FAI dedicates Global Express to ultra-long-range air ambulance operations
FAI rent-a-jet, Germany’s Special Mission Operator, has configured one of its seven Global Express aircraft (D-AFAM) as a dedicated air ambulance.
General Aviation
in General Aviation Rolls-Royce’s all electric ‘Spirit of Innovation’ takes to the skies
Posted 16 September 2021
Rolls-Royce has completed the first flight of its all-electric ‘Spirit of Innovation’ aircraft.
in General Aviation Angola's Turaco teams with FAS to boost offshore and VIP services
Posted 13 September 2021
Angola’s Turaco Aviation and the UAE’s Falcon Aviation Services (FAS) have announced a strategic partnership to provide helicopter services to Angola, offering the latest models of aircraft as well as in-country
in General Aviation / Features African ‘first’ as Caverton operates the Helibus
Posted 9 September 2021
The first Sikorsky S-92 Helibus to be operated by a wholly locally owned African company is now working in Nigeria, writes Jon Lake.
in General Aviation Inmarsat launches advanced new Velaris connectivity solution
Posted 8 September 2021
Inmarsat has launched its advanced new Velaris connectivity solution, which is uniquely positioned to serve as a catalyst for the safe and rapid growth of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) industry.
in General Aviation / Features Botswana boosts police helicopter capability
Posted 31 August 2021
Botswana’s police force has acquired increased capabilities in fighting everything from burglars to wild game poachers with a new batch of rotary-wing equipment.
in General Aviation Bell delivers first Bell 505 to Ethiopia
Posted 12 July 2021
Bell Textron has delivered a Bell 505 helicopter to W.A. Oil Factory and Distribution in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, its first corporate customer in the country. With this latest acquisition, there are almost 30 Bell 505s in operation across six
in General Aviation Bestfly takes delivery of new AW139
Posted 29 June 2021
Angolan operator Bestfly is strengthening its offering in the helicopter market with the delivery of a pair of new Leonardo AW139s with the first being handed over this afternoon.
in General Aviation Bell and MCC Aviation commemorate special event in South Africa
Posted 29 June 2021
Bell joined MCC Aviation on June 9 in support of a special event in South Africa – the 67 Blankets initiative.
in General Aviation SITA set to become a certified carbon neutral organisation by 2022
Posted 21 June 2021
SITA has released its annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report, which reveals that, despite the pandemic, the company remains set to become a certified carbon neutral organisation by or before 2022.
in General Aviation Fahari pilots new approach to Kenya's wildlife census with UAS
Posted 18 June 2021
Over this past week, Fahari Aviation, a subsidiary of Kenya's national carrier, Kenya Airways has been demonstrating how drones can add value to society by participating in the Tsavo Ecosystem Wildlife Census that ends
in General Aviation African airlines’ cargo demand in March increased 24.6%
Posted 5 May 2021
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released March 2021 data for global air cargo markets showing that air cargo demand continued to outperform pre-COVID levels (March 2019) with demand up 4.4%. African
in General Aviation Boeing launches emergency assistance package to support India
Posted 4 May 2021
Boeing has announced a $10 million emergency assistance package for India to support the country's response to the current surge in COVID-19 cases.
in General Aviation Kenya Airways and Skyports to launch drone delivery service in Kenya
Posted 27 April 2021
Advanced air mobility (AAM) company Skyports has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the flag carrier airline of Kenya, Kenya Airways, to collaborate on launching permanent unmanned aerial vehicle
in General Aviation Ethiopian Airlines transports vaccine to São Paulo
Posted 19 April 2021
Ethiopian Airlines Group, has transported 3.5 Million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Shanghai to São Paulo, Brazil, via Addis Ababa.
in General Aviation Africa gets its first Level D helicopter simulator
Posted 14 April 2021
The Thales Reality H full-flight simulator, which is one of the most advanced commercial helicopter simulators in the world, is now operational with Caverton in Nigeria – this is Africa’s second Level D helicopter full flight
in General Aviation Skyworld Aviation sells ERJ 145 to Westair of Namibia
Posted 6 April 2021
Skyworld Aviation has announced the sale of an ERJ 145 to Westair of Namibia.
