Number 19 – 11 March 2024

“Let’s get one thing straight. There is a big difference between a pilot and an aviator. One is a technician; the other is an artist in love with flight.” Elrey Borge Jeppesen

ATC crisis in South Africa

It seems just when all of aviation is recovering well after the pandemic, someone must throw a ‘spanner into the works’. Now there is a ‘new’ requirement from the South African regulator that to stage an aviation event at an ‘unmanned airfield’ the air traffic controllers must have worked 100 hours at the specific airfield. Now anyone that has any common sense will know that this is clearly an impossible requirement. The bottom line means that in future all aviation events that require ATC will have to take place at a ‘towered airport’. As a direct result of this incredibly ‘stupid rule’ the Elders Flight will need to be re-located to Grand Central airport because Brakpan is not a towered airfield. The same will apply to all aviation events unless the organisers can get an ‘exemption’ from the regulator. In South Africa we are fortunate to have several excellent event experienced ATCs who are willing to be part of the General Aviation events and as in the past these persons have always undertaken excellent controlling from temporary control towers specifically constructed for the purpose. Now we have some person who has probably never flown an aircraft, never understood ATC at these events and has no idea about the considerable effort that organisers make to stage events such as airshows. More on this subject as soon as I have undertaken further research.

Welcome to our march C208 initial candidates. May you enjoy flying this aircraft.
Email address: sales@simuflight.co.za

Amazing Video About Aviation

Transport minister updates on South African airports

On Tuesday Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga confirmed that Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has been given the green light for an ambitious R21.7 billion capex plan over the next five years. She was speaking at a broader civil aviation industry briefing, which included announcing ACSA tariff increases for the period. South Africa’s two busiest aviation hubs, in Johannesburg and Cape Town, are expected to get the lion’s share of the planned investments.

Cape Town International’s domestic terminal is set to be overhauled and around R3 billion will be spent on its runway realignment project, while at OR Tambo International the major investment will go into a new R5 billion cargo terminal development. Both these infrastructure developments were on the cards before the pandemic. “As per the five-year permission around tariffs recently granted by the Economic Regulating Committee, ACSA has earmarked R21.7 billion for airport infrastructure development,” said Chikunga. She noted that the overall capex plans also include upgrades and developments at Gqeberha’s Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, George Airport, Durban’s King Shaka International Airport and East London’s King Phalo Airport.

“The R21.7 billion investment primarily targets refurbishments, efficiency improvements and statutory compliance measures, with the aim to enhance asset availability, airport safety and passenger experiences across our airports,” she said. Chikunga added that this will be the largest capital investment programme by ACSA since South Africa’s preparations ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 2010. “This investment will see our already world-class airports increasing the airport facilities to continue leading as Africa’s best airports and increasing our position globally. ACSA is set to embark on the development of a new cargo terminal, known as the Mid-field Cargo Terminal, at OR Tambo International Airport on a prioritised basis given the demand and later the development of a mid-field passenger terminal.

Other significant projects at the airport will include extension of the bussing gates, which will entail adding six new bussing gates to the existing Terminal A bussing terminal, along with augmenting retail, seating and holding lounge areas.” She added that as part of Phase 2 of this project “a new mezzanine level will be constructed to enhance circulation and optimise seating and holding space”. The upgrades are likely to be welcomed by passengers as well as the aviation and tourism sectors as OR Tambo International needs a makeover, with facilities that have deteriorated over the years. In December, on one of its busiest days, there was a failure in the domestic baggage handling system caused by an oversized bag that resulted in baggage chaos and delayed flights.

Chikunga said the priority at Cape Town International will be the domestic arrivals terminal reconfiguration to meet growing capacity needs. “This encompasses enlarging the meet-and-greet area, expansion of the baggage claim area, an additional baggage carousel, expansion of the domestic departures lounge, retail spaces and ablution facilities, as well as the addition of three new contact gates and fixed boarding bridges. “Secondly, the initiation and development of the realigned runway development project is anticipated within the permission period,” she added.

While Chikunga did not mention specific investment values for the different major airport infrastructure and upgrade projects, ACSA CEO Mpumi Mpofu confirmed in response to a Moneyweb question that the Cape Town International runway realignment project alone will be around R3 billion. She did not provide a ballpark figure for the oval expansion and upgrades at the airport.

ACSA’s planned investments in the Mother City’s main airport come as private investors are punting the development of a new international airport, Cape Winelands Airport near Durbanville, on the north-eastern outskirts of the metro. During the briefing on Tuesday, neither Chikunga nor Mpofu made any reference to the new airport and possible competition for Cape Town International. However, it is clear that ACSA is now advancing its expansion plans ahead of the development of the new airport in the winelands.

