By Garth Calitz Textron Aviation just announced that they're wrapping up production of two classic piston aircraft, the Beechcraft Baron G58 and Beechcraft Bonanza G36, in 2025. This marks the end of an incredible run that’s lasted almost 80 years and has made a huge impact on the light-aircraft scene for countless pilots, owners, and operators. For many in the aviation world, the Baron and Bonanza aren't just product lines; they're legends. Their unique mix of craftsmanship,

By Garth Calitz Emirates and South African Airways (SAA) are preparing to advance their collaboration by initiating a reciprocal codeshare agreement ahead of the busy holiday travel period. This development strengthens a partnership that has endured for nearly thirty years, enhancing travel connections for passengers throughout South Africa, the African continent, and globally. The enhanced codeshare agreement will enable Emirates passengers travelling to Johannesburg to effo

By Garth Calitz National Airways Corporation (NAC), a longstanding aviation institution in South Africa, celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2025. This milestone underscores eight decades of innovation, service, and leadership in general aviation. From its modest post-war origins to its present status as a diversified aviation group with a continental presence, NAC's journey is deeply embedded in the history of South African aviation. Established in 1945, NAC came into existenc

Embraer has marked another important milestone in its extensive and impactful history in agricultural aviation by delivering the 1,700th Ipanema cropduster. This milestone aircraft, an EMB-203 variant, was produced at the company's Botucatu facility in São Paulo and is destined for its new owner in Imperatriz, Maranhão, where it will be utilised for various agricultural spraying tasks. For an aircraft that has become a well-known and reliable presence over Brazil's farmlands,

By Garth Calitz On 14 November 2025, the South African civil aviation community came together in Gauteng for the third instalment of the glittering Civil Aviation Industry Awards (CAIA), hosted by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). The event, now firmly established as the sector’s premier celebration, honoured both individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions across a range of categories from safety and security to innovation, transformat

By Garth Calitz The South African general aviation community convened at the scenic Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre to celebrate members who have shown exceptional performance over the past year. The location was perfect, with aircraft frequently flying overhead as they made their final approach to runway 03R at OR Tambo. This marked the second year the event was held at this venue. Once everyone was seated, the formal proceedings began with the skilled MC, David

Embraer and Airlink have advanced their longstanding partnership by signing a new Component Pool Program agreement to support Airlink's new fleet of ten Embraer E195-E2 jets. These aircraft, being leased from Azorra, represent the latest phase in Airlink's fleet modernisation strategy and further strengthen the regional carrier's dependence on Embraer's top-tier support ecosystem. For over twenty years, Airlink has been committed to operating Embraer aircraft and is now recog

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest and most internationally connected carrier in Africa, has reinforced its enduring partnership with Boeing by agreeing to acquire 11 more Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. This deal, finalised at the Dubai Airshow, includes 11 737-8 jets and represents a crucial advancement in the airline's ambitious expansion plan. The agreement strengthens Ethiopian Airlines' status as the African airline with the most Boeing aircraft on order, featuring the 737 MAX, 7

Pipistrel has reached a significant regulatory achievement as Transport Canada has officially validated the type certificates for three of its current aircraft models: the Pipistrel Explorer, Velis Club, and the fully electric Velis Electro. This approval represents an important advancement for Canadian operators, flight schools, and aviation innovators aiming to incorporate next-generation training aircraft into their fleets. With this validation, Canadian operators are now

flydubai has made a notable advancement in its long-term growth strategy by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 75 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with the possibility of acquiring an additional 75. Announced on 19 November 2025, this agreement represents the Dubai-based airline's fourth order for this model, solidifying the 737 MAX as the core of its growing fleet. The new agreement bolsters the airline's status as a leading operator of Boeing's single-aisle aircraft. W