info@airnews.co.za  | +27 31 564 1319 

Africa’s Oldest Circulating Aviation Magazine

DIGITAL WORLD AIRNEWS

FEATURES

A PILOT’S STORY 2 – FROM LOW-COST AIRLINES TO CONQUERING THE EAST

Renowned pilot and author, Captain Ivan Anzellotti will once again captivate readers with his latest work “A Pilot’s Story 2 – From Low-Cost Airlines to Conquering the East”. Following the success of his first book “A Pilot’s Story – From the Ruins of Alitalia to the Desert of Qatar”, Anzellotti delves deeper into the world of aviation and offers a fascinating perspective on the challenges and changes in the profession.

Read More »
AIR TRANSPORT

BRITISH AIRWAYS MAKES FIRST FLIGHT FROM LONDON GATWICK TO ACCRA

British Airways has inaugurated its first flight from London Gatwick to Accra, landing at Kotoka International Airport in Ghana. The inaugural flight was celebrated with traditional West African dancers, drummers, and a VIP delegation, including the British High Commissioner to Ghana. The airline now offers three weekly flights between Accra and London Gatwick, with plans to add a fourth service in the future. The new route not only provides more travel options for passengers but also increases cargo capacity for Ghanaian exporters. Additionally, British Airways is introducing an exclusive Afrobeats playlist curated by DJ Cuppy for in-flight entertainment. The airline is committed to sustainability through its BA Better World program and aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Read More »
AVIONICS

AIRBUS VSR700 SOARS TO SUCCESS: UNCREWED AIRCRAFT CONQUERS SEA FLIGHT TESTS

Airbus Helicopters’ uncrewed VSR700 rotorcraft has successfully concluded an extensive flight test campaign, showcasing its autonomous takeoff and landing capabilities aboard a French Navy frigate. This remarkable achievement unfolded over the course of a week, from October 2 to October 9, aboard the Provence frigate off the picturesque Mediterranean coast. During these tests, the VSR700 demonstrator completed more than 8 hours of flight over seven missions, the most extended of which extended close to 2 hours.

Read More »
INDIAN NAVY'S ILYUSHIN-38 SEA DRAGON
DEFENCE

INDIAN NAVY’S ILYUSHIN-38 SEA DRAGON BIDS FAREWELL AFTER 46 YEARS OF ADMIRABLE SERVICE

After 46 years of dedicated service to the Indian Navy, the Ilyushin-38 Sea Dragon Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft took its final bow in a touching decommissioning ceremony at INS Hansa, Dabolim, on October 31, 2023. This poignant event, attended by high-ranking dignitaries, veteran officers, and sailors, marked the end of an illustrious era for the aircraft known for its formidable maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Read More »
S-92 is a mainstay of the offshore industry
AIR TRANSPORT

OIL AND GAS PRODUCERS SOUND ALARM ON SAFETY AMIDST S-92 GEARBOX SHORTAGE

Safety concerns loom large in offshore helicopter operations as a critical shortage of spare parts, notably main gearboxes (MGBs) for the Sikorsky S-92, puts the industry at risk. The aviation sub-committee of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) has issued a stark warning about the impending crisis. Currently, 31 S-92 helicopters are grounded, awaiting essential gearbox replacements, a number expected to double by the end of 2024.

Read More »
ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY

INNOVATION IN ACTION: HOW DRONES ARE ENHANCING THE INDUSTRY’S SAFETY

After some promising initial results in the use of drones for leak detection efforts across the upstream and midstream sectors of the natural gas industry, some natural gas utilities are piloting the use of drones as part of their leak detection and repair (LDAR) efforts. While the full benefit of drones to leak detection projects is difficult to quantify at this early stage, it is evident that they have the potential to revolutionize the way the industry addresses leaks, increase the scale and reliability of LDAR efforts, and improve safety.

Read More »
ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY

AIRBUS CHARTS A GREEN COURSE: NEW WIND-POWERED VESSELS TO REVOLUTIONIZE AIRCRAFT SUBASSEMBLY TRANSPORT

Airbus has announced plans to renew its fleet of chartered vessels used to transport aircraft subassemblies between production facilities in Europe and the United States. The company has commissioned shipowner Louis Dreyfus Armateurs to build and operate three modern, low-emission roll-on/roll-off vessels, which will be supported by wind-assisted propulsion. These vessels are expected to enter service in 2026 and will significantly reduce CO2 emissions, aligning with Airbus’ commitment to reduce its industrial emissions and support the goals of the Paris Agreement. The vessels will be powered by a combination of wind-assisted propulsion, dual-fuel engines, and optimised routing software, making them more environmentally friendly and efficient.