Prior to the pandemic, ACSA stated that the capex for the overall expansion plans for Cape Town International (including investment into its international terminal) would be well over R7 billion, while the new Mid-Field Cargo Terminal at OR Tambo International would come in at around R5 billion (according to a 2023 stakeholder presentation). ACSA had to reevaluate and significantly cut back its capex plans during the pandemic but presented updated plans to the Economic Regulating Committee at the Department of Transport last year. With no mention of the international terminal expansion in Cape Town, ACSA may well be planning on spending less than the R7 billion-plus overall investment in Cape Town International that it cited back in 2019. However, with significant growth in international passenger traffic to the airport, it will also be under pressure to expand the international terminal.

Chikunga said King Shaka International will see the development of a hotel but, given that it is a relatively new airport, terminal expansion at SA’s third busiest air hub is only expected during the final year of the permission period (2026/27). Before the pandemic King Shaka International was South Africa’s fastest-growing international airport. In 2018, ACSA invested around R420 million in airside and other upgrades at the airport. ACSA said recently that the airport is yet to fully recover from the pandemic, with international airlines such as British Airways (Durban-London route) yet to be reintroduced.

ACSA tariff increases

Announcing airport tariff increases at the briefing, Chikunga said that she had approved the final tariffs of ACSA’s ‘Permission 2023/24 – 2027/28 period’. She said, “this will thus amend the inflationary permission currently in force and will come into effect on 01 April 2024.” ACSA’s tariff increases for the five-year period averages out at around 6.4%. However, while the minister cited 4.5% for the current 2023/24 financial year to the end of March, CPI inflation in SA is likely to come in at over 6% for the period.

Tariff increases           
2023/24     4,5%

2024/25   10,3%

2025/26    6,51%

2026/27    6,16%

2027/28    4,45%

“These final tariffs Permission presented herein have been determined in the aftermath of the pandemic, when the aviation sector in the country is gearing itself to restore economic activity and also return to pre-pandemic performance levels,” said Chikunga. ACSA continues to diligently review the master plans of its airports, driven by twofold objectives: to meet the current infrastructure needs while also ensuring preparedness to fulfil future demands. “This ongoing process is crucial in strengthening the foundation for a resilient air transport system for South Africa, a cornerstone for advancing our country’s economic development and growth,” she concluded.

General Aviation accidents in South Africa

According to Minister Chikunga, South Africa has recorded 97 General Aviation aircraft accidents to in the current financial year, projected to be marginally lower than the previous reporting period. However, the number of fatalities has increased to 13, which is four more than reported in the 2022/2023 financial year. “To curb these accidents which happen in a non-scheduled flying space, the SACAA has developed and implemented a General Aviation safety strategy in consultation with the industry, where we are employing reputable safety strategies to attain reduction in both categories; accidents and fatalities,” she said.

Past accidents

At the end of the previous 2022/23 financial year, the number of accidents had decreased from 147 to 113 accidents, which translated into a 23% decrease from the 2021/2022 period. The fatal accidents decreased from 12 to 9, translating into a 25% decrease. “I was concerned when we had an accident spike during the 2021/2022 period in the height of the pandemic, partly due to pilots being out of practice caused by a lack of refresher training during the hard lockdown period of the pandemic,” Chikunga said.

According to Chikunga, the commercial airlines sector has maintained a zero fatal accident rate for four decades and aims to continue this record in the future. “One of the current administration’s strategic targets is to reduce accidents in the general aviation sector by 50%.”

Security audits

“The past two to three years have been the busiest period for the civil aviation sector as South Africa participated in four key international safety and security audits and assessments by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO),” said Chikunga. ICAO rated South Africa’s safety oversight system at 91.11%, placing the country first in Africa and number 18 in the world, alongside Norway. ICAO also did not raise any significant safety and security concerns in both the safety and security audits, which happened within eight months of each other, she said.

“The US Federal Administration (FAA) recognised South Africa’s safety oversight system as meeting ICAO’s safety standard and recommended practices and confirmed that South Africa retains its category 1 status with the standards of the United States international oversight safety audit programme.” This as the Transport Security Administration granted South Africa’s cargo security system permanent recognition following a SACAA assessment. South Africa also still holds the EU recognition for the States cargo security system.

Richards Bay flights suspended

Airlink regrets to announce the suspension of its air services to and from Richards Bay. This has been necessitated by the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) downgrading Richards Bay Airport’s fire and rescue service capability which disqualifies the airport from accommodating commercial airline operations.

