AERO South Africa is ready to take flight for our 5th edition, landing at Lanseria in 5 weeks -
Egypt and China conclude historic Eagles of Civilization 2025 joint air exercise.
GAMA releases first quarter 2025 aircraft shipment and billing report.
New satellite connectivity service keeps airports online.
Electra's hybrid-electric ultra short achieves breakthrough wind tunnel performance.
Gulfstream delivers 50th G700.
UrbanLink increases Regent Seaglider order, accelerating vision for zero-emission coastal transportation.
Archer selected as the official air taxi provider of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Team USA in exclusive deal.
This week in history - Joan Merriam Smith was famous for her 1964 solo flight around the world.
Worldwide Accidents and Incidents.
Bonus video - A busy Saturday morning flying.
AERO South Africa is ready to take flight for our 5th edition, landing at Lanseria in 5 weeks
Since our launch in 2019, we've grown into the premier B2B platform for general aviation. Over the past 4 editions, we've brought together aircraft manufacturers, aviation professionals, innovators, and enthusiasts to showcase the latest aviation technology, connect industry stakeholders, and shape the future of flight.
For our 5th edition, AERO South Africa has made a bold move to Lanseria International Airport. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, a newly expanded runway, and plans to launch a Fixed Base Operator (FBO) precinct, Lanseria sets the stage for next level fly-ins, demos, and on-the-ground action. Lanseria provides access for both local and international attendees. With our new venue, the facilities align with our mission in establishing a creating network opportunity through connection within the aviation sector. Ensures visitors and innovators are able to explore diverse ranges of products and services from leading aviation companies and experts. Lanseria's expansion allows for more aircraft, making it the perfect backdrop for showcasing all things aviation.
Seven Decades of aviation heritage
Pooleys Flight Equipment has earned its place as a trusted name in global aviation. Supplying pilots across all flying disciplines, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and precision. From navigation tools and flight bags to training materials and custom equipment solutions, Pooleys offers a comprehensive range designed to meet the needs of both aspiring and experienced aviators.
Pooleys continues to set the standard for excellence in flight equipment - where safety, functionality, and pilot passion come together.
Aeronautical Aviation is a leading South African company specialising in avionics installations, upgrades, and repairs. Established in 2005 Aeronautical Aviation has a strong reputation for delivering expert solutions across both simple and complex aviation projects. As Africa's largest Garmin distributor and a proud Garmin Platinum Dealer, Aeronautical Aviation offers a comprehensive range of avionics products and services.
Their state-of-the-art facilities include one of the continent's largest avionics repair centres, equipped to handle a wide array of maintenance needs. Additionally, the company features a unique laser department dedicated to enhancing avionics systems and instrument panels, ensuring precision and quality in every project.
With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Aeronautical Aviation continues to provide top-tier services by staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the industry.bsa Commercial Asset Finance
Absa Relationship Banking
Absolute Aviation
Aeronautical Aviation
African Pilot
Aircraft Finance Corporation
Airbus South Africa
Air Lovers
Aviation Union of Southern Africa
Axis
Bid Air Cargo
Blackhawk
Bristell Aircraft South Africa
Cabin Crew
Capital Air
Century Avionics
Cirrus
Comet Aviation Supplies
Dallmayr
DJA Aviation Pty Ltd
Elevate Her
ExecuJet
Executive Aircraft Refurbishment
Feulco SA Pty Ltd
Flybywire Aviation Art
FlyMachine Global
ForeFlight
G.I.B Insurance
Garmin
Heliserve
Investec
Intercal
Indigosat
Jet A1
Lanseria International Airport
Ntsu Aviation
Next Aviation
Paramount Aviation Academy
Pilatus PC-12 Centre Southern Africa
PJ Aviation
Pooleys Flight Equipment Limited
Pilots Post
Rotax
SA Flyer
Safomar
SACAA
SSASS
Sling Aircraft
Southern Cross Aviation
Toks LOG Pty Ltd
uaVionix
UNISA
Vektor Aviation
World Airnews
SA Flyer
...and many more industry experts ready to showcase their latest innovations!
Make the most of this opportunity to connect with industry leaders, explore inspiring inventions, and gain insights to enhance your aviation journey from 25 - 27 June at Lanseria International Airport.
For more information or to discuss participation options, please get in touch - we're here to help you make the most of this exciting event.
We look forward to welcoming you to AERO South Africa!
Important Information
Please note: AERO South Africa is strictly a B2B trade show, and children
under the age of 15 will not be permitted entry.
