AIC 18.19 Task Team - #8 Media Release
Denel starting to deliver on major projects.
AAD turns 25 this year.
AutoFlight achieves aviation milestone with world's first 2-ton eVTOL offshore oil platform operation for 300km+ round-trip.
SAAF sharpening its air defence capability.
Bell - Flight School Next: an opportunity to transform training.
US Space Force scheduled to launch eighth X-37B mission.
IATA outlines priorities to strengthen aviation's contribution to African growth.
This Week in History - June 13 1980 - The last produced Concorde (number 16) is delivered to British Airways.
World Wide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus Video- Luscombe Silvair Rand to Kroon
AIC 18.19 Task Team - #8 Media Release
We are sharing important updates regarding the SA Civil Aviation Authority's (SACAA) decision to remove provisions of AIC 18.19, which relate to the 12-year overhaul limit on certain aircraft engine types. Pease review the attached 8th Media Release from the AIC 18.19 Task Team, issued on 31 July 2025, for detailed information on this matter.
The AeroClub of South Africa, in collaboration with other industry associations, has taken a firm stance against SACAA's position. To support this campaign, we have utilized funds from the AeroClub's legal fund to pursue legal action, including filing an amended urgent-interdict application on 9 July 2025. This follows SACAA's failure to respond to our concerns by their committed deadline of 1 July 2025.
We await the court's scheduling of our interdict hearing and will share further updates as they become available. Your support is crucial to ensuring the industry remains united. As stated in the media release: “United we stand, divided, the industry will be irreparably harmed.”
Denel Starting to Deliver on Major Projects www.defenceweb.co.za
uMkhonto weSizwe (MKP) Member of Parliament (MP) Mzwanele Manyi heard State-owned defence and technology conglomerate Denel has “started to deliver on major projects in two divisions”. The Mpumalanga-based Parliamentarian asked Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga to enlighten him on the financial health and operational “improvements” at Denel as well as progress on its turnaround plan.
On the turnaround plan, Manyi was told its implementation focussed on “stabilising the business” including finalising annual reports and financial statements for the 2021, 2022 and 2023 financial years. “These will be tabled subsequent to the AGM (annual general meeting) in due course as the audits have been finalised,” he was further informed without a date specified for the shareholder meeting.
The Ministerial response also notes Denel, apart from starting to deliver on two major projects in its aerospace and dynamics divisions, “started securing various large scale international contracts” for its Dynamics and Landward divisions. Additionally, at the Denel ammunition component (Pretoria Metal Pressings), a division-specific turnaround strategy is at implementation stage in the wake of management approval.
All told, Manyi was informed Denel Group turnover will increase “significantly” going forward.
In a mid-June presentation to Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD), Denel said state capture from 2015 coupled with the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in Denel's downward spiral and the loss of key customers. Revenue fell from R8.4 billion in 2015/16 to R1.5 billion in 2022/23. Denel expects to reduce its losses in the next few years and make a profit of R92 million in 2028 as it turns around. Order cover was R1.4 billion in 2023/24 and R4.3 billion in 2024/25.
Denel has R45 billion in short to medium high value potential contracts for artillery, armoured vehicles, missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Another “opportunity” listed is the supply of 462 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) for SA Army personnel tasked with land border protection.
The SAAF also makes it to the “order opportunity pipeline” in the form of the Rooivalk Mk 1.1 mid-life upgrade. This upgraded helicopter could be sold internationally, with potential for 50-100 units.
Denel is also pushing research and development into new products as a way of increasing revenue, with the development of a rotary wing unmanned aerial vehicle (maximum takeoff weight of 600 kg) and electric fixed wing vertical takeoff and landing UAV. It is developing the Joint Strike Missile as a multi-role radar-guided beyond visual range air-to-air and surface-to-air weapon.
Providing updates for its various divisions, Denel told the JSCD that PMP is working on securing a five-year contract with Armscor to meet SANDF ammunition requirements, and a three-year contract for South African Police Service ammunition. Denel Dynamics is busy delivering production A-Darter missiles to the South African Air Force, and expects a large production order for Ingwe anti-tank missiles in 2026. The landward side of the business is pursuing T5-52 artillery and Umkhonto-IR missiles sales to the Middle East, amongst others.