in General Aviation Bell delivers first Bell 505 to Ugandan aviation company
Posted 6 April 2021
Bell Textron has delivered a Bell 505 helicopter equipped with the Med-Pac Emergency Medical Services Lite Interior to BAR Aviation. This marks the first Bell 505 in Uganda and the first Bell 505 designed to complete medical
in General Aviation Major efficiency improvement for the Air Cargo Programme
Posted 6 April 2021
The Cargo Agency Conference (CAC) is to give freight forwarders a stronger voice in the development of CAC resolutions.
in General Aviation IAG Cargo records biggest uplift from Nairobi to London
Posted 31 March 2021
IAG Cargo the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG) has uplifted 53,793 kgs of cargo on a cargo-only flight from Nairobi, Kenya to London-Heathrow operated by a British Airways B777-300 aircraft in March – a record
in General Aviation Ethiopian marks a year since first preighter operation on passenger aircraft
Posted 25 March 2021
On this day last year, Ethiopian Airlines operated its first cargo only service on a passenger aircraft with its Boeing B787-900.
in General Aviation IATA launches EPIC to enhance digital collaboration across air cargo
Posted 24 March 2021
IATA has launched the Enhanced Partner Identification and Connectivity (EPIC) platform to support the digitisation of the global air cargo supply chain.
in General Aviation Ethiopian Transports COVID-19 vaccines to African countries
Posted 11 March 2021
Ethiopian Airlines has operated COVID-19 vaccine delivery flights from Mumbai to Addis Ababa and from Beijing to Brazzaville.
in General Aviation Etihad Cargo and EFL deliver vaccines to Egypt
Posted 11 March 2021
Etihad Cargo and EFL (Expolanka Freight), the global supply chain company, have carried a vital consignment of vaccines from India to Egypt.
in General Aviation Most eVTOL aircraft will struggle to secure affordable insurance
Posted 10 March 2021
Most eVTOL aircraft seeking to become commercially operational will fail to secure insurance at an affordable price as they will be unable to meet the requirements of insurers, which includes providing them enough data
in General Aviation Air Express Algeria secures three aircraft on lease from ACIA Aero
Posted 8 March 2021
Air Express Algeria, which serves the oil and gas industry from its hub in Hassi Messaoud, has secured three aircraft on lease from ACIA Aero.
in General Aviation African airlines’ cargo demand soared 22.4% in January
Posted 4 March 2021
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released January 2021 data for global air cargo markets showing that air cargo demand returned to pre-COVID levels (January 2019) for the first time since the onset of the
in General Aviation Astral Aviation selected by UNICEF for airfreight initiative
Posted 17 February 2021
Astral Aviation has been selected by UNICEF for its humanitarian airfreight initiative.
in General Aviation Ethiopian transports first COVID-19 vaccine shipment to Africa
Posted 8 February 2021
Ethiopian Airlines transported the first COVID-19 vaccine shipment from Beijing to N'Djamena via Addis Ababa on 6th February 2021.
in General Aviation 2020 worst year for air cargo demand
Posted 4 February 2021
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that demand for air cargo decreased by 10.6% in 2020, compared to 2019. This was the largest drop in year-on-year demand since IATA started to
in General Aviation ACC Aviation consolidates expertise in one brand
Posted 28 January 2021
ACC Aviation has unveiled a new logo and branding for 2021 that solidifies 36 months of significant transformation for the global aviation service provider under the leadership of CEO Phil Mathews.
in General Aviation Bell 412 surpasses 40 years of flight
Posted 25 January 2021
The Bell 412 has been flying for 40 years with 1,100 Bell 412s being delivered across the globe, logging over 6.5 million flight hours.