Egypt And China Conclude Historic Eagles of Civilization 2025 Joint Air Exercise
Egypt and China have marked a significant milestone in their bilateral relations and regional military dynamics by hosting the inaugural Eagles of Civilization 2025 joint air exercise - the first such drill between the two nations.
The Eagles of Civilization 2025 exercise, held in Egypt between 19 April and 4 May, underscores China's expanding military footprint in the region and Egypt's efforts to diversify its defence partnerships. For China, the exercise demonstrates its growing ability to project power beyond its immediate neighbourhood, particularly into Africa and the Middle East-regions critical to its Belt and Road Initiative and global ambitions.
The joint drill featured a comprehensive programme of activities, including: Joint flight operations and air combat mission planning. Airspace management and combat operations management. Theoretical instruction and practical lectures. Air combat training, joint air strikes, aerial refuelling, and air support and battlefield search and rescue, coordinated operations, and tactical confrontations.
China dispatched a robust detachment from its People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), including: Five Y-20 transport aircraft and one YY-20 aerial refuelling aircraft, at least six J-10C fighter jets and several J-10S trainer aircraft and one KJ-500 early warning aircraft and at least one Z-20 helicopter
Egypt contributed its MiG-29s and other aircraft, although specific Egyptian aircraft involved in the exercise were not fully disclosed.
Footage appearing to show an Egyptian military officer sitting in a J-10S during the exercise has fuelled speculation that Cairo might be considering adding the J-10C to its air force, as there have been unconfirmed reports that Egypt is interested in acquiring the type.
The exercise was not only operationally significant but also symbolically charged. A flyover by Chinese warplanes over the pyramids was widely seen as a demonstration of deepening military ties and a signal of China's rising influence in a region long dominated by Western powers. The drills included both aerial and ground-based operations, focusing on tactical coordination, logistics, and real-time combat scenario missions.
The timing and location of the exercise are particularly strategic. Egypt's control of the Suez Canal, a vital artery for global trade, enhances the importance of its partnership with China. The collaboration also comes at a time when Egypt's relationship with the United States has faced strains, and China is seeking to expand its influence through both economic and security initiatives.
The Eagles of Civilization 2025 exercise is emblematic of a broader realignment in the Middle East. As China strengthens ties with countries across the region-including recent naval drills with Iran and Russia-it is increasingly viewed as a key player in regional security. For Egypt, this partnership offers new opportunities to enhance its military capabilities and strategic autonomy.
GAMA Releases First Quarter 2025 Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) published the First Quarter 2025 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report. The results for the first three months of 2025 when compared to the same period in 2024 show increased shipments across all sectors and an increase in the overall value of aircraft shipments.
Aircraft shipments through the first quarter of 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, saw piston airplanes increase 19.3% with 353 units, turboprops increase 23.1% with 133 units, and business jets increase 11.0% with 141 units. The value of airplane deliveries through the first quarter of 2025 was $5.04 billion, an increase of 25.7%.
Helicopter shipments through the first quarter of 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, saw piston helicopters increase 1.9% with 54 units, and turbine helicopter increase 1.5% with 133 units. The value of helicopter deliveries was $770 million.
Three Month Aircraft Shipment & Billing
GAMA's complete 2025 first quarter report can be found at gama.aero.
New Satellite Connectivity Service Keeps Airports Online
In an industry where every second of downtime can disrupt passengers and delay operations, a new satellite service is helping airports and airlines stay connected, no matter what. With the launch of SITA Managed Satellites, airports around the world can now maintain vital communication at all times, even during blackouts, natural disasters, or in the most remote or infrastructure-limited locations.
The fully managed service is now available in over 130 countries, offering primary, secondary, and emergency connectivity options tailored specifically for the air transport industry. It takes advantage of low earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver secure, high-bandwidth, low-latency communications that keep airport systems running continuously. This is also the case when other networks are struggling or completely offline.
SITA Managed Satellites doesn't only support regular networks that are in high demand. Recent global events have shown just how vulnerable traditional fiber and terrestrial networks can be. From earthquakes to extreme weather and fiber cuts, many airports, large and small, have experienced partial or complete outages. Even in major hubs, network congestion during peak periods can strain bandwidth and disrupt key services. SITA's new satellite solution addresses these risks directly, giving airport and airline teams a way to keep operations running when it matters most.
SITA Managed Satellites provides a fast, cost-effective way to deploy connectivity wherever it's needed, including off-airport locations, aircraft maintenance hangars, cargo hubs, and even remote sites without existing digital infrastructure. It also unlocks temporary service for new route openings, seasonal operations, or rapid emergency deployments. This makes sure that ground crews and systems are never out of touch.