“The safety and wellbeing of our customers, crews and equipment is paramount for Airlink and we scrupulously follow the SACAA’s safety regulations.  However, Richards Bay is an economically important route and we intend to resume services on the route as soon as the SACAA lifts the restriction on the airport ,” explained Airlink Managing Director and CEO, Rodger Foster.

Airlink apologises to ticketholders for any inconvenience caused by the suspended service.  Holders of tickets for flights between Johannesburg and Richards Bay should contact Airlink’s Customer Service office on +27 11 451 7550, or their travel agent, to be rebooked for travel at a later date, or to another destination (e.g. Durban), or to request a refund.

Aero Club of South Africa AirWeek 2024

I drove to Middleburg airfield on Thursday afternoon and on arrival the most welcome sight was that the Middleburg Aero Club had fully prepared the facilities such as grass cutting, taxiways, ATC control tower, litter bins, refreshments by the Middleburg Round Table, several caterers including delicious coffee and other refreshments. However, apart from Neil Bowden and Rob his son-in-law and young Jessie we were the only people to camp over on Thursday night. Early on Friday morning the first microlights started arriving, followed by many light aircraft of all shapes and sizes. By Friday evening the airfield was already almost filled to capacity. I was told that altogether 155 aircraft flew to  Middleburg on Friday and Saturday. Together with around 17 exhibitors this was a sight to behold with plenty of colour and something for everyone. The exhibition planning from the Aero Club of South Africa (AeCSA) was exceptional and from my perspective, it was wonderful to meet so many of African Pilot’s  valuable advertisers. It was amazing to see the Cirrus show stand with the Cirrus Vision Jet and a very new Cirrus SR22.

On Friday evening David Le Roux from PilotInsure ran an aviation themed Bingo quiz whilst the gathered visitors braaied their meat on several fires provided. Apart from the braai packs the club had laid on superb catering inside Irene and Richardt Lovett’s amazing hangar. This was an outstanding  networking evening and I am certain that many tall stories were told around the braai fires. 

We woke up to the sound of hot air balloons firing their gas burners early on Saturday as well as paragliders and further aircraft arrivals. Throughout the day there were activities and I was privileged to videoed Niren Chotoki’s Rotax engines presentation on another hangar that was used for the EAA presentations. All the exhibitors told me that they were enjoying the incredible atmosphere and that they had met so many of their customers as well as met with new customers throughout the day.

Throughout the day the various sections of the AeCSA displayed their aircraft in the air and a team of judges scrutinised those aircraft that entered the various categories available. The South African Power Flying Association (SAPFA) prepared a short rally for their members or anyone who wanted to take part. In the late afternoon the AeCSA staged a STOL and spot landing competition on the main runway, which meant that the dust was reduced drastically. As we witnessed another beautiful sunset the members started preparing themselves for the awards dinner in the Lovett’s beautifully decorated hangar. Once again, I photographed and videoed the proceedings as awards and certificates were presented. The catering was superb and the awards for the various categories from the judging were welcomed. On Sunday morning we were woken by the sounds of engines starting as the AeCSA members prepared to fly back to their home airfields. Charlie and Fiona Hugo collected my wife Christine and drove to Middleburg. Once we packed up our rented caravan, we also drove home to Midrand.

My take-aways from AeCSA’s AirWeek were that I enjoyed the fantastic friendship of every person who participated and enjoyed the same level of comradeship. The Middleburg Aero Club were superb hosts and in particular Irene and Richardt Lovett’s large hangar makes this event work for everyone. I was excited to see so many pilots, their families and friends enjoy the atmosphere of what has been dubbed a ‘Mini Oshkosh’ in South Africa. Our team will produce the video and I will publish the full list of prize winners with pictures in the April edition of African Pilot.

15 March
DCA Industry Roadshow Mangaung, Free State
Contact Ms Charmaine Shibambo E-mail: shibamboc@caa.co.za

16 March
EAA Chapter 322 fly-in breakfast to Brits airfield
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

22 & 23 March
Stellenbosch airshow – Fashkosh
Contact Anton Theart E-mail: gm@stelfly.co.za Cell: 079 873 4567

April

6 April
Robertson annual fly-in breakfast Robertson airfield
Contact: Alwyn du Plessis. E-mail: boeredata@breede.co.za Cell: 083 270 5888

6 April
EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at the EAA Auditorium
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

6 April
SAPFA ANR National Championships – venue TBA
Contact Iaan Myburgh E-mail: iaanmyburgh@gmail.com Cell: 082 449 2531

6 & 7 April
SAC Eastern Cape regionals Wings Park airfield

13 April
Elder’s Flight Grand Central airport (note the change from Brakpan)
Contact Felix Gosher E-mail: felixgosher@gmail.com Cell: 066 1919 4603