in General Aviation Ethiopian Airlines and Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority to launch freight transport service
Posted 25 January 2021
Ethiopian Airlines and the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (DPFZA) have agreed to launch a freight transport service aiming to transport more than 400,000 tons of goods,
in General Aviation Airbus Helicopters has started in-flight tests on board its Flightlab
Posted 25 January 2021
Airbus Helicopters has started in-flight tests on board its Flightlab, a platform-agnostic flying laboratory exclusively dedicated to maturing new technologies.
in General Aviation African airlines saw international demand fall in November
Posted 7 January 2021
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets in November showing that freight volumes improved compared to October, but remain depressed compared to 2019. Capacity
in General Aviation Ethiopian-DHL and African Electronic Trade Group partner up
Posted 4 January 2021
Ethiopian Airlines-DHL and African Electronic Trade Group have partnered to transport historical parcels in the African Continental Free Trade Area.
in General Aviation ACIA delivers an ATR72-212 LCD Freighter to Solenta Aviation
Posted 18 December 2020
ACIA Aero Leasing has delivered a further ATR72-212 LCD Freighter to Solenta Aviation. The aircraft will be based in Gabon and operate routes for the DHL West Africa network.
in General Aviation Bell EDAT Demonstrator wins “Best of What’s New in Aerospace” award
Posted 9 December 2020
Bell Textron has announced that Popular Science recognised Bell’s Electrically Distributed Anti-Torque (EDAT) innovation as the winner of its “Best of What’s New Award” in the Aerospace category for 2020.
in General Aviation Ethiopian and Cainiao launch cold chain air freight for medicines from China
Posted 3 December 2020
Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with Cainiao Smart Logistics Network to launch a special cold chain air freight for the transportation of temperature-controlled medicines from Shenzhen Airport,
in General Aviation Thales and StandardAero achieve first 4-Axis Autopilot Flight Test
Posted 30 November 2020
Thales and StandardAero have successfully achieved the first flight test of a revolutionary compact autopilot system that they say will bring Airbus AS350 and H125 helicopters into a new era of performance and
in General Aviation Astral Aviation helps with delivery of Covid-19 vaccines
Posted 26 November 2020
Astral Aviation, a member of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) and Pharma.Aero, has announced that it is ready to support the distribution of the recently discovered COVID-19 vaccines across its scheduled
in General Aviation Ethiopian Cargo launches trans-pacific cargo flight services
Posted 25 November 2020
Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services has launched Trans-Pacific routes, extending from Incheon to Atlanta via Anchorage effective 09 Nov 2020.
in General Aviation Ethiopian Airlines help airlift relief goods to Ethiopia
Posted 9 November 2020
Ethiopian Airlines and Airbus in partnership with Aviation Sans Frontieres and Pablo Horstmann Foundation have transported humanitarian goods onboard two new Airbus A350-900 aircraft delivered to Ethiopian on 6 November
in General Aviation IATA: African airlines see demand increase in September
Posted 6 November 2020
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released September data for global air freight markets showing that air cargo demand, while strengthening, remains depressed compared to 2019 levels. However, African
in General Aviation Demand for FAI Air Ambulance’s corona transport
Posted 23 October 2020
FAIs air ambulance division has been operating at maximum capacity to meet the high number of requests for repatriation and medevac flights, including difficult destinations such as South Sudan.
in General Aviation Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines partner on 40th humanitarian flight
Posted 5 October 2020
Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines recently launched their 40th humanitarian delivery flight when the airline’s new 787-9 Dreamliner departed Everett, Washington, carrying more than 20,000 pounds of humanitarian
in General Aviation First ever purpose-built regional freighter takes flight
Posted 21 September 2020
ATR has announced the successful first flight of its new purpose-built regional freighter aircraft.
in General Aviation Chapman Freeborn mobile hospital delivery aids West African Covid-19 relief efforts
Posted 15 September 2020
Throughout 2020 Chapman Freeborn has helped aid the global fight against Covid-19, arranging cargo operations for PPE and medical supplies all over the world and recently its cargo team completed
in General Aviation Air Partner opens new freight office in South Africa
Posted 14 September 2020
Air Partner, a charter and Freight solutions specialist, has established its first physical presence in South Africa, with a Johannesburg sales office that will provide localised support to Freight clients within the region.
