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AMREF Air Ambulance Crash in Nairobi Kenya

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In a devastating turn of events, an AMREF Flying Doctors air ambulance , a Cessna Citation XLS with a registration 5Y-FDM , crashed into a residential neighborhood in Mwihoko, Kiambu County just outside Nairobi killing six people and injuring others. The twin-engine medical jet departed from Wilson Airport at approximately 2:14–2:17 PM local time on Thursday, bound for Hargeisa in Somaliland. Merely three minutes into the flight, the aircraft lost radio and radar contact with air traffic control. Citation XLS 5Y-FDM. Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene: “The plane started burning while in the air,” one resident recounted, while another said the aircraft “passed by our building shaking it,” before crashing into a house. The impact and ensuing blaze claimed the lives of all four people aboard and two individuals inside the home. Rescue teams, including those from the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Defence Forces, National Police, and aviation authorities, rushed to the scene.  AMREF ...
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Gulf Air Expands Dreamliner Fleet with Major Boeing Order

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Gulf Air is set to significantly boost its long-haul capabilities following a newly announced agreement with Boeing for the purchase of up to 18 additional 787 Dreamliners . The deal, unveiled in Washington, includes a firm order for 12 aircraft with options for six more, solidifying Gulf Air’s strategy to grow its international network and modernize its all-widebody fleet. The announcement was made in the presence of Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope, and Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Taqi. Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Taqi,speaking during the press announcement said, "This agreement marks a transformative step in Gulf Air's strategic growth journey," He also highlighted the importance of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner on their routes, saying "The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has proven its worth on our long-haul routes with excellen...
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Air Peace Aircraft Overshoots Runway in Port Harcourt

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Port Harcourt, Nigeria — 13th July 2025 An Air Peace flight en route from Lagos to Port Harcourt overshot the runway on Sunday morning upon landing at Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA), prompting swift emergency response. Fortunately, all 127 passengers on board were safely evacuated, and no injuries or casualties have been reported. The flight, operating under number P47190 and bearing the registration 5N-BQQ, touched down at PHIA at approximately 07:45 local time. During the landing, the aircraft overshot Runway 03, coming to a stop beyond the runway's end. In an official press release issued by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), spokesperson Mrs. Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, confirmed the incident and emphasized that the situation was brought under control without any harm to passengers or crew. "We are relieved to report that there were no casualties. Evacuation of the 127 passengers has been completed safely wi...
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Top 3 myths about outsourcing aviation maintenance in Africa

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Top 3 myths about outsourcing aviation maintenance in Africa In a fast-evolving aviation industry, African airlines are under pressure to reduce costs, improve reliability, and remain competitive on thin margins . One strategy that’s increasingly on the table is outsourcing aircraft maintenance,   but despite its growing global acceptance, it remains a misunderstood subject in many African contexts. Below are 3  common myths that continue to hinder progress,  and why it's time to reframe the conversation. Myth 1: Outsourcing means lower quality maintenance Many airlines hesitate to outsource due to a belief that external maintenance teams may not meet internal safety or quality standards. This is a myth rooted in fear, not facts . In reality, licensed MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul organizations) are often held to international standards, audited by regulators, OEMs, and clients alike. In Africa, several MROs hold approvals from EASA, FAA, and regional c...
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Preliminary Findings on Air India Boeing 787-8 (VT-ANB)

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India has officially released the preliminary report on the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registration VT-ANB.  On June 12, 2025, an Air India Boeing 787-8 (registration VT-ANB) operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed just after takeoff, killing all 241 onboard and 19 on the ground. What happened in the next 30 seconds after rotation has stunned even the most seasoned professionals. This was no stall, no bird strike, and no bad weather. This was a dual engine flameout right after liftoff — triggered by both fuel control switches moving to CUTOFF. 🚨 Sequence of Events: Takeoff to Tragedy in 32 Seconds 08:08:39 UTC : Aircraft lifts off Runway 23 at VR (155 knots). 08:08:42 : Max recorded IAS: 180 knots. 08:08:43–44 : Engine 1 and 2 fuel control switches transition to CUTOFF, one second apart. 08:08:47 : Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deploys. Full electrical loss conf...
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Introducing SkyAI: Tanzania’s First AI-Driven Aviation Compliance Assistant