17 to 20 April
AERO Friedrichshafen 30^th anniversary
Contact E-mail: info@fairnamic.com Website: www.fairnamic.com

20 April
EAA Chapter 322 fly-in breakfast to Eagle’s Creek airfield
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

20 April
Wonderboom airshow
Contact Chris Theodosi E-mail: chris@creativespacemedia.co.za Cell: 071 220 1245

23 to 25 April
MRO Africa Conference incl. African Aviation Training Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Contact Nick Fadugba E-mail: nickfadugba@africanaviation.com www.mroafrica.com

23 to 26 April
Aviation Week Africa including Kumbululuka Kwa Bafana Lusaka Zambia
Contact Felix Gosher E-mail: felixgosher@gmail.com Cell: 066 1919 4603

27 April
Ekurhuleni East Flying Club fly-in breakfast at Springs airfield
Contact James E-mail secretary.eefc@gmail.com

27 April
Bill Harrop’s Dinosaur Derby night glow
Jacquie Pastor Cell: 083 443 2662 E-mail: jacquie@balloon.co.za

27 April two 4 May
Gauteng Regional Gliding Championships at Magalies gliding Club
Contact Soaring Society of South Africa Website: www.glidercomps.co.za  

May

4 May
SAAF Museum airshow at AFB Zwartkops
Contact Major Michael Church E-mail: mike.church172@gmail.com Cell: 072 720 0700 

4 May
EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at the EAA Auditorium 
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

11 May
Lowveld airshow at the Nelspruit airfield
Contact Willemien E-mail: willemein.hodgkinson@kishugu.com Cell: 079 499 5733

12 to 15 May
African Airlines Association 12^th stakeholders convention in Addis Ababa
Contact E-mail: events@afraa.org   

14 to 16 May
Airport Show with ATC Forum, Airport Security Middle East DWTC, Dubai
Contact Jamille del Mundo E-mail: jamm.delmundo@rxglobal.com

14 to 17 May
NAMPO Harvest Day Bothaville
Contact Wim Venter E-mail: wim@grainsa.co.za Tel: 086 004 7246

17 to 19 May
EAA Chapter 322 weekend fly-away to Pyramid airfield
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

18 May
Parys airshow
Contact Chris Theodosi E-mail: chris@creativespacemedia.co.za Cell: 071 220 1245

18 May
SAC Free State regionals at Tempe airfield

21 to 23 May
Air Finance Africa Conference and Exhibition Sandton Convention Centre
Contact Nick Fadugba E-mail: nickfadugba@africanaviation.com

23 to 25 May
SAPFA President’s Trophy Air Race at Louis Trichardt civil airfield (FALO)
Contact David Le Roux E-mail: David@pilotinsure.co.za Cell: 073 338 5200
Contact Iaan Myburgh E-mail: race@sapfa.co.za  Cell: 082 449 2531

23 to 27 May
NAC fly-away to Magoebaskloof
Contact Agnes Phillips E-mail: agnes.phillips@nac.co.za Cell: 082 893 3399

25 May
Tempe airshow Bloemfontein
Contact Conrad Botha E-mail: rowco24cc@mailbox.co.za Cell 082 465 4045

Lockheed L-100 off runway in Somalia

A Ugandan-registered Lockheed L-100 Hercules aircraft (5X-SBR) from Bar Aviation, carrying supplies for African Union troops, veered off the runway at Jowhar airstrip, 90km north of North of Mogadishu, Somalia earlier today. Despite rumours this is not an ex-Safair machine. (S/N 4582) started life in 1975 with the Gabonese government as TR-KKA, supporting construction projects.

United Airlines Boeing MAX8 off runway

A united Airlines flight left the runway upon landing at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Flight UA2477 from Memphis to Houston suffered an incident upon landing on runway 27. After a 1h30 flight, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 entered the grass at the end of the runway during heavy rain. Emergency vehicles rushed to the aircraft and passengers have been evacuated safely from the aircraft via stairs.

American Airlines places 260 aircraft orders with Airbus, Boeing and Embraer

American Airlines (American) is set to revolutionise its fleet as it announced a substantial order for 260 new aircraft, comprising 85 Airbus A321neo, 85 Boeing 737 MAX 10 and 90 Embraer E175 planes. This comprehensive procurement strategy includes options and purchase rights for an additional 193 aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s commitment to enhancing its domestic and short-haul international operations. The sizeable order reflects American’s proactive approach to fleet modernisation and growth, with the Boeing order featuring the conversion of 30 existing 737 MAX 8 orders to 737 MAX 10 aircraft. These acquisitions align with American’s broader strategy of expanding premium seating options across its narrow-body and regional fleets to strengthen its competitive position.