AAD Turns 25 This Year www.defenceweb.co.za
When September appears on calendars this year it will mark the silver anniversary of the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition - an event organisers say is the continent's premier such show. In anticipation of next year's event at Air Force Base (AFB) Waterkloof, a newsletter notes 2025 is the 25th anniversary of AAD “influencing the future of aerospace and defence across the African continent”.
From inception, the newsletter continues, to evolving into one of the most significant exhibitions in the southern hemisphere, AAD has transformed into a representation of creativity, teamwork, and regional pride. “As we mark this silver jubilee, we honour a legacy that has connected nations, advanced industries, and inspired generations.”
The inaugural edition of AAD was held in 2000 following the merger of Aerospace Africa and the Defence Exhibition of South Africa (DEXSA). It was jointly hosted by AMD (SA Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association), Armscor and CAASA (the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa), with support from the South African government, the Department of Defence (DoD) and the then Department of Trade and Industry, now Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.
“The event was the most extensive civil and military aerospace and defence exhibition ever held in Africa”, according to the newsletter which notes it marked “a grand celebration of the SA Air Force (SAAF) 80th anniversary, celebrated through an unforgettable air tattoo”.
“AAD has grown in leaps and bounds to become one of the leading global defence and aerospace exhibitions not only on the African continent, but worldwide, attracting over 400 exhibitors from more than 35 countries at its biennial event.
“At AAD 2024, we attracted 86 official delegations from over 36 countries, including various African nations and international participants who took part in previous editions, demonstrating AAD's broad international appeal and relevance. Next year, we will strengthen the legacy of a platform that has been tried and tested. We aim to increase representation from across the continent, showcasing the entire value chain,” AAD Exhibition Director Nakedi Phasha is quoted as saying in the newsletter.
CAASA is the lead partner for the 2026 edition of AAD, which runs from 16 to 20 September 2026 at Air Force Base Waterkloof. Organisers are expecting more than 300 global exhibitors, 30 000 trade visitors, and 80 000 public visitors during the air show days.
AutoFlight Achieves Aviation Milestone with World's First 2-Ton eVTOL Offshore Oil Platform Operation for 300km+ round-trip
AutoFlight, in strategic partnership with China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and CITIC Offshore Helicopters, today announced the successful completion of the world's first offshore oil platform cargo transport mission utilizing a 2-ton electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
AutoFlight's CarryAll aircraft, the world's first 2-ton eVTOL to receive comprehensive certification including Type Certificate, Production Certificate, and Airworthiness Certificate, executed a precision cargo delivery mission. The aircraft departed from a designated launch facility in Shenzhen carrying essential supplies including fresh provisions and emergency pharmaceuticals, completing a 58-minute trans-oceanic flight to the Huizhou 19-3 Oil platform, located 150 kilometers offshore.
The successful demonstration addresses longstanding logistical constraints in offshore energy operations. Traditional maritime cargo transport to CNOOC's South China Sea platforms requires approximately 10 hours per transit, creating significant delays for critical supply deliveries and emergency response scenarios. While helicopter transport provides rapid deployment capabilities, operational costs remain prohibitively high for routine cargo operations.
"This flight represents the convergence of innovative aviation technology, proven operational expertise, and real-world offshore operational requirements," said Ren Yongyi, Deputy Manager, Crisis Management & Operations Support Department, CNOOC China Limited Shenzhen Branch. "We have successfully demonstrated a comprehensive 'development + operation + application' framework for low-altitude economic implementation."
SAAF Sharpening its Air Defence Capability www.defenceweb.co.za
The air defence component of Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo's SA Air Force (SAAF) is at present reviewing and polishing its operations by way Exercise Eagle Dawn with 177 uniformed and Public Service Act (PSA) personnel involved.
The exercise started on 21 July last week in Limpopo, drawing in personnel from Pretoria, Durban, Makhado, and Hoedspruit.