in General Aviation African demand for air cargo contracts 3.0% in July
Posted 1 September 2020
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets in July showing air cargo demand is stable but at lower levels than 2019.
in General Aviation Bell Textron celebrates 85th anniversary
Posted 25 August 2020
Bell Textron has celebrated its 85th anniversary.
in General Aviation Cessna Grand Caravan EX fleet in Africa grows
Posted 12 August 2020
Textron Aviation has been awarded a contract by ATI Engineering Services for two multi-mission Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft for the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) in support of the African Partnership Flight initiative.
in General Aviation African air cargo sees contraction of 13.8% in June
Posted 28 July 2020
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for global air freight markets in June showing improvement, but at a slower pace than some of the traditional leading indicators would suggest, with African
in General Aviation Airbus' H160 receives EASA approval
Posted 1 July 2020
Airbus Helicopters’ multi-role twin engine H160 has been granted its type certificate by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
in General Aviation African airlines post smallest cargo contraction in May
Posted 30 June 2020
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets in May showing a slight improvement in the air cargo market, although African airlines post smallest cargo contraction.
in General Aviation Bombardier's Global 5500 enters service
Posted 25 June 2020
The latest model in the Bombardier Global series has entered service, it was announced today.
in General Aviation Airbus Foundation completes relief flight to DRC and RDC
Posted 23 June 2020
The Airbus Foundation, together with the French Red Cross (FRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), have flown a medical team and 14 tonnes of humanitarian aid to the Republic of the
in General Aviation / Technology Honeywell steps up its unmanned and urban air mobility game
Posted 16 June 2020
Global technology giant Honeywell has taken a step into the future with the formation of a new business unit dedicated to the growing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and urban air mobility (UAM) industries.
in General Aviation Air cargo capacity plummets globally but African airlines are least affected
Posted 3 June 2020
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets in April showing that demand dropped 27.7% compared to the same period in 2019 - the sharpest fall ever
in General Aviation NAS donates RDT kits to assist Ugandan Ministry of Health
Posted 7 May 2020
National Aviation Services (NAS) recently donated Rapid Diagnostic Testing (RDT) kits to the Covid-19 National Task Force formed by the Ugandan Ministry of Health.
in Business Aviation / General Aviation / Flight Services & Support Bestfly scoops three-year deal for ExxonMobil shuttle in Angola
Posted 6 May 2020
Angolan fixed wing and rotary aircraft operator, Bestfly, has won a three-year contract to support ExxonMobil’s requirements to ferry staff from Luanda to its main oil logistics base at Soyo.
in General Aviation / Features The small aircraft paying big dividends
Posted 4 May 2020
Gyrocopters – also known as autogyros – have become a notable fixture of the African aviation panorama. Erwan de Cherisey reports.
in General Aviation IATA and UPU warn of air capacity shortage
Posted 4 May 2020
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the Universal Postal Union (UPU) warned that air capacity for postal services is insufficient and urged governments to do more to support the movement of mail by air during the COVID-19
in General Aviation Airbus develops solution for airlines to use widebody aircraft for pure cargo operations
Posted 30 April 2020
Airbus is developing a modification for A330 and A350 family aircraft which will enable airlines to install freight pallets directly onto the cabin floor seat tracks, after removal of the
in General Aviation IATA: immediate and severe air cargo capacity crunch
Posted 28 April 2020
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for March air cargo performance demonstrating a severe capacity shortfall. African airlines were less affected by disruptions in March.
in General Aviation RwandAir resumes cargo flights to Guangzhou
Posted 22 April 2020
RwandAir has resumed cargo flights to Guangzhou, China, after a suspension of passenger flights in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
in General Aviation Ethiopian finalises distribution of Jack Ma’s 2nd round donation to Africa
Posted 22 April 2020
Ethiopian Airlines completed the flight and delivery of the second-round shipments of life saving medical supplies to fight COVID-19 donated by Jack Ma to all African countries.