This fleet expansion is integral to supporting the airlines’ measured growth plan into the next decade, ensuring a well-managed delivery schedule. Despite the scale of the order, the airline anticipates remaining within its previously communicated guidance for capacity and capital expenditures. Having been the largest single-carrier operator of A320-family aircraft globally for the past decade, American continues to leverage A321 and A321neo planes to serve its customers across the US and short-haul international routes. The recent order for 737 MAX 10s signals the airline’s forward-thinking approach, eagerly anticipating the certification of these aircraft to enhance fleet flexibility.

American’s strategic focus extends to integrating larger, dual-class regional aircraft into its fleet to enhance connectivity from smaller markets to its global network. Simultaneously, the airline plans to retire all 50-seat single-class regional jets by the end of the decade, replacing them with larger regional jets to serve smaller and medium-size markets more efficiently. Dual-class regional jets with premium seating, high-speed satellite Wi-Fi and in-seat power are expected to make up American’s entire regional fleet upon completion of the Embraer E175 deliveries. The new E175 aircraft will be operated by American’s wholly owned regional carriers.

In response to the increasing demand for premium travel experiences, American Airlines plans to retrofit its A319 and A320 aircraft, starting in 2025. This retrofit initiative includes power at every seat, expanded overhead bins and new seats with updated trim and finish. The A319 fleet will see an increase in premium seats to a total of 12 domestic first-class seats, while A320 retrofits will boost the domestic first-class seat count to 16. With this ambitious combination of planned aircraft refresh and anticipated deliveries, American Airlines aims to achieve a growth of more than 20% in premium seating across its fleet by 2026, signalling a bold step towards providing an elevated travel experience for its passengers.

Sweden officially joins NATO as 32nd alliance member

On Thursday 7 March Sweden officially became the 32nd NATO member, an event that just two years ago seemed like an impossibility. The official ratification happened just before 11h30 eastern time, with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg tweeting out “It is official, Sweden is now the 32nd member of NATO, taking its rightful place at our table. Sweden’s accession makes NATO stronger, Sweden safer and the whole Alliance more secure. “I look forward to raising their flag at NATO HQ on Monday,” Stoltenberg added, indicating a planned celebration in Brussels for the start of next week.

It has been quite the journey for Stockholm. Throughout the Cold War, Sweden and Finland were teamed as two militarily neutral states between NATO and the Warsaw Pact, a status quo that continued after the fall of the USSR. For years, Swedish officials were particularly quick to dismiss the idea of ever joining the western military alliance. This all changed quickly when Russia invaded Ukraine in late February 2022. Within days, public sentiment in both Sweden and Finland had turned in support of NATO membership and by May, both nations had submitted bids to join the alliance.

However, the process was stalled out thanks to two NATO members: Turkey and Hungary. The leaders of both those governments sought to extract concessions from the new entrants, with Turkey in particular holding Sweden up over what it viewed as harbouring anti-Turkish militants. The situation dragged on enough that Stockholm and Helsinki eventually agreed to split their joint bid, leading to Finland’s NATO entry in April 2023. The hold on Sweden continued to drag, but in January Turkey’s parliament finally voted in favour of Stockholm’s membership. A month later, Hungary followed. After that, it was just a matter of paperwork. The addition of Sweden and Finland to NATO creates a different geostrategic picture for any conflict with Russia, particularly around the Baltic Sea and in the High North. Expect that topic to be a featured one when NATO leadership gathers in Washington this summer to celebrate the alliance’s 75th anniversary.

B-52 and B-1 bombers fly with Gripens over Stockholm

On 6 March with Sweden poised to officially join NATO in the next few days, the US Air Force celebrated a rare double bomber flyover of a B-52 Stratofortress and a B-1 Lancer over Stockholm, accompanied by Swedish Air Force Gripens. US Air Forces in Europe noted in a release that the bombers flew over Avicii Arena, Sweden’s Parliament House, the Stockholm Arlanda Airport and more during their flyover. A spokesperson for Air Force Global Strike Command said that the B-52 came from the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., while the B-1 came from the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.

Both bombers planned CONUS-to-CONUS mission, meaning they took off from the US and intended to return without landing. However, the B-1 diverted to RAF Fairford, UK, the spokesman said, confirming social media sightings and reports. “The training was a great success and builds upon our already great relationship,” the spokesman added.

“The strong and enduring bond between the United States and Sweden, rooted in mutual interests and shared values, is poised to reach new heights,” said USAFE commander Gen. James Hecker in a statement. “As Sweden prepares to join the NATO Alliance as its 32nd member, we eagerly anticipate deepening our collaboration with our Swedish Allies. Initiatives like this joint flyover are just the beginning, as we work together to advance international stability and security.” 

