ATNS Appoints Dr. Jaco van der Westhuizen as Chief Aviation Safety and Regulatory Oversight Officer
Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) SOC Ltd has announced the appointment of Dr. Jaco van der Westhuizen as its new Chief Aviation Safety and Regulatory Oversight Officer (CASROO), effective 5 October 2025. By Jarryd Sinovich Dr. van der Westhuizen brings with him more than two decades of aviation experience, a strong background in air traffic management, and a proven record of leadership in aviation safety and human factors. From Air Force Foundations to Civil Aviation Leadership Jaco’s aviation journey began in the South African Air Force (SAAF), where he trained and served as an Aerodrome Air Traffic Controller and Lowveld Flight
Otto Aerospace Secures Historic 300-Aircraft Order with Flexjet
Otto Aerospace has announced a landmark fleet agreement with Flexjet, naming the global private aviation leader as the launch customer for the next-generation Phantom 3500 business jet. The deal, announced at the UP.Summit, includes a firm order for 300 aircraft with additional options, representing one of the largest business jet orders in private aviation history. The Phantom 3500 is a clean-sheet, ultra-efficient aircraft designed with breakthrough laminar-flow aerodynamics and precision all-carbon-fiber composites, reducing fuel burn by more than 60%. First flight is scheduled for 2027, with deliveries expected to begin in 2030. “For 30 years, Flexjet has led through innovation, introducing tomorrow’s
Eswatini and Angola Forge New Air Connectivity Partnership
On the sidelines of the ICAO 42nd Assembly Summit, Eswatini’s Minister of Public Works and Transport signed an Air Service Agreement with Angola’s Minister of Transport, formalising a new chapter in regional aviation cooperation. By Jarryd Sinovich The agreement is a key milestone in advancing the goal of opening African skies, facilitating greater connectivity across the continent. It is expected to enhance trade, tourism, and economic exchanges between Eswatini and Angola, while contributing to broader efforts to link African nations through reliable air services. Officials noted that the partnership will also support the development of national and regional aviation infrastructure, encourage investment
Distributor spotlight: Sling Aircraft expands into Brazil
Sling Aircraft, renowned for its innovative and high-performance light aircraft, is making significant inroads into the Brazilian aviation market. The company’s distributor in Brazil is focused on establishing a strong presence in the country’s growing light aviation sector, aiming to set new benchmarks in safety, robustness and design. By Jarryd Sinovich “Our goal is for Sling Aircraft to gain significant market share in the Brazilian light aviation sector in the coming years,” said the distributor. “We are committed to ushering in a new era of aviation in Brazil, where superior quality and a passion for flying converge in a product that celebrates
Diamond Aircraft delivers fifth DA62 MPP to 2Excel Aviation, making them the world’s largest fleet operator
Diamond Aircraft has delivered the fifth DA62 MPP (Multi-Purpose Platform) to UK-based 2Excel Aviation, cementing the company’s position as the world’s largest operator of the type. The delivery further strengthens the partnership between Diamond Aircraft and 2Excel Aviation, whose DA62 MPP fleet is deployed for a broad range of special mission operations including maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) roles. “We are thrilled to reach this important milestone with 2Excel,” said Mario Spiegel, Head of Sales Special Mission Aircraft. “Their growing fleet of DA62 MPPs is a testament to the platform’s versatility, efficiency and reliability. We’re proud to
Mango Airlines Faces Final Closure After Rescue Deal Collapses
South Africa’s low-cost carrier Mango Airlines is set to undergo a structured closure, likely ending the airline’s four-year struggle to stay afloat. The decision comes after potential investor Ubuntu Air withdrew from the business rescue process, leaving creditors to choose between a managed wind-down or a harsher liquidation. Rescue Deal Falls Apart Ubuntu Air, backed by tourism firm AfricaStay, formally pulled out of the deal on 31 July 2025, citing regulatory gridlock delaying approvals, uncertainty over relaunch timelines and a failed funding partnership that made continuation unfeasible. The withdrawal came just weeks after a High Court ruling in June invalidated key parts
Embraer Participates in the Brazilian Agricultural Aviation Congress
Ethanol-powered Ipanema 203 to be showcased, highlighting operational safety and sustainability Embraer will take part in the Brazilian Agricultural Aviation Congress, scheduled for August 19–21 in Santo Antônio do Leverger (MT), under the theme “A Look to the Future.” The company will exhibit the Ipanema 203, the top-selling cropduster in the Brazilian agricultural aviation market, with over 20 years of operation powered entirely by ethanol. Combining technology with robustness, the Ipanema 203 delivers high productivity with precision while maintaining low operational costs. With approximately 60% share of the agricultural aviation market, the aircraft is a pioneer in biofuel use and a sales
NASA tests air taxi flight control tech
NASA is testing a scaled-down electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft known as RAVEN SWFT to refine flight control systems for future air taxis. By NASA At NASA’s Langley Research Center, researchers are conducting both wind-tunnel and free-flight experiments with the 38-pound, six-foot wingspan aircraft that includes 24 independently moving control components. This approach allows for rapid, real-world data collection and software refinement in under five minutes. Notably, NASA publishes this previously closed data, including behaviour under failure scenarios—such as an engine shutting down—so that all developers can benefit from insights into automated and autonomous flight.
Protectionist flight rules holding back SADC tourism
Protectionist aviation policies are limiting tourism growth within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), despite the region’s strong potential and demand. SADC is home to around 300 million people, yet fewer than 8 million travel by air each year—highlighting an untapped opportunity hindered by restrictive air access rules. By Rebecca Campbell – Engineering News At a recent SADC Tourism Alliance symposium, speakers warned that fragmented governance, siloed policymaking and political gatekeeping are holding back intra-regional travel. One example cited was the Johannesburg–Harare route, where airfares dropped by nearly 50% when a local airline entered the market—yet political barriers prevented further expansion. Tourism
Moon base paves path to Mars
NASA’s Moon to Mars Architecture is gearing up for humanity’s return to the Moon by as early as 2027, laying the groundwork for future Mars missions. By John Keller – Military and Aerospace Electronics The Artemis programme, under this framework, will develop critical capabilities including crewed and uncrewed lunar transport, communications and navigation systems, sustainable human habitats, and robotic support infrastructure. The Lunar Gateway space station will serve as both a relay and staging post for missions to and from the lunar surface. Ultimately, the goal is to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon—using lunar resources to support survival and
Tribute to Andrew Blackwood-Murray
It is with deep sorrow that we bid farewell to a remarkable aviator, Andrew Blackwood-Murray, whose passion for flight and dedication to the aviation community inspired all who knew him. Andrew’s love for the skies was more than a profession, it was a calling. His skill at the controls, his unwavering professionalism and his ability to share the joy of aviation with others made him not just a pilot but an ambassador for the wonder of flight. Those who saw him perform will never forget the precision, grace and energy he brought to every display. Beyond the cockpit, Andrew was a friend,
Textron upgrades CJ1 jets with all-Garmin cockpit tech
Textron Aviation has announced a major cockpit modernization option for Cessna Citation CJ1 operators, introducing an all-Garmin retrofit solution following Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supplemental type certification (STC). The upgrade is available through Textron Aviation’s global service network and offers a significant leap in technology for legacy CJ1 jets. By Jarryd Sinovich The retrofit package centers around Garmin’s advanced avionics suite, including the new 12-inch G600 TXi flight display, TXi Engine Indication System (EIS), GTN™ 750Xi GPS/NAV/COMM, and the highly regarded GFC™ 600 digital autopilot. Together, these upgrades deliver enhanced operational capability and improved situational awareness for pilots. Key safety features such
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