“The quality and availability of the latest satellite technology means that it's becoming a vital component within high availability networks. Airports, in particular, need new ways to ensure they can maintain critical operations in whatever circumstances they face - even when a dverse incidents strike,” said Martin Smillie, Senior Vice President, Communications and Data Exchange at SITA. “Delivering high-speed internet connectivity via established satellite providers, SITA Managed Satellites allows customers to optimize operational performance. SITA Managed Satellites is an innovative solution to keep all parts of the aviation industry connected to vital platforms - even in the most challenging of times - and can be adapted for other transport sectors and markets also. It delivers a blend of availability and cost-effectiveness to optimize investments in any cloud, on-premises or hybrid computing environment.”
SITA's global team provides 24/7 monitoring, installation, maintenance, and support. The solution also integrates with other SITA connectivity services, offering customers a flexible, bundled approach to network resilience.
Key features include:
• A secure, aviation-specific satellite service that meets industry regulations
• Full lifecycle management and support in over 130 countries
• Proactive infrastructure monitoring to resolve issues before they impact operations
• Optional bundling with other SITA airport connectivity solutions
• Expert on-site support for surveys, setup, ongoing maintenance, and hardware replacement
With aviation more reliant than ever on uninterrupted digital operations, SITA Managed Satellites gives customers the confidence and tools they need to keep critical systems live, even in the most unpredictable conditions.
Electra's Hybrid-Electric Ultra Short Achieves Breakthrough Wind Tunnel Performance 7x Greater Lift Than Conventional Aircraft
Electra has successfully completed powered wind tunnel testing for its nine-passenger EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft, confirming Electra's blown wing design delivers the high lift needed for take-off and landing in just 150 feet. This is 10 percent the distance typically required by conventional aircraft of the same size.
Using a 20 percent scale model of the EL9 wing, the tests demonstrated lift coefficients greater than 20 - 7X greater than the 2.5-3 range typical of unblown wings. The results validate the potential of electric blown lift to increase the wing's lifting capability at low speeds, enabling safe takeoff and landing operations from soccer field-sized spaces. The tests also confirm the EL9's approach and landing profile meets all FAA Part 23 safety and stall margin requirements, ensuring safe and predictable handling at slow speeds.
This breakthrough design opens the door to a range of new capabilities for commercial and defense operators, including enabling air operators to connect communities that lack aviation infrastructure, fly into airports with strict noise restrictions, create new opportunities and business models for cargo services, and save travelers significant time and hassle. It also introduces entirely new logistics capabilities for warfighters including the ability to land on unimproved surfaces, improve safety and reduce cost, power ground operations, and carry out critical logistics transport.
“This is a major milestone in demonstrating the EL9's ability to take off and land in spaces never before possible for fixed-wing aircraft,” said Chris Courtin, Director of Technology Development at Electra. “Verification of the effectiveness of the optimized EL9 wing shows that the EL9 is both transformative and practical. These results give us high confidence in our ability to accurately predict the impacts of electric blown lift on the aircraft, bringing us closer to making our vision of Direct Aviation a reality.”
The US Army collaborated with funding for the testing through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract as it explores the potential for Electra's blown wing technology and dual use hybrid-electric aircraft to expand its military capabilities.
The company is further refining the design of its EL9 production aircraft on the basis of these findings and its ongoing flight tests and demonstrations of the EL2 demonstrator aircraft, advancing the development of a quieter, more efficient, and sustainable future for regional air mobility.
Electra has over 2,200 pre-orders for the EL9 from more than 50 operators worldwide, valued at more than $10 billion -- one of the largest order pipelines in the Advanced Air Mobility sector. The first test flights are planned for 2027, with certification and commercial service entry anticipated in 2029 under FAA Part 23 regulations.
Gulfstream Delivers 50th G700
Gulfstream Aerospace announced the 50th customer delivery of the Gulfstream G700. The aircraft was outfitted at Gulfstream's Savannah completions centre. Since entering service in April 2024, the G700 operates globally, and the fleet has accumulated more than 11,700 flight hours.
Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream commented: “Demand for the G700 continues to grow, and this aircraft is exceeding customer expectations with each new delivery. Reaching 50 deliveries at this stage in the program is a testament to its unparalleled maturity and the quality of our advanced manufacturing and outfitting techniques. We look forward to even more customers experiencing the dynamic performance, innovation and comfort this industry-leading aircraft provides.”
