.