Such missions are signs of support, as when B-52s flew over North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, and Croatia, in August 2022. A USAFE release at the time said the mission demonstrated “US commitment and assurance to NATO Allies and partners located in Southeastern Europe.” In addition, F-16s flew over Bosnia and Herzegovina in January in a show of force aimed at deterring ‘secessionist activity’ by Bosnian Serbs. In May 2021, B-52s flew over every NATO nation in one flight.

However, pairing the B-52 and B-1 is unusual. The Stockholm flyover marked a quick turnaround after two B-1s returned to Ellsworth March 1, concluding a Bomber Task Force deployment to Luleå-Kallax Air Base, Sweden. The jets arrived on 24 February and flew surface attack, air interdiction and close air support training missions with the Swedish Air Force. On their return, several NATO allies took turns practicing intercepts with the B-1.

Qatar Airways Cargo retires Boeing 747F

On 26 September 2017 A7-BGB joined the Qatar Airways Cargo fleet. Over the past seven years, the two iconic freighter aircraft were deployed on more than 9,000 flights totalling over 66,000 block hours and together transporting almost 800,000 tonnes. Throughout its service, the number one destination where the 747 aircraft served was Incheon at 1,165 flights. Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Guangzhou were also among the top-ten destinations the cargo aircraft served.

From racing cars (30 can fit in a 747F) to thoroughbred racehorses (up to 90 horses can be carried in one flight), Qatar Airways Cargo’s Boeing 747 freighters provided reliable, safe transport for many international customers. It was also a stalwart of the pandemic, carrying PPE and other medical equipment across the world, at a time where much of the world’s aircraft were grounded.

Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo commented: “When we welcomed our Boeing 747 freighters to the Qatar Airways Cargo fleet seven years ago, we were responding to a sharp rise in customer demand for capacity, which we were quickly able to fulfil. Our next-generation freighter strategy is based both on evolving customer expectations and our firm commitment on sustainability and efficiency. Efficiency is achieved through fleet harmonisation and simplification and sustainability is improved by the latest in-flight and fuel technology. For these important factors, Qatar Airways Cargo is the launch customer for Boeing’s next generation 777-8F freighter, the most fuel-efficient, lowest-carbon-footprint freighter in the cargo industry. We are committed to the most modern and cleanest freighter fleet in the industry.” Qatar Airways Cargo has a firm order for 34 Boeing 777-8Fs, with options for 16 more, to augment its fleet of 27 Boeing 777 Freighters (with the 28th 777F joining the fleet in mid-March).

First Cessna SkyCourier order for Indonesia signed at the Singapore airshow

Representatives from Textron Aviation and PT Smart Aviation celebrated the company’s purchase agreement for the first Cessna SkyCourier order in Indonesia. The agreement includes a SkyCourier passenger variant and four Cessna Grand Caravan EXs with deliveries expected to begin in 2026.

The agreement was signed and celebrated at the Textron Aviation display at the Singapore Airshow in Changi Exhibition Center, Republic of Singapore. With this order, PT Smart Aviation will expand its business and their capabilities in weather modification, cargo and passenger flights.

For PT Smart, these additional aircraft will strengthen their current fixed wing fleet, totalling 23 units. PT Smart is strategically bolstering its aviation capabilities to support operational activities in remote areas across Indonesia. This move not only aligns with PT Smart’s commitment to aiding the nation’s operations but also signifies a leap towards advancing aviation capabilities in Indonesia.

Skyborne adds 20 more Piper Pilot 100i trainers to its order

Vero Beach, Florida flight academy Skyborne has ordered an additional 20 Piper Pilot 100i trainers. The new agreement will supplement an initial order for 11 Pilot 100i’s. Deliveries began in November 2023 as part of a multi-year agreement. The new deal is valued at $8 million, according to Skyborne.

Skyborne CEO Lee Woodward said, “Over the last three years, Skyborne’s US footprint has grown exponentially as demand for airline-focused pilot training continues to rise. Piper has been crucial to helping us meet this need. We are proud to be supporting a Florida-based company that aligns with our values of trust and quality, and we look forward to seeing our fleet expand to more than 80 Piper aircraft.”

Vintage Wings of Canada’s ‘Victory Flight’ to soar at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024

Three iconic World War II-era warbirds, the Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane and North American P-51 Mustang will represent Canadian wartime aviation at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024, as Vintage Wings of Canada brings those historic aircraft as part of the ‘Victory Flight’ at Oshkosh in July.

