National Airlines Completes World’s Longest Nonstop Commercial Boeing 777 Freighter Flight
U.S.-based cargo carrier National Airlines has successfully completed what is believed to be the world’s longest commercial Boeing 777 Freighter flight carrying live cargo. The ultra-long-haul mission covered 9,849 nautical miles nonstop from Prestwick, Scotland to Melbourne, Australia in 19 hours and 23 minutes. The flight was operated using one of National Airlines’ newest Boeing 777 Freighters (registration N792CA) to transport time-critical Aircraft on Ground (AOG) components for another airline. Designed to resolve an urgent maintenance requirement, the entire charter was planned, coordinated and launched within 30 hours of the initial customer enquiry. The mission generated widespread public interest on global flight-tracking
Emirates and South African Airways Expand Codeshare Agreement to Boost Regional Connectivity
Emirates and South African Airways (SAA) have announced a major expansion of their long-standing codeshare partnership, transitioning the arrangement into a fully reciprocal agreement that adds nine new destinations across central and southern Africa. The enhancement marks a key operational evolution in the nearly 30-year partnership between the two carriers. Previously operating on a unilateral basis where SAA placed its code on Emirates flights, the newly approved framework allows Emirates to place its ‘EK’ code on SAA-operated domestic and regional flights. Under the expanded network, passengers gain single-ticket connectivity, coordinated flight schedules and through-checked baggage to additional destinations via SAA’s hub at
FlySafair continues to be South Africa’s most punctual airline
FlySafair maintains the strongest on-time performance (OTP) of any South African carrier, demonstrating its commitment to reliable customer service. Throughout 2026, the airline has consistently achieved punctuality levels above 92%, with an OTP of 94.14% in June.OTP is the aviation industry’s standard measure of how reliably an airline adheres to its schedule. In South Africa, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) independently monitors and publishes OTP data for OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport. The measurement follows International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards, which classify a flight as on time if it departs or arrives within
Air Zimbabwe Marks Defining Milestone with A330-300 Reception and Harare-London Route Launch
Years of anticipation culminated in an emotional homecoming at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport as Air Zimbabwe officially marked the revival of its direct Harare to London service. The milestone event was anchored by the grand arrival and reception of the national carrier’s newly deployed Airbus A330-300, signalling a transformative era for the country’s aviation footprint and international connectivity. Facilitated by the Airports Company of Zimbabwe Private Limited, the wide-body aircraft was welcomed on the tarmac with a traditional water cannon salute. The arrival of the A330-300 drew immense emotion from gathered aviation officials, dignitaries and onlookers, dissolving years of waiting into
CemAir Reinstates Vital Johannesburg–Richards Bay Route to Boost Regional Commerce and Tourism
South African regional carrier CemAir has confirmed the highly anticipated return of its scheduled service between Johannesburg and Richards Bay, with flights officially resuming on 1 November 2026. The reinstatement of this key aviation link marks a significant victory for both corporate travellers and the regional tourism sector, reviving a direct air bridge between South Africa’s economic heartland and one of its most critical industrial ports. Bookings for the reinstated route open today, 16 July 2026, across all CemAir platforms, including the airline’s website, contact centre and accredited travel agents. Passengers will also be able to book flights through CemAir’s extensive network
Airbus forecasts traffic growth driven by urbanisation and increased connectivity made possible by aircraft efficiency
Urbanisation and economic development are set to drive a massive, long-term expansion in global air travel demand over the next two decades, according to the newly released Airbus 2026–2045 Global Market Forecast. Despite short-term global disruptions, including regional conflicts, economic headwinds and fluctuating fuel prices, historical data shows that passenger demand consistently recovers and maintains a highly resilient upward trajectory. This sustained growth is fundamentally anchored in population expansion, global wealth creation and an undeniable human desire to connect across borders. A defining structural shift highlighted in the forecast is the changing nature of global urbanisation. While massive megacities have traditionally anchored
Emirates Expands South African Footprint with Third Daily Cape Town Service and Newest A350 Aircraft
Emirates flight EK778 has officially landed at Cape Town International Airport, marking the commencement of the airline’s third daily service on the Dubai–Cape Town route. The arrival also represents the South African debut of the carrier’s next-generation Airbus A350, the newest aircraft type to join its all-widebody fleet. The introduction of the A350 brings an elevated in-flight experience featuring spacious cabins alongside advanced entertainment options. Notably, the deployment expands access to the airline’s popular Premium Economy cabin, which has seen strong passenger demand since its initial South African launch in September 2025. “Cape Town has long been one of the most popular
Air Peace Expands Fleet with Embraer E175 to Boost Regional Connectivity in West Africa
Embraer has delivered the first brand-new Embraer E175 airplane to Air Peace. The delivery further strengthens the partnership between Embraer and Air Peace, beyond their operations of the larger E195-E2 and the smaller ERJ145 fleet. The E175 will support Air Peace in its ambition to increase connectivity in Nigeria and the region, whilst providing more capacity flexibility to the airline. “We are delighted to deliver this first factory-new E175 to our partners at Air Peace,” said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO at Embraer Commercial Aviation. “This delivery highlights the continued demand for right-sized aircraft, with airlines seeking to expand connectivity while maintaining
Airlink Goes Green: A Spectacular New Look for the Southern African Skies
Airlink, Southern Africa’s premier regional airline, has officially turned heads across the aviation world by unveiling a stunning new bespoke livery. An Embraer E190 has traded its traditional look for a gorgeous, vibrant green getup that promises to be a favourite for plane spotters and passengers alike. The newly-painted aircraft, registered as ZS-YAE, made its grand debut on Monday evening on a flight from Polokwane to O.R. Tambo International Airport. Beginning today, the eye-catching E190 will be hard at work operating on Airlink’s main domestic and regional trunk services throughout Southern and East Africa. This striking green aircraft isn’t just about aesthetics;
Ethiopian Airlines Boosts Regional Connectivity with New Twin Otter Delivery
Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest airline group, has taken delivery of the first of two DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft from De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited. The strategic fleet expansion is aimed directly at boosting domestic connectivity, expanding regional tourism and unlocking access to some of the country’s most remote territories. According to Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, the acquisition will perfectly complement the carrier’s extensive existing domestic network. Designed as a highly flexible, multi-purpose workhorse, the newly arrived aircraft will be deployed across a wide range of specialized operations. Beyond regular regional passenger transport and charter flights
Airlink Announced as Official Domestic Airline for Historic Springboks and All Blacks Rivalry Tour
Airlink has been named the official domestic carrier for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry 2026, a landmark cross-hemisphere tour scheduled for August and September 2026. The blockbuster series will feature South Africa Rugby and New Zealand Rugby facing off in high-stakes men’s and women’s Test matches alongside four elite provincial fixtures hosted across South Africa, culminating in a historic final Test match in the United States. As the exclusive domestic airline partner for the tour, Airlink will manage the comprehensive air logistics for both nations, transporting player squads, coaches, management and vital support staff between the various host cities. The extensive tournament schedule inside
CemAir and Air Europa Sign Interline Agreement to Expand International Connectivity
South African domestic and regional carrier CemAir and Spanish airline Air Europa have announced the signing of a unilateral interline agreement, effective 9 June 2026. The partnership marks a significant milestone in expanding travel connectivity between Southern Africa and major international markets. The new agreement enables passengers traveling on Air Europa to connect seamlessly onto CemAir’s domestic and regional route network via South Africa. Under a single itinerary, travelers will benefit from a streamlined baggage handling process and smoother access to destinations beyond South Africa’s primary metropolitan hubs. Concurrently, the partnership enhances options for Southern African travelers looking to access Air Europa’s
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