The G700 features the most spacious cabin in business aviation and provides exceptional flexibility, allowing high levels of customization. The interior also offers innovative options to fit customer needs including high-speed internet connectivity packages, an ultrahigh-definition circadian lighting system, the industry's only ultra galley or a grand suite with fixed bed and shower. In addition, the G700 features award-winning seat designs and the Gulfstream Cabin Experience with 100% fresh air, abundant natural light and the industry's lowest cabin altitude: 2,840 feet/866 meters when flying at 41,000 ft/12,497 m.
To date, the G700 has achieved more than 80 city-pair speed records. The aircraft can fly 7,750 nautical miles/14,353 kilometres at Mach 0.85 or 6,650 nm/12,316 km at Mach 0.90 and has a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.935.
Urbanlink Increases Regent Seaglider Order, Accelerating Vision for Zero-Emission Coastal Transportation
REGENT Craft, the developer and manufacturer of all-electric seagliders, today announced a major expansion of its partnership with UrbanLink Air Mobility, a pioneering South Florida-based advanced air and maritime mobility company. UrbanLink has increased its order of REGENT Viceroy seagliders to 47, from the 27 announced last fall, positioning Florida as a national leader in next-generation coastal mobility.
This milestone marks one of the largest commercial seaglider orders to date and underscores UrbanLink's confidence in REGENT's breakthrough maritime technology. The expanded order will support the rapid rollout of UrbanLink's operations across South Florida and Puerto Rico, with anticipated first deliveries in 2027.
“UrbanLink's expanded order is a clear vote of confidence in REGENT's seaglider technology and is testament to our continued timely execution certification and product development milestones,” said Billy Thalheimer, co-founder and CEO of REGENT. “Together, we're building a more convenient and connected future for coastal communities.”
UrbanLink's order reflects a growing demand for convenient alternatives to short-haul air travel in the U.S. and positions Florida as a hub for innovations in advanced maritime mobility.
“We're proud to expand our partnership with REGENT and bring this revolutionary technology to more passengers traveling high-demand routes across Florida and Puerto Rico,” said Ed Wegel, Founder and Chairman of UrbanLink. ““This partnership propels Florida to the forefront of global innovation in advanced, all-electric mobility.”
With this expanded fleet, the company will be able to offer high-frequency service across some of the most heavily trafficked short-haul routes in the United States. Seaglider operations based in Miami could serve up to 4.3 million passengers each year.
Seagliders will provide: Drastically reduced travel times, e.g., Miami to West Palm Beach in 35 minutes. Market-driven, all-electric transportation alternatives. Congestion relief for overburdened highways and airports and lower operating and infrastructure costs than traditional aircraft or ferries.
This announcement comes as REGENT's full-scale Viceroy prototype continues successful sea trials and the company advances toward U.S. Coast Guard certification.
Archer Selected as the Official Air Taxi Provider of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Team USA in Exclusive Deal
Today, Archer (NYSE: ACHR) announced that it has been selected as the Official Air Taxi Provider of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Team USA. Through this exclusive partnership, the two will look to integrate Archer's Midnight eVTOL aircraft across the LA28 Games in a variety of ways, such as transporting VIPs, fans, and stakeholders, while electrifying vertiport take-off-and-landing hubs for key venues and providing support for emergency services and security.
Archer announced that it has been selected as the Official Air Taxi Provider of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Team USA.
Archer announced that it has been selected as the Official Air Taxi Provider of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Team USA.
Archer and LA28 will introduce the company's Midnight eVTOL aircraft to Los Angeles, which is expected to host over 15 million visitors and broadcast to billions of viewers globally over the course of the Games. The partnership includes support for Team USA through LA28.
Midnight is Archer's piloted electric air taxi designed to carry up to four passengers while producing less noise and emissions than a traditional helicopter. The eVTOL aircraft is built with redundant, fault-tolerant systems, including 12 total engines and propellers, allowing Archer to target certification with the FAA at similar levels of safety as commercial airliners. Midnight is made in America at Archer's manufacturing facilities in San Jose, CA and Covington, GA.
Whether a Los Angeles resident or a visitor, Archer's goal is for passengers to be able to go to a vertiport take-off-and-landing hub near a key venue and then fly 10-20 minutes in Midnight to their destination of choice within Archer's LA network, a valuable option as Games spectators and participants move throughout the city.
Archer's planned network in LA includes vertiports at key venues that are central to the LA28 Games, including the Stadium in Inglewood and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Additionally, the network is planned to include critical visitor hubs, including Los Angeles International Airport, Hollywood, Orange County, and Santa Monica.