In an industry where regulatory compliance isn’t just a requirement—but a matter of safety and survival—aviation operators in Tanzania are often burdened with time-consuming, manual checks to stay in line with TCAA regulations. SkyAI: a cutting-edge solution built to revolutionize compliance in the Tanzanian aviation sector
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Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways Sign Strategic Partnership to Boost Connectivity, Services, and Growth

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Doha, Qatar –  01 July 2025 Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at strengthening air travel between Africa and the Middle East. Through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the two national carriers will collaborate on expanding routes, sharing flights, and jointly developing various airline services that go far beyond passenger transport. What’s the Partnership About? This partnership is designed to achieve three main goals: 1. Expand flight connectivity between Kenya and Qatar Qatar Airways will add a third daily flight between Doha and Nairobi, in codeshare with Kenya Airways. Kenya Airways will launch new direct flights from Mombasa to Doha, which will be sold through Qatar Airways’ global sales network. 2. Make travel easier and more connected for passengers worldwide By codesharing on each other’s networks, both airlines will offer more routes, better connections, and flexible booking options, especially for travelers connec...
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Tanzania and Hungary Sign Bilateral Air Services Agreement to Boost Connectivity and Trade

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Dar es Salaam, July 1, 2025  In a significant stride toward strengthening bilateral relations and expanding international aviation networks, Tanzania and Hungary have signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). The agreement is aimed at deepening economic, technical, and social cooperation between the two nations through the aviation sector. The formal signing took place at the headquarters of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) in Dar es Salaam. Representing the Government of Tanzania was Mr. Salim Msangi, Director General of TCAA, while Dr. Máté Lőwinger, Director General of the Hungarian Civil Aviation Authority, signed on behalf of the Hungarian government. Mr. Msangi emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement, stating,  “The BASA between Tanzania and Hungary is a strategic achievement. It will allow Tanzanian airlines to operate direct flights to Hungary, providing access to Central Europe. This expansion will drive economic growth, facilitate tou...
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What Makes Aircraft Leasing So Important in Aviation Today?

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In the global aviation industry, where aircraft acquisition costs can reach hundreds of millions of dollars, airlines must navigate a complex financial environment to grow and sustain operations. While outright purchase of aircraft was once the norm for major carriers, the increasing need for flexibility, cost efficiency, and fleet modernization has made aircraft leasing the dominant strategy in today’s market. As of 2025, over 50% of the world’s commercial aircraft fleet is leased. From budget carriers operating small regional jets to flag carriers flying long-haul widebodies, leasing has become central to modern airline strategy. But what exactly is aircraft leasing, and why is it so critical to aviation today? This article offers an in-depth examination of aircraft leasing: its types, advantages, and how it supports the operational, financial, and strategic needs of airlines around the world. 🔧 What Is Aircraft Leasing? Aircraft leasing is a financial and contractual arrangem...
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ATR 72-600 Sets New Fuel Efficiency Benchmark with CS-CO₂ Certification

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Toulouse, France – ATR, the world’s leading manufacturer of regional turboprops, has reached a new milestone in sustainable aviation. The ATR 72-600 has become the first sub-100-seat aircraft to receive EASA’s CS-CO₂ certification , meeting the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) latest CO₂ emission standards — a full three years ahead of the 2028 regulatory deadline. This certification sets a new fuel efficiency standard in regional aviation and cements ATR’s position as a front-runner in low-emission aircraft design. The CS-CO₂ certification not only provides objective industry validation but also reinforces the growing importance of responsible innovation in aviation. Ahead of Its Time The ATR 72-600, equipped with the Pratt & Whitney PW127XT engine introduced in 2021, surpasses ICAO’s most stringent “new type” CO₂ standard by over 20% . This performance makes it the only aircraft under 100 seats that qualifies for inclusion under the EU Taxonomy CO₂ effic...
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How Long Do Aircraft Accident Investigations Take?