Read More »
AVIATION EVENTS

ETHIOPIAN CARGO & LOGISTICS SERVICES WINS ‘BEST CARGO AIRLINE-AFRICA’ AT THE MAIDEN ARABIAN CARGO AWARDS

Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services, the leading air cargo network operator in Africa, was awarded the “Best Cargo Airline-Africa” accolade at the inaugural Arabian Cargo Awards held in Dubai, UAE, on October 24, 2023. The Arabian Cargo Awards is a platform in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region designed to acknowledge achievements in the Cargo & Logistics Industry.

Read More »
Sikorsky’s the RAIDER X
AIR TRANSPORT

SIKORSKY’S RAIDER X TEAM INSTALLS U.S. ARMY’S UPGRADED TURBINE ENGINE

– Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT) is beginning the installation process of the U.S. Army’s new Improved Turbine Engine (ITEP) on its RAIDER X® aircraft designed for the Future Attack Reconnaissance (FARA) program. The U.S. Army and Sikorsky engineers reviewed the engine after its arrival at the company’s West Palm Beach facility and then transferred it to the engine integration test lab next to the RAIDER X assembly area on Oct 20.

Read More »
AIR TRANSPORT

BEECHCRAFT KING AIR 360: 100TH DELIVERY CONTINUES TURBOPROP LEGACY

Textron Aviation has celebrated a significant milestone with the delivery of the 100th Beechcraft King Air 360 turboprop aircraft to the Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center (CBCC), a loyal Textron Aviation customer. The King Air 360 is a part of the world’s most popular family of business turboprop aircraft and is known for its versatility, reliability, and advanced features. This delivery underscores its position in the aviation market. CBCC, a pioneer in global cancer care, is excited about the enhanced capabilities of the King Air 360 for expanding their cancer care delivery and research efforts. With nearly 7,800 Beechcraft King Air turboprops delivered since 1964, this aircraft family has a rich history and continues to serve various roles worldwide.

Read More »
AVIATION EVENTS

CAPE TOWN AIR ACCESS WINS ROUTES WORLD DESTINATION AWARD FOR SECOND YEAR

Cape Town Air Access, powered by Wesgro, has been honored with the Routes World Destination Award for the second consecutive year at the global route development conference in Istanbul, Turkey. The award recognizes the significant marketing support provided to airline partners and acknowledges the impact of marketing activities on future network development. The project emphasizes sustainability, exhibiting the tourism, trade, and investment value of Cape Town and the Western Cape. It has facilitated the addition of seven new international routes and airlines, resulting in increased seat and air cargo capacity. The CEO of Wesgro commends the commitment of the team and key partners in unlocking the region’s aviation potential and highlights their dedication to sustainability. The project is also focusing on underserved priority routes and has showcased its commitment to environmental responsibility. Public-private sector collaboration has been pivotal in promoting economic growth and job creation through enhanced connectivity and increased tourism.

Read More »
AIR TRANSPORT

SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS APPLAUDS VISA WAIVER FOR SOUTH AFRICAN AND GHANAIAN TRAVELERS

South African Airways (SAA) celebrates a significant development in travel between South Africa and Ghana, as both countries have agreed to waive visa requirements for their citizens. This historic visa waiver agreement, effective from November 1, 2023, allows ordinary passport holders from South Africa and Ghana to travel seamlessly between the two nations for up to 90 days without the need for a visa. Travelers can explore the beauty and culture of these African nations without the hassle of visa applications. SAA, a key airline connecting South Africa and Ghana, offers tri-weekly flights between Johannesburg and Accra, making travel convenient. The move is seen as a positive step towards promoting intra-African connectivity, tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.

Read More »
fly exclusive
AIR TRANSPORT

TEXTRON AVIATION NAMES FLYEXCLUSIVE FLEET LAUNCH CUSTOMER FOR NEWLY-ANNOUNCED CITATION CJ3 GEN2

Textron Aviation, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., has unveiled flyExclusive as the fleet launch customer for the cutting-edge Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 during a press conference at the National Business Aviation Association – Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) event in Las Vegas. The Citation CJ3 Gen2, a groundbreaking addition to the Citation family, marks a significant advancement in the light jet market and represents a crucial step in flyExclusive’s fleet modernization initiative. The partnership solidifies flyExclusive’s commitment to providing top-tier private jet charter experiences by adding up to 30 CJ3+ light aircraft to their existing Cessna Citation jet fleet. This state-of-the-art aircraft, expected to enter service in 2025, boasts an impressive array of features for passengers and pilots alike, redefining business aviation standards. With its outstanding range, payload capacity, and advanced technology, the Citation CJ3 Gen2 stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence in the aviation industry.

