African Pilot

12/07/2025

🇪🇹 Ethiopian transports nearly 1 million tonnes of cargo annually across a global network of over 140 destinations?

This is about to grow significantly as Ethiopian Airlines launches a twice-weekly cargo service to Urumqi, China. Expanding its Asia network and enhancing air freight connectivity between Africa and China. The route further positions Addis Ababa as a strategic global logistics hub.

Continue reading here: https://africanpilot.africa/ethiopian-expands-cargo-network-in-asia-with-the-addition-of-urumqi-in-china/

12/07/2025

At the Paris Air Show, VÆRIDION and AURA AERO announced a strategic partnership to jointly advance electric flight. The collaboration focuses on charging infrastructure, policy advocacy, flight testing, and shared development goals.

https://africanpilot.africa/vaeridion-and-aura-aero-announce-strategic-partnership-to-advance-electric-flight/

11/07/2025

At AERO Expo SA, Kent Gibbon from African Pilot joined Alex Smith of Cirrus Aircraft South Africa for a guided tour of the SF50 Vision Jet. With over 500 aircraft flying globally and three now operating in South Africa, the Cirrus Vision Jet is meticulously designed around safety, simplicity, and performance, making it ideal for private pilots transitioning into the jet market.

Discover key highlights such as the CAPS parachute system, the Stability Augmentation System (SAS), and its distinctive V-tail configuration here: https://youtu.be/SOwzVSH_-lU

At the recent Aero SA 2025, African Pilot’s Kent Gibbon is joined by Alex Smith, Director and General Manager at Cirrus South Africa, for a guided tour of th...

11/07/2025

A French aerospace consortium, including Daher, Safran, Collins Aerospace and Ascendance, has launched a hybrid-electric propulsion R&D project targeting 6–10 seat light aircraft, called TAGINE.

This collaboration marks a milestone in advancing sustainable propulsion technologies through integrated expertise across systems, acoustics, battery integration and hybrid energy management.

https://africanpilot.africa/a-french-aerospace-consortium-launches-an-initiative-to-develop-hybrid-electric-propulsion-for-general-aviation-specifically-light-aircraft/

11/07/2025

Airbus has reached a significant milestone in European defence aviation with the completion of its first SIRTAP prototype, a high-performance tactical uncrewed aerial system designed and built entirely in Spain. Now ready for ground testing!

Read more: https://africanpilot.africa/first-airbus-sirtap-prototype-ready-to-start-ground-tests/

11/07/2025

Garmin Aviation has extended its GI 275 engine indication system to support select 7-cylinder radial engines, delivering cutting-edge monitoring capabilities to a new segment of vintage aircraft. This development enables operators of aircraft such as the Cessna 195 and Beech Model 18 to benefit from features like real time engine data streaming, touchscreen navigation and integration with the Garmin Pilot app. It’s a notable step forward in modernising legacy cockpits without compromising their classic charm.

Read more here: https://africanpilot.africa/garmin-gi-275-eis-7cylinder-engine-installations/

10/07/2025

Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy have completed the first autonomous test flight of a Leonardo AW139 helicopter, a key step in developing uncrewed aerial logistics for the US Marine Corps.

🚁 https://africanpilot.africa/honeywell-and-near-earth-autonomy-complete-first-autonomous-flight-of-leonardo-aw139-helicopter/

10/07/2025

Built in 🇿🇦 South Africa. Trusted around the world. At AERO Expo SA 2025, African Pilot’s Kent Gibbon joined Aidan Cantin from Sling Aircraft for a walkaround of the Sling 2, TSi, and High Wing models—unpacking what makes them a global favourite for flight schools, private owners, and kit builders alike. From Rotax 916 iS performance to Garmin G3X avionics, see how Sling combines engineering excellence with export-ready versatility—designed, manufactured, and proudly assembled in Johannesburg.

Watch the full tour and cockpit tech demo here: https://youtu.be/h0pH_Nroy0A

Join African Pilot’s Kent Gibbon for a comprehensive aircraft walkaround and technical discussion with Aidan Cantin, Sales Executive at Sling Aircraft, filme...

10/07/2025

Airbus Defence and Space has successfully completed a series of test drops in France, validating the A400M firefighting kit’s operational effectiveness and flexibility.

✈️ https://africanpilot.africa/airbus-a400m-firefighting-kit-completes-a-successful-test-campaign-in-france/

10/07/2025

TPConnects and African Airlines Association have released a compelling whitepaper exploring the future of airline distribution in Africa. Drawing from the 2025 Airline Distribution Survey, the report reveals that over 40% of African airlines are planning or implementing NDC initiatives, despite ongoing challenges.

Read more here: https://africanpilot.africa/africas-next-flight-modern-airline-retailing-unlocked/

10/07/2025

Kenya Airways is leading the way in aviation safety! As the first airline to implement IATA’s new I-ASC Light survey tool, KQ is strengthening its safety culture and delivering on its commitment to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Safety Leadership Charter.

Read how this innovation is shaping the future of airline safety in Africa here: https://africanpilot.africa/iatas-i-asc-light-assessment-helps-kenya-airways-elevate-safety-culture/

09/07/2025

At AviaDev Africa 2025, Chapman Freeborn Airchartering’s leadership shared how ACMI & leasing is emerging as a vital tool for African airlines. As the region faces supply chain constraints, rising costs, and fleet renewal delays, ACMI is proving essential for scalable, cost-effective operations. Continue reading here: https://africanpilot.africa/acmi-in-africa-insights-from-aviadev-panel/