The aircraft will be at AirVenture as part of the centennial celebration for the Royal Canadian Air Force to be featured at Oshkosh this summer. They will join the Canadian Forces Snowbirds aerial demonstration team in attendance, as in December the Snowbirds confirmed participation at the 71st edition of EAA’s fly-in convention.

Each of the aircraft has a unique story:

• Spitfire Mk IX Often considered the most beautiful aircraft design of its day, the ‘Spit’ became legendary with its performance during the Battle of Britain in 1940. The Vintage Wings of Canada’s example is painted in the markings of Arnold Rosemond, a Canadian who flew more than 65 missions before being shot down over Normandy in 1944. It received the World War II Reserve Grand Champion and Phoenix Gold Wrench awards at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018.
• Hurricane Mk VII This versatile aircraft was an extraordinarily capable dogfighting airplane that was also developed into numerous variations from fighter-bombers to carrier-based Sea Hurricanes. This aircraft was built by Canadian Car and Foundry in Fort William, Ontario. It carries the markings of Flight Officer William Lidstone ‘Willie’ McKnight, who was part of the Royal Air Force’s all-Canadian No. 242 Squadron and Canada’s most outstanding fighter pilot during the first 18 months of WWII.
• P-51D Mustang One of the best-known and capable fighter aircraft of WWII, more than 16,000 Mustangs were produced beginning in 1940 in response to a British plea for more fighter aircraft from the US. This aircraft is painted in the markings of 442 Squadron as they appeared toward the end of the war. It is dedicated to brothers Larry and Rocky Robillard from Ottawa, Ontario, who both flew with that squadron during the war.

Vintage Wings of Canada is the creation of Michael Potter, who founded the Vintage Wings of Canada Foundation and has been collecting and flying vintage aircraft since the mid-1990s. The aircraft of his collection are maintained in flying condition and flown annually throughout the summer to support airshow events, commemorative military flypast and other special events. Several aircraft of the collection are owned directly by the charitable foundation as well as by other individual operators.

Potter has put together a collection of the finest examples of Canada’s and indeed the world’s, most historically significant aircraft. The collection is housed in a 24,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art hangar at the Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport near Ottawa, Canada.

Current plans call for the aircraft to arrive at the start of AirVenture week and to initially spend several days in the warbirds area. The aircraft will also fly on selected days in the afternoon air show prior to spending the final weekend on Boeing Plaza.

Garmin updates its Safety Management System with new features

On 6 March Garmin announced it has upgraded its FltPlan safety management system (SMS) by updating the system’s Flight Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT). The new FRAT is streamlined, needing less input from pilots and enables customising operators’ FRATs for different pilots and aircraft within the same organisation. According to Garmin FRAT enhancements are now simplified enabling pilots to easily complete a preflight assessment. The new software now automatically accesses available information such as weather, terrain and runway condition, combining the data with pilots’ individual input on their fitness to fly. When the flight risk score is calculated, risk mitigation strategies are presented to the crew, if applicable. Garmin said, “Flights are automatically re-scored one hour before departure and pilots are alerted if there is a change in factors that could negatively affect the flight’s risk, such as changes involving wind or weather.”

Garmin’s new FltPlan SMS safety performance dashboard also makes it easier for operators to monitor safety performance indicators (SPIs) and to customise data to a company’s specific operating needs. The dashboard includes pre-configured reports ‘to help flight departments identify areas where they need to improve safety.’ Flight departments can also create or modify custom reports to fit their individual needs. The software also enables flight departments that participate in the Aviation Safety Action Programme (ASAP) to file a report directly from the FltPlan SMS. ‘Operators also have the option to self-manage with an internal Event Review Committee team,’ according to Garmin, ‘or departments can have the Air Charter Safety Foundation act as a third-party reviewer.’

Air New Zealand trials hydrogen charging at Wellington airport

Four New Zealand businesses have come together to trial using hydrogen in an aviation setting © Air New Zealand. Air New Zealand, Wellington Airport, Toyota New Zealand and Hiringa Energy have joined forces to trial using hydrogen to charge Air New Zealand’s electric tugs and service vehicles over the next few weeks at Wellington Airport. Air New Zealand Senior Sustainability Manager, Jacob Snelgrove said the airline wants to pioneer the commercial deployment of green hydrogen-powered aircraft in New Zealand.  The trial will be conducted using a hydrogen fuel cell provided by Toyota New Zealand. The fuel cell uses hydrogen to generate electricity, with supply coordinated by Hiringa Energy, a New Zealand-based clean energy company. The trial has started on 4 March and will run until 15 March.

