ACSA and Mangaung Sign MoU to Boost Bram Fischer Airport Development
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Bram Fischer International Airport to drive airport development, logistics growth and regional investment. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen collaboration between the airport and the municipality while supporting economic development and improving connectivity across the Free State. The MoU establishes a framework for coordinated planning and cooperation on a range of initiatives. Key focus areas include economic growth and investment attraction, skills development, infrastructure development, tourism promotion, cargo and logistics expansion and aerotropolis development. By aligning airport expansion with municipal priorities, the partnership seeks to
Global Air Cargo Demand Soars 11.2% in February 2026
Global air cargo markets maintained strong momentum in February 2026, with demand rising 11.2% year-on-year, according to data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). International operations saw slightly higher growth at 11.6%, reflecting ongoing global trade resilience despite emerging geopolitical challenges. Capacity expanded by 8.5% overall and 9.8% for international flights, indicating that airlines are keeping pace with rising demand, albeit under increasingly complex conditions. “Air cargo demand grew 11.2% in February. Even considering the boost from pre-Lunar New Year shipments, the month showed strong growth. The outbreak of war in the Middle East at the end of the month,
AT-6 Twin: A New Era in Multi-Engine Flight Training
Flight testing has officially begun in Poland for the AT-6 Twin, a new four-seat aircraft designed by Tomasz Antoniewski with a bold vision: to make multi-engine training more accessible and affordable. This aircraft represents a unique approach to light aviation, blending innovative design with cutting-edge regulations to create a trainer that could transform pilot education worldwide. A Revolutionary Design The AT-6 Twin features a three-surface configuration, including a forward canard, main wings and a conventional tailplane. This layout is engineered for improved stability, efficiency and handling, particularly in the critical phases of multi-engine flight training. According to Antoniewski, the design allows pilots
Japan’s National Police Agency Expands H135 Fleet
On 12 March 2026, Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) placed a follow-on order for three Airbus H135 helicopters, bringing its total Airbus fleet to 26 units. The new aircraft will be deployed to Hokkaido, Shimane, and Miyagi Prefectural Police departments, supporting patrol, search and rescue, and tactical transport missions. “We are honoured by the National Police Agency’s continued trust in the H135,” said Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “Its proven reliability and performance make it ideal for law enforcement operations.” The order follows the successful delivery of an H135 to Hiroshima Prefectural Police in late 2025, which now
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
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