African Pilot Weekly Magazine 42:2025
Entebbe Airport Celebrates Record Growth in Passenger and Cargo Traffic as Uganda Hails Aviation Boom
Commercial & Air Travel: Uganda
As the world marks the International Day of the Air Traffic Controller today, Uganda is celebrating record-breaking performance at Entebbe International Airport and the launch of Phase II of its redevelopment.
Recent figures from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) show a sharp rise in passenger numbers and freight volumes at the country’s primary international airport, cementing Entebbe’s status as one of East Africa’s fastest-growing aviation hubs.
AASA Calls for Bold Interventions to Transform African Aviation
Association News: AASAAASA urges regulatory harmonisation, open markets, supply chain stability, and sustainable reforms to unlock Africa’s aviation potential and growth.
Africa’s Skies at a Crossroads: ATNS Turbulence Underscores Urgent Need for Aviation Reform
Air Traffic South Africa
ATNS’s suspension of 300+ flight procedures exposes deep cracks in South Africa’s airspace system, reinforcing AASA’s call for bold aviation reform.
AASA’s 2025–26 Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson Elected
Association News: AASA LeadershipAASA re-elects Daniel Rosenzweig of Lift as Chairperson and appoints Eswatini Air CEO Capt. President Dlamini as Deputy Chairperson for the 2025–26 term.
Egypt Signs Cooperation Protocol to Strengthen Aviation Safety System
Civil Aviation: EgyptEgypt’s Ministry of Civil Aviation signs a cooperation protocol between the Civil Aviation Authority and the Central Department of Aviation Accidents to enhance safety standards in line with ICAO and Chicago Convention requirements.
Emirates celebrates 25 years of Operations in Uganda
Commercial & Air Travel: Emirates & UgandaEmirates marks 25 years of operations to Uganda, having carried 2.8 million passengers since 2000, upgraded to a Boeing 777-300ER, and invested in tourism and community development.
UJ Launches South Africa’s First Advanced Rescue Simulation Centre, a Continental Game-Changer in Emergency and Disaster Response
Training & Education: Search and Rescue
The University of Johannesburg has opened Africa’s first Advanced Rescue Simulation Centre, a four-storey facility transforming emergency and disaster response training across the continent.
Avolon Agrees to Lease Six Boeing 737-8 MAX Aircraft to Royal Air Maroc
African Airline: Aircraft LeaseAvolon will lease six Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft to Royal Air Maroc, supporting the airline’s growth strategy to become a global connector by 2037.
Flights Serving Destinations Disrupted by Failure of Critical Air Navigation Service
Air Traffic Disruptions: South AfricaAirlink confirms severe disruptions to flights serving Kruger Mpumalanga, Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay, and Mthatha due to suspended instrument flight procedures by ATNS.
Homegrown Innovation: Kenya Airways Pioneers Kenya-Made Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Sustainability: SAFKenya Airways partners with Bleriot SAF to produce Kenya-made Sustainable Aviation Fuel, advancing aviation decarbonisation and green growth.
Statistics Botswana Releases Transport and Infrastructure Statistics for Q2 2025
Aviation Stats: Botswana
As Africa Flies More and Charges More, IATA Pushes Lithium Battery Safety in the Skies
Commercial & Air Travel: Safety
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a new global safety campaign — “Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries” — to raise awareness among passengers about how to travel safely with everyday electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, cameras and power banks.
Airport Project Funding Approved by the Directors of the West African Development Bank
On 9 October 2025, the West African Development Bank (BOAD) approved funding for the construction of the Ouagadougou-Donsin International Airport in Burkina Faso. The new airport, which will replace the existing Ouagadougou International Airport, is designed to handle more than one million passengers per year. Built in line with international standards, it will be capable of accommodating large aircraft, enhancing the competitiveness of Burkinabe air transport, and contributing to the development of the surrounding areas.
Amount of the operation: 5.9 billion FCFA.
Royal Air Maroc and China Eastern Airlines Sign Strategic Partnership to Strengthen China–Africa Connectivity
African AirlineRoyal Air Maroc and China Eastern Airlines have signed a strategic partnership to enhance air connectivity between Morocco and China, supporting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange across Africa.
Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways Expand Partnership with Codeshare Flights to 19 Destinations
Commercial & Air Travel: Kenya & Qatar AirwaysQatar Airways and Kenya Airways expand their partnership with codeshare flights to 19 destinations, enhancing Africa–Asia–Middle East connectivity.
COMESA Competition Commission Issues Guidance Letter to Airlines Operating in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
Commercial & Air TravelThe COMESA Competition Commission issues airline guidance on passenger rights, compensation, and consumer protection across Eastern and Southern Africa.
BAE Systems and Aviation Concepts, LLC Renew International Distributor Agreement
Aviation AftermarketBAE Systems and Aviation Concepts renew their international distributor agreement, strengthening global access to aerospace parts and support solutions.
Faso Airports Company Installs Its First Director General
New Airport CompanyBurkina Faso’s Faso Airports Company appoints Malegdibkièta Saturnin Théophile Bikyenga as its first Director General to lead airport modernisation.
TrueNoord Appoints Basil Gygax as Sales Director for Africa, Middle East and CIS
New AppointmentsTrueNoord appoints Basil Gygax as Sales Director for Africa, the Middle East and CIS, strengthening its regional aircraft leasing expertise and global growth.
#AVIATIONnews Room
Local & Global Supplied News
Siemens Partners with Airbus to Decarbonise Major Industrial Sites in the U.S. and U.K.
ReadSiemens to help Airbus decarbonise U.S. and U.K. industrial sites with renewable energy, smart systems, and low-carbon heat, cutting CO₂ by 80kt annually.
Robinson Helicopter Company Appoints Glenn W. E. Ford as COO to Accelerate Manufacturing Expansion
ReadRobinson Helicopter Company appoints veteran aviation executive Glenn W. E. Ford as Chief Operations Officer to drive manufacturing efficiency, logistics optimisation, and production expansion for new helicopter models.
Embraer and Mahindra Group Forge Strategic Alliance to Introduce the C-390 Millennium to India
ReadEmbraer and Mahindra Group form a strategic alliance to advance the C-390 Millennium for India’s Air Force, reinforcing India–Brazil aerospace collaboration.
Chapman Freeborn Appoints Saska Gerasimova as New Group CEO
ReadChapman Freeborn names Saska Gerasimova as Group CEO, succeeding Eric Erbacher, who becomes Chair of Chapman Freeborn Holdings Board of Directors.
IndiGo Places Firm Order for 30 Additional Airbus A350-900 Aircraft
ReadIndiGo finalises a firm order for 30 more Airbus A350-900s, expanding its total to 60 as it prepares for long-haul international operations and global network growth.
GE Aerospace Selects AerCap to Provide Lease Pool Management Services for GE9X Engine
ReadGE Aerospace has signed a seven-year agreement with AerCap to manage lease pool services for the GE9X engine, extending their long-standing partnership across multiple GE engine platforms.
The Cessna SkyCourier® Lands in Africa: Absolute Aviation Highlights Its Features
The Cessna SkyCourier® has officially arrived in Africa for its grand tour, and Justin van Tonder, Aircraft Sales Director at Absolute Aviation, provided an in-depth walk-through of the 19-seat, twin-engine turboprop aircraft during a recent static display held in their hangar at Lanseria.
Designed to maximise efficiency, reliability, and profitability for regional operators, the Cessna SkyCourier® combines a large payload with excellent short-field performance. It is ideally suited for commuter routes, charter services, and remote-access missions where capacity and flexibility are critical. The freighter configuration further enhances its operational versatility, providing additional value for operators.
With a maximum cruise speed of 210 knots (389 km/h), a useful load of 6,000 pounds, and a take-off field length requirement of just 3,660 feet (1,116 metres), the aircraft offers exceptional performance for both high-frequency and remote-airstrip operations, positioning it as a strong contender for African markets. The cockpit accommodates two pilots and up to 19 passengers, enabling operators to achieve high utilisation and revenue efficiency.
