Life Flight Network Signs Ten-Year Agreement and Orders 12 PC-12 PROs
Life Flight Network has signed a ten-year agreement and placed a firm order for twelve PC-12 PRO aircraft with additional options for future fleet growth. Deliveries are set to begin in 2027, representing a major long-term investment in advanced air medical capabilities. As the largest not-for-profit air medical transport provider in the United States, Life Flight Network will be the launch customer for the PC-12 PRO configured with a turnkey aeromedical interior. The aircraft, delivered by Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd from its Broomfield facility, will be outfitted for ICU-level care and transport. Founded nearly 50 years ago, Life Flight Network has established
Diamond Aircraft Highlights DA62 MPP Advancements and Unveils 2026 Development Roadmap
Diamond Aircraft’s Special Mission Aircraft Division has announced a series of technical milestones achieved in 2025 for the DA62 MPP, alongside a forward-looking 2026 roadmap aimed at expanding the platform’s versatility and operational efficiency. The announcement was made from Diamond’s headquarters in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, on 19 March 2026. In 2025, Diamond delivered significant upgrades across connectivity, certification, and avionics integration, enhancing the DA62 MPP’s performance for ISR, law enforcement, environmental monitoring, and maritime surveillance missions. Starlink Mini connectivity was demonstrated through extensive six-month flight trials across Europe and North Africa, validating stable, high-bandwidth airborne performance. This enables real-time sensor streaming, VOIP
SAA Monitoring Middle East Developments Amid Global Jet Fuel Concerns
South African Airways (SAA) is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on global jet fuel supply while reassuring passengers and industry stakeholders that the airline currently does not anticipate any disruption to its operations. Amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty in the region concerns have emerged across the aviation sector about potential volatility in global oil markets and aviation fuel logistics. However SAA has confirmed that its fuel supply arrangements remain stable and sufficient to support its scheduled operations. South Africa benefits from a diversified aviation fuel supply chain that includes domestic refining capacity as well as established import
Textron Aviation Leads Industry in Key Aircraft Delivery Segments
Textron Aviation once again led the general aviation sector in several major delivery categories according to the annual shipments and billings report released by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. The results reinforce the confidence customers continue to place in the performance, reliability and mission versatility of the Cessna and Beechcraft brands. The company ranked first in total business jet deliveries, total turbine aircraft deliveries and total turboprop deliveries further strengthening its position at the forefront of the industry. Several of its flagship platforms also maintained their long-standing market leadership. The Cessna Citation Latitude remained the most delivered midsize business jet for the
Pilanesberg International Airport to Undergo Major Upgrade Following 2023 Fire
Infrastructure South Africa is preparing and packaging a comprehensive redevelopment project that will see Pilanesberg International Airport undergo a significant upgrade positioning the facility for long-term growth and sustainability. The airport which suffered extensive damage during a devastating fire in 2023 has since stood as a stark reminder of infrastructure vulnerability within the province. The upcoming redevelopment aims to transform that narrative — turning the airport into a symbol of renewal resilience and economic revitalisation in the North West Province. Restoring Connectivity and Confidence The planned upgrade will modernise airport infrastructure improve operational efficiency and enhance passenger experience. Once complete the revitalised
AirX Signs Firm Order for Eve eVTOL Aircraft, Expanding Urban Air Mobility in Japan
Eve Air Mobility, a global leader in next-generation electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) solutions, has signed its second binding order with Tokyo-based AirX, a pioneering provider of urban air mobility services. The agreement includes two eVTOL aircraft with options for up to 48 additional units, marking a major step toward sustainable urban air transportation in Japan. “Our partnership with AirX in the Asia-Pacific region is more than a milestone; it’s a launchpad for redefining urban mobility,” said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility. “Together, we are pioneering solutions that will transform how cities connect, move and thrive.” Under the agreement,
O.R. Tambo International Airport Accelerates R14.5 Billion Infrastructure Upgrade to Enhance Passenger Experience
O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) is making significant strides in its R14.5 billion, five-year Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) programme, aimed at modernising infrastructure, improving operational reliability and delivering a world-class passenger experience. The current phase of the programme focuses on high-impact areas for travellers, including refurbished escalators and travelators, new ergonomic seating, enhanced wayfinding signage and durable tiling replacing carpets at all international boarding gates, creating a cleaner and more contemporary environment. “At O.R. Tambo International Airport, we listen to our passengers. This programme directly addresses their expectations for facility standards, delivering infrastructure that meets global benchmarks,” said Mr. Jabu Khambule, Regional General
Weight Loss Drugs May Deliver Unexpected Fuel Savings for Airlines
Airlines could see significant fuel cost savings from an unexpected development: lighter passengers. The growing use of weight loss medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, particularly in the United States, is prompting analysts to examine how reductions in average passenger weight may influence aircraft efficiency. While individual changes may appear small, the cumulative effect across large airline fleets could be substantial. Aircraft weight remains a key driver of fuel consumption. For decades, airlines have worked to reduce onboard mass by introducing lighter seats, limiting catering loads and minimising non-essential cabin materials. Passenger weight, however, has largely remained outside airline control. New modelling
Cape Winelands Airport Secures WBHO as Contracting Partner for Landmark Expansion
Cape Winelands Airport has taken another major step toward realising South Africa’s next-generation aviation hub with the appointment of WBHO as its contracting partner for the technical development and construction phase of its multibillion-rand expansion. The agreement marks a pivotal moment for the R8-billion project which will introduce a new boutique terminal, extended and realigned runway infrastructure, upgraded airside systems, expanded cargo capabilities and a revitalised general aviation precinct. Once operational, the airport is expected to support around 35,000 direct and indirect jobs increasing to more than 100,000 over its first twenty years. Russell Adams, Director at WBHO, says the company is
Pipistrel Aircraft Gain Transport Canada Validation
Pipistrel has strengthened its presence in the Canadian training market with Transport Canada’s validation of the Velis Electro, Velis Club and Explorer aircraft. The approval allows Canadian operators and flight schools to bring the models into service, broadening access to both electric and conventional training platforms. “This validation acknowledges our engineering expertise and enhances flight training capabilities across the country,” said Gabriel Massey, president and managing director of Pipistrel. The Velis Electro—the first EASA-certified electric aircraft—continues to gain global traction as a quiet, zero-emissions trainer. Producing just 60 decibels and offering low operating costs, it is already being evaluated in Canada by
Aerospace Indaba 2025
Press ReleaseFor Immediate Release – 24 October 2025 Aerospace Indaba 2025 charts a new course for South Africa’s aviation and aerospace industry Sandton, Johannesburg — The 2025 Aerospace Indaba, held yesterday at GIBS in Illovo, brought together leaders from across the aviation spectrum — from general aviation and manufacturing to defence, finance, and technology — to discuss how collaboration and innovation can drive sustainable growth in South Africa’s aerospace sector. Opening the event, Programme Director Renè-Peter Masoen described the Indaba as “a platform to turn discussion into direction,” highlighting the need for both government and industry to reimagine South Africa’s role in
Eswatini and South Africa Strengthen Aviation Cooperation through Bilateral Air Services and Search and Rescue Agreements
In a significant step toward deepening regional aviation cooperation, the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of South Africa have signed two landmark agreements — a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and a Search and Rescue (SAR) Agreement — aimed at enhancing air connectivity, safety, and collaboration between the neighbouring states. By Jarryd Sinovich The agreements were signed by The Honourable Minister of Public Works and Transport, Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, and South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Her Excellency Ms Barbara Creecy, during a formal ceremony that reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to strengthen their partnership in civil aviation. Enhancing Regional
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