in General Aviation SAA Cargo operates passenger aircraft for pure cargo uplift
Posted 9 April 2020
For the first time in its history, the Cargo division of South African Airways, SAA Cargo, operated a passenger aircraft for a pure cargo uplift.
in General Aviation Ethiopian Cargo recalibrates its operations in the wake of COVID-19
Posted 9 April 2020
Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services is adapting its operations to the evolving global demand for air cargo services following the COVID-19 pandemic.
in General Aviation Air Serv begins operations in Central African Republic
Posted 7 April 2020
An Air Serv aircraft is on the ground in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR) to support humanitarian operations there.
in General Aviation Airbus A350-1000 deployed in fight against COVID-19
Posted 6 April 2020
Airbus continues to purchase and supply millions of face masks from China, the large majority of which will be donated to governments of the Airbus home countries, namely France, Germany, Spain and the UK.
in General Aviation Denel joins local drive to develop ventilators
Posted 6 April 2020
South African state-owned aerospace and military technology conglomerate Denel is mobilising its resources and expertise towards a priority project for the local design and development of medical ventilators in support of the national
in General Aviation Ethiopian delivers medical supplies to 39 African countries
Posted 30 March 2020
Ethiopian Airlines has delivered medical supplies donated by Jack Ma, the founder of China’s e-commerce giant Alibaba, to 39 African countries within five days. Ethiopian has transported Jack Ma’s support including
in General Aviation Air cargo bottlenecks could put lives at risk
Posted 25 March 2020
International Air Transport Association (IATA) and its members renewed their call to governments to take urgent measures to ensure that vital air cargo supply lines remain open, efficient and effective.
in General Aviation FAI works around the clock to meet critical Covid-19 demands
Posted 24 March 2020
FAI rent-a-jet AG, Germany’s Air Ambulance Specialist and Special Mission Operator has been working 24/7 to help evacuate those in need following unprecedented demand from the spread of coronavirus.
in General Aviation Astral Aviation to continue freighter services
Posted 24 March 2020
Astral Aviation has said it will continue to operate freighter throughout the current crisis.
in General Aviation Etihad Cargo boosts its freighter summer schedule in Africa
Posted 17 March 2020
Etihad Cargo has announced its freighter schedule for the IATA summer season, boosting capacity to its top freighter gateways.
in General Aviation Air Cargo essential to fight against COVID-19
Posted 17 March 2020
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said it continues to support governments in their efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.
in Defence / General Aviation Denel at advanced stage of exiting aerostructures business
Posted 9 March 2020
As part of its efforts to restructure its business, exit from non-core entities and find new markets for its defence and high-tech products and services, Denel is currently at an advanced stage to exit and wind up its
in General Aviation African air cargo carriers post fastest growth of any region
Posted 5 March 2020
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has eleased data for global air freight markets showing that demand, measured in cargo tonne kilometers decreased by 3.3% in January 2020, compared to the same period in
in General Aviation / Events / Airports AVIATION AFRICA: Air BP highlights low carbon solutions at Aviation Africa 2020
Posted 4 March 2020
Air BP will be highlighting innovative carbon reduction solutions and aviation sustainability at the Aviation Africa 2020 summit, which starts today in Addis Ababa (4th-5th March).
in Defence / General Aviation Beechcraft King Air 350ERs begin maritime patrol duties
Posted 19 February 2020
Leonardo has revealed that two Beechcraft King Air 350ERs, equipped as Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), have gone into service with an African Navy following their delivery by the Company, which acted as prime contractor and
in General Aviation Stellwagen delivers second Airbus C295 to DAC
Posted 17 February 2020
Stellwagen Group has today announced the delivery of a second Airbus C295 aircraft to DAC Aviation International, which will add this additional aircraft to its humanitarian operations in Africa.
