African Pilot

28/11/2025

Bell Flight confirms more than 700 flight hours on blended SAF with the Bell 505. The trials with Safran Helicopter Engines continue to show strong performance and support wider SAF adoption in rotorcraft operations.

https://africanpilot.africa/bell-505-achieves-over-700-flight-hours-with-blended-sustainable-aviation-fuel/

28/11/2025

The Gabon Civil Aviation Authority has been recognised with the ICAO Council President Certificate for its progress in aviation security oversight during the latest USAP audit.

https://africanpilot.africa/gabon-civil-aviation-authority-honoured-with-icao-council-president-certificate-for-security-oversight-progress/

27/11/2025

ICAO - International Civil Aviation Organization’s feasibility study outlines Ethiopia’s potential to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel, assessing key feedstocks and the actions needed to support SAF deployment.

https://africanpilot.africa/ethiopia-feasibility-study-on-sustainable-aviation-fuel/

27/11/2025

Embraer has celebrated the delivery of its 1,700th Ipanema cropduster, the EMB-203 model. The ethanol-powered aircraft leads the agricultural aviation market with approximately 60 percent share and delivers high productivity, precision and low operating costs. More than 180 units have been sold in the last three years, reinforcing its position as a preferred platform for efficient and sustainable aerial spraying.

https://africanpilot.africa/embraer-celebrates-delivery-of-1700th-ipanema-cropduster/

27/11/2025

ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation, has successfully renewed its approvals from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as well as multiple African civil aviation authorities.

https://africanpilot.africa/execujet-mro-services-south-africa-strengthens-its-regional-presence-with-renewed-us-faa-and-african-approvals/

27/11/2025

Airports Company South Africa launches real-time baggage tracking on its mobile app, giving passengers visibility of their checked-in bags through all handling stages.

https://africanpilot.africa/acsa-introduces-new-baggage-tracking-feature-to-enhance-passenger-experience/

26/11/2025

✈️ || The Boeing Company and the DLA tested the Rapid Delivery Release model, cutting aircraft-parts delivery times by months. The first F-15 trial confirmed RDR’s potential for urgent and surge support, with expansion now underway.

https://africanpilot.africa/boeing-new-supply-model-means-faster-delivery-of-aircraft-parts/

Boeing and the US Defence Logistics Agency trial a new Rapid Delivery Release model that shortens proposal-to-award cycles and accelerates delivery of critical aircraft parts.

26/11/2025

✈️ || Qatar Airways is boosting winter travel by increasing services to global destinations, including Cape Town and Nigeria.

Read more: https://africanpilot.africa/qatar-airways-boosts-winter-travel-with-service-increase-to-global-destinations-including-cape-town-and-nigeria/

26/11/2025

✈️ || In a media release dated 21 November 2025, the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa responds to recent media reports regarding Jet A-1 supply constraints at Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) and wishes to clarify several important points to ensure accurate public understanding of the situation.

https://africanpilot.africa/update-on-jet-a-1-supply-constraints-at-cape-town-international-airport/

24/11/2025

A new IATA study reveals that African airports could save millions by adopting biometric digital ID systems to integrate domestic and international passenger flows.

The technology promises:
• Up to $80M in capital savings for mid-sized airports
• 11% lower staffing costs
• 18,000 tonnes fewer CO₂ emissions per year
For Africa’s growing aviation sector, this could mean smarter, more sustainable expansion, without new terminals.

Read more here: https://africanpilot.africa/biometrics-could-save-african-airports-millions-says-iata/

24/11/2025

Milan Aircraft has unveiled its project for a fully electric trainer aircraft, designed from a clean sheet to enable complete pilot training powered solely by electricity. The four-seat “Milan” integrates three times the battery capacity of an average electric car, delivering over two hours of flight time plus reserve and a range exceeding 400 km. Developed by a multidisciplinary Swiss team, the aircraft prioritises simplicity, aerodynamic efficiency and modern industrial processes, with three patent applications underway. The prototype’s first flight is planned for 2027 as the company progresses through its initial funding round.

https://africanpilot.africa/milan-aircraft-unveils-project-for-first-truly-practical-electric-trainer-aircraft/

24/11/2025

JEKTA and Tahseen Aviation Services have signed a Letter of Intent at the Dubai Airshow 2025 to explore the commercial potential of amphibious aviation across the GCC. The assessment will focus on opportunities for business aviation, cargo, logistics and oil field services using JEKTA’s zero-emission PHA-ZE 100 aircraft. The collaboration aims to evaluate route viability, operational benefits and market demand for sustainable amphibious operations across the region and into Africa and Asia.

https://africanpilot.africa/jekta-and-tahseen-sign-loi-to-collaborate-on-and-assess-potential-for-amphibious-operations-in-the-gcc/