CityAirbus NextGen makes its debut

Airbus has presented its full electric CityAirbus NextGen prototype to the public, ahead of its maiden flight later this year. The two-tonne class CityAirbus, with a wing span of approximately 12 metres, is being developed to fly with an 80 km range and to reach a cruise speed of 120 km/h, making it perfectly suited for operations in major cities for a variety of missions.

The unveiling coincided with the opening of the new CityAirbus test centre in Donauwörth, which will be dedicated to testing systems for electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs). The centre, which is part of Airbus’ ongoing and long-term investment in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), began its operations with the CityAirbus NextGen’s power-on in December 2023 and it will be now used for the remaining tests required before the prototype’s maiden flight later in the year. These tests cover the electric motors with their eight rotors as well as the aircraft’s other systems such as flight controls and avionics.

“Rolling out CityAirbus NextGen for the very first time is an important and very real step that we are taking towards advanced air mobility and our future product and market. Thank you to our community, team and partners all over the world for helping us make this a reality,” said Balkiz Sarihan, Head of Urban Air Mobility at Airbus.

At the same time, Airbus is expanding its global network and partnerships to create a unique ecosystem that will foster a successful and viable AAM market. Airbus recently signed a partnership agreement with LCI, a leading aviation company, to focus on the development of partnership scenarios and business models in three core AAM areas: strategy, commercialisation and financing.

Supernal signs MOUs in Singapore for AAM development

AlsimSupernal LLC – Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to develop AAM capabilities and expertise in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region. The partnerships will drive a variety of activities, including developing research and development (R&D) initiatives, identifying potential use cases, exchanging information to support safety regulatory framework and standards development and driving public engagement for AAM.

Under the MOU between EDB and Supernal, both organisations will focus on identifying opportunities to enable R&D activities that can build capabilities in key electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology areas. EDB and Supernal will also share knowledge and resources to support the development of AAM operational strategies. This includes conducting market analyses and viability studies to assess the feasibility of AAM in Singapore and focuses on identifying unique applications in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region. Both organisations will also evaluate the requirements needed to establish a presence in Singapore and collaborate on feasibility studies concerning operational-readiness activities such as assembly, vehicle operations, and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).

Under the MOU between CAAS and Supernal both organisations will exchange information to support CAAS’ development of a framework for aircraft certification, validation, acceptance and entry into service and shaping interoperability requirements at vertiports to support seamless integration of ground and air operations. CAAS and Supernal will also explore developing standards for AAM infrastructure, charging and electrical energy storage solutions, airworthiness of aircraft and components and operations. In addition, the two organisations will coordinate efforts with other AAM ecosystem stakeholders to raise public understanding of AAM.

DCN and Grand Farm partner for connectivity

North Dakota is leading the way in precision agriculture, in large part thanks to the work and research being done at the Grand Farm Innovation Campus just outside of Casselton. Precision ag, like almost anything these days, requires reliable, secure, high-speed internet connectivity and that is where Dakota Carrier Network (DCN) is offering expertise. DCN and Grand Farm have partnered for the wireless infrastructure at the farm, an investment of $200,000. There are four primary components to the connectivity DCN is providing on the Grand Farm Innovation Campus:

• Gigabit fibre optic connection – providing the Innovation Campus with connectivity and supporting the wireless needs throughout the Grand Farm Innovation Campus.
• Radio Access Network – similar to the technology used by cell phone companies, multiple private 5G networks will allow connectivity to every square foot of the campus.

• CBRS spectrum – a radio frequency to securely carry data with predictable performance.
• Connection to a core – a secure off-site core to manage and run the system.

In addition, MLGC, a broadband company based in Enderlin, N.D. and one of the owner companies of DCN, is providing the ‘last mile’ fibre for the connectivity. This infrastructure is critical for the research, development and validation of connective ag technology that is being done at Grand Farm. Combining these technologies optimizes the research processes because the fibre optics ensure fast data transfer, the radio access network expands coverage and CBRS spectrum offers additional bandwidth.

“This network will tie together the entire ecosystem of the Grand Farm Innovation Campus, enabling research that is critical to maintaining North Dakota’s position as a leader in agriculture,” explained DCN CEO Seth Arndorfer. “DCN is making this investment because successes at the Grand Farm will bring positive effects to main street North Dakota, increasing the demand for skilled workers, keeping young people in the state and benefiting businesses from gas stations to software companies. Groundbreaking work is being done at Grand Farm and DCN is excited to be part of it.”

“The connectivity being provided will be critical for the work being done on Grand Farm’s Innovation Campus,” says Dr William Aderholdt, Director of Grand Farm. “We are excited to be working with DCN which is known for its investments and thought leadership in innovation of rural and agriculture connectivity.”

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