TAAG Angola Airlines has taken delivery of its sixth Airbus A220-300, marking another important milestone in the carrier’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme and underlining its ambition to reposition itself as a competitive force in African aviation. The arrival of the new aircraft forms part of a broader strategy aimed at improving operational efficiency, expanding regional connectivity, and enhancing the passenger experience. As TAAG continues to transition away from ol

MD Helicopters has revealed the latest evolution of its long-running light utility helicopter family with the introduction of the MD 564, a significantly upgraded variant of the iconic 500-series. The new aircraft introduces a six-bladed main rotor system, a redesigned four-bladed tail rotor and enhanced performance figures aimed squarely at demanding utility and aerial work missions. While the MD 564 represents a major step forward in capability, the aircraft is not an entir

The European air cargo market has welcomed a new entrant with the introduction of the first Embraer E190F passenger-to-freighter aircraft into commercial service. Bridges Air Cargo has officially launched operations with the type, marking a significant milestone for Embraer’s E-Freighter programme and opening a new chapter in regional express logistics across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The aircraft completed its inaugural commercial mission on 9 March 2026, departing

By Garth Calitz South Africa’s recreational aviation community once again converged on Middelburg Airfield in Mpumalanga as the Aero Club of South Africa hosted its annual Airweek gathering, normally one of the country’s largest fly-ins in the country. This year, the weather had other plans, a combination of tropical moisture and an unstable low-pressure system over the interior created ideal conditions for severe thunderstorms and iclemnet rain, and rain it did. My original

By Garth Calitz On 5 March 2026, one of aviation’s most celebrated aircraft reached a remarkable milestone. The legendary Supermarine Spitfire marked 90 years since its first flight, a moment that helped shape both aviation history and the outcome of the Second World War. Few aircraft have captured the imagination of pilots and aviation enthusiasts quite like the Spitfire. With its elegant elliptical wings, distinctive engine note and superb performance, the aircraft quickly

A dramatic helicopter medical evacuation off the coast of Durban earlier this month once again highlighted the crucial role aviation plays in modern maritime rescue operations. At 12:20 on Monday, 2 March, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Durban duty crew were placed on alert following reports that a 45-year-old Chinese seafarer had suffered serious injuries after falling down a stairwell aboard a bulk carrier anchored off Durban. The vessel was waiting at the Durban

Bell Textron has reached a major milestone in the development of next-generation military aircraft, successfully completing the Critical Design Review (CDR) for the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency’s ambitious SPeed and Runway INdependent Technologies (SPRINT) program. The achievement clears the way for the company to begin construction of a new experimental aircraft, now officially designated the X-76, which aims to combine jet-like speed with the flexibility of ver

By Garth Calitz In a country where aviation often means gravel runways, high-density altitudes and long distances between fuel stops, aircraft need to be more than attractive machines; they need to be tough, simple and affordable. The Bat Hawk is exactly that. Over the years, this proudly South African light sport aircraft (LSA) has carved out a reputation as one of the most practical light aircraft operating on the continent. But the Bat Hawk’s story is about more than priva

By Rob Russell It's not an unusual sight nowadays to see so many white aircraft parked around airports. It's not due to a lack of imagination from the airlines! Gone are the days of fancy paint schemes. Well, at least for a few years! Whilst an aircraft painted all over showing a certain brand or advertising a certain product is unusual and stands out, most aircraft are white for some very practical (and as important, economical) reasons. (And to keep the bean counters happy)

By Garth Calitz The latest escalation involving Iran has once again reminded the aviation world of a hard truth: geopolitics and jet fuel are permanently intertwined. While commercial aircraft cruise serenely at FL350, they remain deeply vulnerable to events unfolding far below. The recent conflict centred on Iran has disrupted global air transport in ways both immediate and far-reaching and the ripple effects are being felt from Johannesburg to Tokyo. The most immediate impa