African Pilot Weekly Magazine 46:2025
Air Côte d’Ivoire Orders Four Embraer E175s to Boost Regional Connectivity
African Airline: Aircraft
Air Côte d’Ivoire, the national carrier of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, has signed a firm order for four Embraer E175 aircraft, with eight additional purchase rights, as part of its fleet modernisation and regional expansion strategy. The aircraft will be configured with 76 seats in a two-class layout – 12 in Business Class and 64 in Economy – offering passengers a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
Buraq Air to Become New Airbus Customer with a Commitment for 10 A320neo Family
African Airline: AircraftBuraq Air has signed an MoU for 10 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, supporting the airline’s fleet modernisation and strengthening its partnership with Medsky Airways.
Ethiopian Airlines Commits to Order 11 Boeing 737 MAX Airplanes
African Airline: Aircraft OrderEthiopian Airlines has committed to purchase 11 additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, strengthening its African hub, expanding regional and international routes, and reinforcing its long-standing partnership with Boeing.
Ethiopian Airlines Strengthens Its Position as Africa’s Largest A350 Operator with Order for Six Additional A350-900s
African Airline: Aircraft
Ethiopian Airlines has ordered six more Airbus A350-900 aircraft, reinforcing its position as Africa’s largest A350 operator and supporting its sustainable growth strategy. The agreement was signed at the Dubai Airshow.
Emirates and South African Airways Enhance Codeshare Agreement, Building on 28 Years of Partnership
African Airline: CodeshareEmirates and South African Airways are enhancing their long-standing partnership with a new reciprocal codeshare, expanded regional access across Africa, and a third daily Emirates flight to Cape Town starting July 2026.
Emirates to Roll Out Next Phase of Fleet Retrofit Programme, with 111 Aircraft Set for Next-Level Enhancements
AirlineEmirates begins the next phase of its major fleet retrofit, upgrading 111 aircraft with new cabins, advanced entertainment, and Starlink connectivity.
Ethiopian Airlines Leases Two ATR 72-600 for Air Congo Operations
African AirlineEthiopian Airlines will lease two new ATR 72-600 aircraft for Air Congo, strengthening regional connectivity in the DRC and expanding ATR’s footprint in Africa. Deliveries begin February 2026.
Elders Flight 2025
As the suits and dishdashahs gather at the Dubai Airshow, the modern epicentre of aviation in the procurement of new aircraft, elsewhere at Jack Taylor Airfield (FAKR), a small airfield in Krugersdorp, South Africa, under a veil of weather-adverse uncertainty, South Africa’s general aviation and air force veterans welcomed elders. This marked a stark contrast to the desert sun and the new-aircraft activity taking place in Dubai. Under the leadership of Felix Gosher as Event Director, and a crew of martyrs at his side, an experience like no other was set to entertain elderly folk who have never had the opportunity to experience flight.
Take six minutes to view the video encapsulating the spirit of aviation.
Moving SAATM Forward: Deregulation, Lower Costs and a Continental Infrastructure Plan
At the third Financing Summit of Africa’s Infrastructure Development in Luanda, organised by AUDA-NEPAD and the African Union and hosted by the Government of Angola, African Pilot Magazine engaged with Ibrah Wahabou, Head of Infrastructure and Transport at AUDA-NEPAD, to discuss progress on the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the infrastructure required to support it.
Wahabou noted that SAATM continues to advance across the continent. To date, 28 countries have signed the commitment, 18 have signed the memorandum of implementation and 21 countries – representing approximately 85 percent of Africa’s air traffic – are collaborating to roll out and pilot the SAATM process. He emphasised that SAATM must be viewed fundamentally as a business case, with stakeholders needing to be assured that air transport can generate sustainable commercial returns.
A key challenge remains the high cost of flying within Africa.
Daughter of Late Sling Aircraft South Africa Chief Test Pilot Sets New World Altitude Record
General Aviation & Lifestyle: PilotShannon Samantha Russell, daughter of the late Sling SA test pilot Sean Russell, sets a women’s world altitude record in the South African-designed Sling TSi at 32,059 ft.
3.6% Air Passenger Growth in September
Commercial & Air TravelIATA reports a 3.6% rise in global air passenger demand for September 2025, driven by strong international travel despite supply chain constraints.
Morocco Orders Ten Airbus H225M Helicopters
Military & Defence: HelicopterMorocco has ordered ten Airbus H225M helicopters to replace its ageing Puma fleet and enhance combat search and rescue capability. The agreement includes support services and strengthens Airbus’s growing footprint in Morocco.
Aviation Takes the Lead as UAE Unveils USD 6 Billion Tourism Investment Plan for Africa
African Aviation: InvestmentThe UAE has announced a USD 6 billion investment plan targeting Africa’s tourism and travel economy, with a strong emphasis on aviation, air connectivity and related infrastructure. The announcement was made during the UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 in Dubai, where aviation featured as a pillar of the continent’s tourism growth strategy.
The investment mapping unveiled by the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism includes major aviation, logistics and infrastructure projects expected to support improved air access across Africa. Expanded air connectivity was highlighted as a shared priority among ministers from more than 20 African countries, who issued a joint statement committing to strengthening aviation links as part of wider tourism cooperation.
According to H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, enhanced aviation networks and modernised air transport infrastructure are essential for unlocking Africa’s tourism potential and enabling the USD 6 billion investment pipeline. The initiative is expected to stimulate new routes, support airport and logistics upgrades and contribute to an estimated 70,000 jobs across the travel and aviation value chain.
With attention now shifting to the Future Hospitality Summit Africa in 2026, aviation is expected to remain central as governments and investors explore how improved air connectivity can accelerate tourism growth and drive long-term economic impact across the continent.
US Shutdown Ends, Allowing Airlines to Restore Normal Operations Across Domestic Network
Commercial & Air TravelThe US government shutdown has ended, allowing United Airlines and the wider aviation sector to restore domestic schedules while maintaining uninterrupted service on Africa routes. Here’s what the recovery means for African travellers and aviation stakeholders.
Milan Aircraft Unveils Project for First Truly Practical Electric Trainer Aircraft
International: Pilot Training AircraftMilan Aircraft unveils its clean-sheet electric trainer, offering practical range, modern design, and a major step forward in sustainable pilot training.
Introducing Tecnam’s New Era of Light Aviation
General Aviation & Lifestyle: PilotTecnam Aircraft leads the industry as the new FAA MOSAIC rules take effect, transforming light aviation with expanded capabilities and greater accessibility.
JEKTA and Tahseen Sign LOI to Collaborate on and Assess Potential for Amphibious Operations in the GCC
Amphibious AircraftJEKTA and Tahseen Aviation sign an LOI to explore sustainable amphibious aviation operations across the GCC, Africa and Asia.
