Africa’s Oldest Circulating Aviation Magazine
Blackhawk Aerospace Technologies (BAT) has completed the STC for the Installation of the new Garmin
Aurrigo International PLC has secured a contract with the Digital Testbed Cargo Project (DTAC) Consortium
BY TREVOR WILLIAMS The southern African nation of Namibia may not be on the map
Textron Aviation has clinched a contract from the U.S. Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal,
Pegasus, Türkiye’s leading low-cost airline, has taken a significant step towards further enhancing its operational
In a move set to bolster regional connectivity, TAAG Angola Airlines has announced a significant
Dubai, UAE. Spatial, the world’s leading provider of cabin crew training equipment, which is based
Maintenance teams and materials have to travel long distances to reach offshore wind turbines. Can
Dassault Aviation is particularly honored to be taking part in the Dubai Airshow, from November
There is hardly a more gripping moment than launching a spacecraft – everything has to
A signed purchase agreement between Bell and Caverton Helicopters for a Bell 429, which will
EDMO Distributors, Inc. is pleased to announce they have teamed up with Aviation Design and
FlySafair, South Africa’s most on-time airline, scooped five prestigious awards at this year’s Civil Aviation
In a resounding display of excellence and achievement, ExecuJet has secured an outstanding victory across
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has issued Virgin Atlantic with a permit to fly a
GE Aerospace announced that their Flight Management software is the first in the industry to
GKN Aerospace and GE have deepened their long-term partnership on a series of industry leading
Jetex is the first to offer SAF to customers in the United Arab Emirates. Following
In a groundbreaking collaboration with Loughborough University and the German Aerospace Centre Deutsches Zentrum für
The 2023 Dubai Airshow promises to be a showcase of cutting-edge aerospace technology and innovation,
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today the Army has officially delivered
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.
– 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.
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.
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.
Tecnam has announced that the P2012 STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) aircraft is on
Turkish Airlines has its sights set on ambitious targets to cement its market position. It
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.
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.
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
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.
Embraer has announced a new autothrottle feature for the Phenom 300E aircraft, aimed at enhancing
Tanzania’s Airplanes Africa Marks Milestone with First Locally Assembled Aircraft
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.
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.
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.
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.
TAAG Angola Airlines is making strides in modernisation and efficiency, introducing four state-of-the-art Boeing 787
Leading aircraft charter specialist, Air Charter Service, was recently called into action by non-profit conservation
Seychelles is becoming more accessible to visitors from other parts of the world with an increase in
Embraer today unveiled the Phenom 100EX business jet, the company’s latest evolution from the Phenom
In the contemporary landscape of the aviation industry, where free checked luggage is a privilege
As the Official Global Airline Partner of F1 and the title sponsor of the Qatar