Elaborating on the exercise aims, Eagle Dawn Operational Communication Officer Major Takalani Mulaudzi reports its main purpose is to confirm and align with current air defence operations policies and instructions. This will see an operation planned using the SAAF operational planning process to evaluate force doctrine as well as “standard operating instructions” and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for command-and-control capabilities.
The Major lists forces on the ground as coming from Mobile Sector Control Centre, Mobile Ground Signal Intelligence Systems, Tactical Mobile Radar, Deployment Support Unit, Mobile Communication Unit as well as the Durban and Makhado bases.
Exercise commander is Brigadier General Alec Kitley, to the best of this publication's knowledge still Director Helicopter Systems, under the reported exercise focus of “regaining the force preparations needed to make the SAAF proficient again”.
Another SAAF officer involved with Eagle Dawn is Lieutenant Colonel Tlou Shoroma. She is not given a position or title by Mulaudzi but reportedly said Eagle Dawn is “an opportunity for the air defence component of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) to measure and evaluate the preparedness of the combat readiness of the organisation”.
Eagle Dawn was made public by SANDF communicators on 7 July but there was, at the time of publishing this update, no response to the inquiry asking whether it replaces the previously held Winter Solstice exercises.
Eagle Dawn is scheduled to finish on 6 August.
Bell - Flight School Next: An Opportunity to Transform Training
Bell is leading the charge for Flight School Next, working with several industry leaders, including V2X, DigiFlight, Delaware Resource Group (DRG), Alpha 1 Aero and TRU Simulation. By leveraging Bell's proven 505 and previous experience in providing military training solutions, along with our collaborators' expertise in various disciplines, we can execute a modern, high-tech, and rigorous training program.
The Army got hands-on with the 505 during industry days and witnessed its effectiveness in training pilots to enhance their operational readiness and fundamental flying skills, including emergency maneuvers. Beyond understanding how student pilots could fly the 505 to build their skills, the Bell team highlighted its safety enhancements aimed at protecting pilots as they undergo their training.
While the 505 attracted major attention with its impressive flight demonstrations, it is only one component of Bell's comprehensive solution for the Flight School Next program. Utilizing modern training technology and Bell's proven training approach, the Army can produce a new generation of aviators who are confident and prepared for dynamic and challenging combat environments.
With a history of providing military training aircraft dating back 70 years, Bell deeply understands the U.S. Army's training needs. From the H-13 to the UH-1 and TH-67, Bell has proven itself as a trusted partner delivering purpose-built solutions with tremendous results. Bell looks to continue this legacy by partnering with the Army and working together to develop training solutions grounded in operational reality and setting student pilots up for success.
Bell supports our warfighters with cutting-edge vertical lift solutions that empower them to complete their missions. Bell was selected to deliver the MV-75 FLRAA, a revolutionary solution for the maneuver force that enables Long-Range Large-Scale Air Assault. For Flight School Next, Bell intends to bring a revolutionary solution to training Army Aviators.
US Space Force scheduled to launch eighth X-37B mission
The U.S. Space Force, in partnership with the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, is scheduled to launch the eighth mission of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV-8) on Aug. 21, 2025, from Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
X-37B Mission 8 will launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, designated USSF-36, with a wide range of test and experimentation objectives. These operational demonstrations and experiments comprise of next-generation technologies including laser communications and the highest performing quantum inertial sensor ever tested in space. Mission partners include the Air Force Research Lab and the Defense Innovation Unit, respectively.
Mission 8 will contribute to improving the resilience, efficiency and security of U.S. space based communications architectures by conducting laser communications demonstrations involving proliferated commercial satellite networks in Low Earth Orbit. Laser communications are integral to the future of space communications as the shorter wavelength of infrared light increases the amount of data that can be sent with each transmission. Additionally, they are more secure than traditional radio frequency transmissions owing to the more targeted nature of laser beams. The use of proliferated relay networks enhances the resilience of U.S. space architectures by ensuring that they contain no single point of failure.