“We want to transform the way people get around Los Angeles and leave a legacy that shapes the future of transportation in America. There's no better time to do that than during the LA28 Games,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer Aviation. “I can't wait to see Midnight flying passengers over Los Angeles, emblazoned with the Team USA logo and the Olympic Rings and Paralympic Agitos.”
“At LA28, we're building a platform for constant innovation and creativity, which is why we've partnered with forward-thinking companies like Archer,” said LA28 Chairperson and President Casey Wasserman. “Our vision is to fundamentally reimagine the Olympic and Paralympic Games experience, and this partnership represents an incredible opportunity to deliver something unprecedented, showcasing the very best of what Los Angeles has to offer on the world stage.”
Joan Merriam Smith was an American aviator, famous for her 1964 solo flight around the world, in which she became the second woman to complete the trip, by following the equatorial route attempted in 1937 by Amelia Earhart. (Jerrie Mock set off the same week on a different route in her Spirit of Columbus, and finished before Smith did.) In doing so she also became the first woman to fly a twin-engine aircraft around the world, and the first woman to fly the Pacific Ocean from west to east in a twin-engine plane.
She died the following year when the plane she was piloting suffered structural failure and crashed in California.
France, Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport (MPL/LFMT), Montpellier: Three Airways Aviation Academy (ESMA) Diamond DA42 Twin Star aircraft at Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport (MPL/LFMT), Montpellier, Hérault, were destroyed and one substantial damaged by fire. F-HDAR and F-HDDH were destroyed. Arson is suspected.
Peru, near Zaraté Island: A KAI KT-1P Woongbi trainer was reported missing on a tactical navigation training mission. The Peruvian AF, Fuerza Aérea del Perú, reported via X that SAR operations were being conducted from Land, Air, and Sea assets. Various fragments of the aircraft have been found along the coastline between Playa Supay and Playa Mendieta. The pilot, FAP Ensign Ashley Vargas Mendoza, still has not been found. The following is from statements by the Peruvian AF posted on X: On the 21st of May the location of some aicraft remains on an islet south of Paracas peninsula (between the islands of Zárate and Zaratillo) was announced. On the 24th of May it was reported a third fuselage section was found on Supay Beach. On the 25th of May it was reported two fragments of the aircraft were found North of Mendieta beach. On the 26th of May it was reported the maintenance of the aircraft was up to date and in-compliance with the relevant standards.
India, near Pathankot: IndiGo Airlines flight 6E2142, an Airbus A321-251NX, sustained damage to the nose radome after encountering a hailstorm while en route to Srinagar Airport (SXR) at FL360.DGCA India reported that, as per the flight crew statement, they requested Northern control (IAF) for deviation towards the left (International Boarder) due to weather on the route, however it was not approved. Later the crew contacted Lahore to enter into their airspace to avoid the weather but the same was refused too. The crew initially attempted to return back but as they were close to the thunder storm cloud, they decided to penetrate the weather. Subsequently, they encountered hailstorm and severe turbulence. The crew chose to continue at same heading to exit the weather by the shortest route towards Srinagar. While in thunder storm cloud, warnings of Angle of Attack fault, Alternate Law protection lost, backup Speed scale unreliable were triggered. Due to updraft and down draft encountered by the aircraft the Autopilot tripped and aircraft speed had wide variations. As a result, Maximum Operating Speed/Maximum operating Mach (VMO/MMO) warnings and repeated stall warnings were triggered. During this period the aircraft rate of descent reached 8500 fpm The crew flew the aircraft manually till they exited the hailstorm. After carrying out all check list actions (ECAM actions), the crew declared PAN PAN to Srinagar ATC and requested for radar vectors and made a safe landing with Auto Thrust operating normally.
USA, Chambers County, near Hankamer, TX: A Rockwell Commander 114A, crashed near Hankamer, Texas for unknown reasons. The pilot and his Grandson perished, and the aircraft was destroyed. The aircraft departed Baytown Airport (HPY/KHPY), Baytown, Texas at 16:27 LT time on Saturday 5/24 for a local flight. ADS-B data shows the aircraft flying an erratic track in the area near Anahuac, Texas and, at one point, climbed to a max altitude of about 4200 feet until it entered a high-rate steep descent until it impacted wooded terrain near I-10 and FM 1724 in Hankamer, TX. The final ADS-B data shows a rate of descent of over -14,000 ft/minute at over 200 kts. The VNE speed on this aircraft is 187 kts indicated.
