African Pilot Weekly Magazine 44:2025
Building Africa’s Open Skies: AFCAC Outlines Priorities for SAATM Implementation
Single African Air Transport Market
At the recent Luanda Financing Summit for Africa’s Infrastructure Development, held between 28 and 31 October 2025, a panel discussion on Financing and Modernising African Civil Aviation Infrastructure brought together airline leaders, policymakers, financiers and regulators to examine how investment in aviation infrastructure can accelerate the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). The session sought to position Africa’s airspace as a key investment opportunity, focusing on using SAATM to create a unified and open airspace that will significantly boost trade and tourism across the continent.
Luanda Summit: AU’s Lerato Mataboge Rallies Africa to Invest in Open Skies and Integrated Air Transport
Single African Air Transport MarketAt the Luanda Summit, AU’s Lerato Mataboge urged Africa to invest in open skies and integrated air transport to unlock trade, tourism, and economic growth.
Rwanda’s Vision for Aviation Growth: Policy, Innovation and Openness Drive Integration
Single African Air Transport MarketAt the Luanda Financing Summit, Rwanda outlined how open policies, innovation and investment are driving sustainable aviation growth across Africa.
SAATM: Morocco Highlights Long-Term Vision for Sustainable Aviation Growth and Infrastructure Integration at Luanda Finance Summit
African Infrastructure & Projects: Liberia
At the Luanda Summit, Morocco outlined its long-term aviation vision focused on infrastructure, liberalisation, and regional integration under SAATM.
Zimbabwe’s Approach to Collaborative Growth and Modernisation in African Aviation
Single African Air Transport MarketAt the Luanda Financing Summit, Zimbabwe highlighted collaboration, investment and policy reform as key drivers of Africa’s aviation modernisation.
Aviation Resilience Holds Firm as Global Travel and Trade Steady in August 2025
Aviation FinanceGlobal air travel and trade remain strong in August 2025, with record passenger load factors and Africa and Asia leading aviation growth momentum.
Neil Howard Appointed to IADA Board of Directors
International Aircraft Dealers AssociationNeil Howard, CEO of Absolute Aviation, joins the IADA Board of Directors, strengthening global business aviation leadership and international standards.
Aviapartner Strengthens Angola’s Aviation Ecosystem with Certified Operations at Dr António Agostinho Neto International Airport
Airport: Ground Handling Operator
Aviapartner reinforces Angola’s aviation sector with certified operations at NBJ Airport, a 100% Angolan workforce, and strong local ownership.
SAA Extends African Connectivity with New Service Between Johannesburg and Gaborone
African AirlineSouth African Airways launches a twice-daily Johannesburg–Gaborone service, strengthening intra-African connectivity, trade and regional integration.
Qatar Airways and Air Algérie Expand Network Access and Deepen Cooperation with Codeshare Partnership Launch
Air ConnectivityQatar Airways and Air Algérie launch a new codeshare partnership to enhance connectivity between Algeria, Asia, and the Middle East via Doha’s Hamad International Airport.
FlySafair Unveils Protea Livery Designed by 22-Year-Old South African Student
African AirlineFlySafair and Cricket South Africa unveil a Protea-themed aircraft livery by 22-year-old Dinika Naidu, marking one year of their national partnership.
Emirates Group Achieves Record Half-Year Profit for 2025–26, Maintains Position as the World’s Most Profitable Airline
AirlineEmirates Group posts record half-year profit of AED 12.2 billion (US$ 3.3 billion) for 2025–26. Emirates Airline and dnata both achieve double-digit profit growth, reflecting strong global travel demand and operational excellence.
Deadline Looms for Comments on Airfreight Strategy
South Africa: Air FreightThe Department of Transport urges stakeholders to submit comments on South Africa’s draft Airfreight Strategy before the 7 November 2025 deadline.
Suspension of Johannesburg–Maseru Flights Highlights Critical Infrastructure Gaps in Southern Africa
African AirlineAirlink suspends Johannesburg–Maseru flights after safety equipment failure at Moshoeshoe I Airport leaves Lesotho without scheduled air service.
Johannesburg–Maseru Flights to Resume Following Restoration of Airport Safety Services
African AirlineAirlink resumes Johannesburg–Maseru flights on 7 November 2025 after Moshoeshoe I International Airport restores compliant fire and rescue capability.
ATNS and Chief Executive Mutually Agree to End Working Relationship
Air Traffic and Navigation Services : ATNSATNS and CEO Nozipho Mdawe part ways by mutual agreement after three years in office. Investigation clears her of wrongdoing as ATNS seeks new leadership.
#AVIATIONnews Room
Local & Global Supplied News
ALSIM’s New AL2006 Simulator Joins the Fleet of Professional Aviation Academy in Italy
ReadProfessional Aviation Academy Italy adds ALSIM’s new AL2006 simulator replicating the Tecnam P2006T NG, strengthening advanced multi-engine pilot training.
How to Evaluate and Select Pilots in 2026
ReadKlasJet’s HR and Flight Operations leaders share how airlines can assess pilot performance, manage recruitment red flags, and adapt to evolving aviation practices.