Read More »
Embraer, Defense & Security, Portfolio
AIR TRANSPORT

EMBRAER PROMOTES ITS DEFENCE & SECURITY PORTFOLIO AT SOUTH KOREA’S ADEX 2023

Embraer, a leading global aerospace company, is showcasing its robust defense and security portfolio at ADEX 2023 in Seoul, South Korea. Their portfolio includes advanced products and solutions for the defense and security markets, spanning air, land, sea, and space domains. Key offerings include the C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft and the A-29 Super Tucano light attack and training aircraft. The company’s presence at the event aims to strengthen relations with Korean customers and the aerospace community. Notably, Embraer has previously signed Memorandums of Understanding with Korean aerospace companies to enhance collaboration and supply parts for the C-390 Millennium aircraft, which has proven its capabilities and operational excellence with various countries

Read More »
AIRBUS HELICOPTERS PIONEERS USER-FRIENDLY WAYS TO FLY EVTOLS ELECTRIC FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM
AVIONICS

AIRBUS HELICOPTERS PIONEER USER-FRIENDLY WAYS TO FLY EVTOLS

Airbus Helicopters has made significant progress in the development of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, particularly the CityAirbus NextGen prototype. In a recent milestone, the company successfully tested an electric flight control system using their demonstrator FlightLab. This innovative system simplifies pilot controls by replacing the conventional cyclic, pedals, and collective with a single piloting stick, capable of controlling all aircraft axes. The electric flight control system not only streamlines pilot workload but also enhances mission safety. Combined with a revised human-machine interface (HMI), the single stick provides improved visibility and a selection of information tailored to eVTOLs. Airbus is committed to advancing urban air mobility and reducing aviation emissions through their eVTOL initiatives.

Read More »
pilatus-aircraft-ltd-pc-24-collage_03_2x
AIR TRANSPORT

MAKING THE PILATUS PC-24 EVEN MORE “NICE”

At NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas, which begins next week, Lufthansa Technik AG and Pilatus Aircraft Ltd will for the first time unveil their strategic cooperation regarding a cabin management system for the Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet. For this purpose, the Original Equipment & Special Aircraft Services segment of Lufthansa Technik has adapted its renowned »nice« (networked integrated cabin equipment) specifically for the popular jet aircraft type of the venerable Swiss manufacturer.

Read More »
Avionics Automation
AVIONICS

MAKING AUTOMATION WORK FOR AEROSPACE

The aerospace industry’s gradual adoption of automation faces unique challenges due to its strict safety standards and complex regulations. While automation could improve efficiency and profitability, the industry must grapple with concerns such as return on investment, part tracking, and the retraining of workers. The integration of automation systems can enhance worker safety by handling repetitive and physically demanding tasks. Tailoring automation solutions to individual shop needs, considering support and training, and fostering ongoing conversations between suppliers and manufacturers are essential for successful implementation in this highly specialized field. Collaboration and customization are key in the journey toward aerospace automation.

Read More »
BOEING’S ENHANCED AH-64E APACHE
DEFENCE

BOEING’S ENHANCED AH-64E APACHE COMPLETES FIRST FLIGHT

Version 6.5 represents a remarkable leap forward in the AH-64E Apache’s arsenal of capabilities, boasting enhancements in connectivity, lethality, navigation, and survivability. This cutting-edge technology paves the way for the integration of the U.S. Army’s Improved Turbine Engine, a development poised to further elevate the Apache fleet’s performance and versatility, ensuring its continued dominance on the battlefield.

Read More »
GULFSTREAM G500
AVIONICS

GULFSTREAM G500 GAINS FAA STEEP-APPROACH CERTIFICATION

Gulfstream Aerospace has achieved certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the next-generation Gulfstream G500 to perform steep-approach operations, allowing access to some of the world’s most challenging airports. The G500 demonstrated its low-speed handling and short-field capabilities with successful landings at airports like London City Airport and Lugano Airport in 2021. This certification enhances the G500’s already acclaimed performance and efficiency, offering optimized speed, wide-cabin comfort, and advanced safety features, including the Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck.

Read More »

Subscribe to the Airnews Magazine

SUBSCRIPTION FORM

SUBSCRIPTION FORM