When an aircraft accident occurs, one of the first questions people ask is: "How long will the investigation take?" The answer isn’t simple. Aircraft accident investigations are highly technical, regulated processes that can take months—or even years—to complete. 🕒 Typical Timeline Most investigations unfold in several stages: Preliminary Report (First 30 Days): Within the first month, investigators usually release a preliminary report. This outlines basic facts—such as the aircraft type, flight path, weather conditions, and known data from the black boxes (if available). Final Report (6 Months to 2 Years): A full investigation typically takes between 6 months and 2 years, depending on the severity and complexity of the accident. Some of the accidents takes longer than that like the Ethiopian Airlines accident flight 302 it took over 45 month to complete a final report.  🛬 What Affects the Duration? Several factors can extend the timeline of an aircraft investigation: 1. Wr...
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What we Know About Flight Turbulence

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Aircraft turbulence, defined as the irregular motion of air encountered during flight, is a common phenomenon in aviation. Often invisible to the naked eye, turbulence can arise from a variety of atmospheric conditions, including variations in air pressure, the presence of jet streams, airflow around mountainous terrain, the interaction of cold or warm weather fronts, and the dynamic environments associated with thunderstorms. The seemingly random occurrence of turbulence underscores the critical need for a comprehensive understanding of its characteristics and the development of effective safety measures. Although turbulence is considered a normal part of air travel and occurs with notable frequency, its potential to cause discomfort, operational disruptions, and, most importantly, injuries cannot be understated. The unpredictable jolts and shakes can significantly increase anxiety among passengers, especially those already apprehensive about flying. Furthermore, severe turbulence ca...
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Is It Safe to Fly? A Look at Recent Aviation Incidents

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Aviation has long been celebrated as one of the safest forms of transportation, with rigorous safety standards, cutting-edge technology, and highly trained professionals ensuring that millions of passengers reach their destinations safely every day. However, the closing months of 2024 and the start of 2025 have seen a series of aviation incidents, some fatal and others non-fatal, that have drawn global attention. For aviation enthusiasts, these incidents serve as stark reminders of the complexities of modern flight. They highlight not only the rare but real risks involved but also the industry’s relentless pursuit of safety improvements. While such accidents can be alarming, understanding their causes and implications is crucial for grasping the bigger picture of aviation safety. Recent Aviation Incidents: Fatal and Non-Fatal 1. Jeju Air Crash – South Korea (December 29, 2024) A tragic accident occurred at Muan International Airport, South Korea, when a Jeju Air flight crashed during l...
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Pilatus Unveils it's new PC-12 Pro

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March 14,2025 Pilatus Aircraft officially introduced the PC-12 Pro, the 2025 version of its iconic single-engine turboprop. Announced at the company’s headquarters in Switzerland, the PC-12 Pro builds on the success of its predecessors while integrating cutting-edge avionics, automation, and premium cabin upgrades. The aircraft has already received FAA and EASA certification, ensuring it meets the highest regulatory standards and is ready for operation in key aviation markets. Next-Level Avionics with Garmin G3000 Prime A major highlight of the PC-12 Pro is the introduction of the Garmin G3000 Prime avionics suite, replacing the Honeywell Apex system found in previous models. This advanced system brings a completely digital cockpit experience with three 14-inch touchscreen primary displays, touchscreen secondary displays, and a GI 275 standby instrument, offering pilots an intuitive and modern interface. Advanced Safety & Automation The PC-12 Pro features Garmin’s Emergency Autolan...
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