in General Aviation Virgin Atlantic Cargo to launch daily services from London Heathrow to Cape Town
Posted 12 February 2020
Virgin Atlantic Cargo will launch a new daily Heathrow-Cape Town service from October 2020 and increase capacity to Cuba as part of their winter flying programme.
in General Aviation 2019 worst year for air freight demand since 2009
Posted 6 February 2020
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released full-year 2019 data for global air freight markets showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTKs), fell by 3.3% compared to 2018 while capacity (AFTK)
in General Aviation Airbus BelugaXL enters service, adding XL capacity to the fleet
Posted 16 January 2020
The BelugaXL has entered into service, providing Airbus with 30% extra transport capacity in order to support the on-going production ramp-up of commercial aircraft programmes.
in General Aviation African freight carriers post fastest growth of any region in November
Posted 8 January 2020
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for global air freight markets showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTKs), decreased by 1.1% in November 2019,
in General Aviation UPS flies urgent relief from Dubai to flood-stricken Somalia
Posted 2 January 2020
UPS, in collaboration with UNHCR, has delivered close to 100 tons of relief items to bring critical supplies to victims of the recent flooding in Somalia which has affected half a million people and uprooted 400,000 from
in General Aviation TIACA opens its doors to new air cargo player
Posted 16 December 2019
The International Air Cargo Association or TIACA is making significant changes in its approach to reach out to all stakeholders in the air cargo value chain in a rapidly evolving and challenging global trade and commerce.
in General Aviation African freight carriers see fastest growth of any region in October
Posted 4 December 2019
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTKs), decreased by 3.5% in October 2019, compared to
in General Aviation Air Peace signs firm order for three additional E195-E2 jets
Posted 17 November 2019
Embraer announced today that Air Peace, Nigeria and West Africa’s largest airline, has signed a contract for three additional E195-E2s, confirming purchase rights from the original contract, signed in April this year.
in General Aviation Rolls-Royce Trent 700 certified to power new Airbus BelugaXL Transporter
Posted 15 November 2019
The Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engine has received certification to power the new Airbus BelugaXL air transporter.
in General Aviation AHRLAC to fly again
Posted 23 October 2019
The successful adoption of business rescue will see the AHRLAC aircraft flying again soon, writes Sam Basch.
in General Aviation Leonardo signs Distributorship Agreement with Absolute Aviation Group in South Africa
Posted 23 October 2019
Leonardo has signed a Distributorship Agreement with Absolute Aviation Group in South Africa for the civil and commercial market.
in General Aviation African carriers see fastest growth of any region in August for air freight
Posted 11 October 2019
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for global air freight markets showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTKs), contracted by 3.9% in August 2019,
in General Aviation 43 Air School Pty is now the sole distributer of full Pipistrel Aircraft Range in South Africa
Posted 2 October 2019
43 Air School Pty has announced that it is now the sole distributer of the full Pipistrel Aircraft Range in South Africa, and Portugal.
in General Aviation DHL-Ethiopian Airlines joint venture eyes further growth in Ethiopia
Posted 24 September 2019
DHL-Ethiopian Airlines Logistics Services – a joint venture formed between DHL Global Forwarding and Ethiopian Airlines - is scaling up its operations in Ethiopia.
in General Aviation UPS expands express services within Africa
Posted 24 September 2019
UPS has announced the addition of three new countries served by UPS Worldwide Express, and broadened its reach across 76 cities in the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, and Africa (ISMEA).
in Air Transport / General Aviation GAC TR signs exclusive marketing contract with EgyptAir Cargo
Posted 10 September 2019
ECS Group’s Turkish subsidiary GAC TR (Globe Air Cargo Turkey) has signed an exclusivity contract with EgyptAir Cargo to begin optimising marketing of its cargo offering from September.
in General Aviation African carriers post fastest freight growth of any region in July
Posted 5 September 2019
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTKs), contracted by 3.2% in July 2019, compared to the