These experiments come as part of a broader push across the U.S. Space Force to uphold the safety and security of the space domain by enhancing the resilience and flexibility of U.S. orbital systems. Commenting on the significance of this demonstration, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman stated, "OTV-8's laser communications demonstration will mark an important step in the U.S. Space Force's ability to leverage proliferated space networks as part of a diversified and redundant space architectures. In so doing, it will strengthen the resilience, reliability, adaptability and data transport speeds of our satellite communications architecture."
Additionally, Mission 8 will demonstrate the world's highest performing quantum inertial sensor ever used in space. This demonstration will inform accurate unaided navigation in space by detecting rotation and acceleration of atoms without reliance on satellite networks like traditional GPS. This technology is useful for navigation in GPS-denied environments and consequently will enhance the navigational resilience of U.S. spacecraft in the face of current and emerging threats. As quantum inertial sensors would be useful for navigation in cislunar space, they additionally promise to push the technological frontiers of long-distance space travel and exploration.
Speaking on the quantum inertial sensor demonstration, Col. Ramsey Horn, Space Delta 9 commander, asserted, "OTV 8's quantum inertial sensor demonstration is a welcome step forward for operational resilience in space. Whether navigating beyond Earth based orbits in cislunar space or operating in GPS-denied environments, quantum inertial sensing allows for robust navigation capabilities when GPS navigation is not possible. Ultimately, this technology contributes significantly to our thrust within the Fifth Space Operations Squadron and across the Space Force guaranteeing movement and maneuverability even in GPS-denied environments." The Fifth Space Operations Squadron, within USSF Delta 9 conducts day-to-day on-orbit operations of the X-37B in partnership with the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office.
The X-37B is a dynamic and responsive spacecraft responsible for conducting a range of tests and experiments that expedite the development of critical next-generation technologies and operational concepts for reusable space capabilities.
IATA Outlines Priorities to Strengthen Aviation's Contribution to African Growth
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged African governments to prioritize aviation as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, connectivity, and social development by enhancing safety, reducing the cost burden, and resolving the issue of blocked airline funds.
"Africa's aviation sector is a vital economic driver, contributing USD 75 billion to GDP and supporting 8.1 million jobs. The continent's aviation market is projected to grow at 4.1% over the next 20 years, doubling by 2044. More important than the growth of the sector is the impact that a successful aviation industry has on social and economic development. As governments prioritize how to deliver their agendas with limited resources it is critical to recognize that supporting aviation underpins jobs, trade, and tourism,” said Somas Appavou, IATA's Regional Director External Affairs, Africa.
IATA outlined three key priorities for African governments: Improve aviation safety: The implementation of global standards is the key to world-class safety. While African safety has improved, the continent's safety rate lags the global average in its implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS). On average, the effective implementation rate for ICAO SARPS is 59.49% across 46 of 48 Sub-Saharan African states, behind the global average of 69.16% and the global target of 75%. States must take action to close this longstanding gap.
In 2024 runway excursions were the most prevalent among Africa's 10 reported accidents. IATA calls for a renewed effort of ICAO's Runway Safety Team missions at airports to improve performance in this area, including by ensuring the effective implementation of ICAO SARPS.
IATA also calls for African states to abide by the ICAO Annex 13 global standard to deliver timely accident reports. Of the 42 accidents occurring in Africa between 2018 and 2023, only eight have seen the publication of a final report. The IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and the IATA Standard Safety Assessment (ISSA) are tools to strengthen airline safety performance, support effective regulatory oversight, and promote a consistent, risk-based approach to operational safety.
Reduce taxes and charges: Taxes and charges on air travel in Africa are15% higher than the global average.
It is critical that governments understand that the greatest value that aviation brings to an economy is catalytic. Transporting travelers and goods stimulates job creation. Destroying demand with excessive taxation puts a brake on economic and social development.
Where charges are used to fund critical aviation infrastructure, coordination between industry and government is essential. The aim must be to build growth-supporting infrastructure that is cost-efficient and scalable.
Liminating Blocked Funds: Airlines cannot operate in a market if they are unable to repatriate revenues generated which is guaranteed in international treaties and bilateral agreements. The $1 billion of airline revenues being blocked from repatriation by African governments (as of May 2025)-73% of total global blocked funds-is an impediment to maintaining Africa's international connectivity. Blocked funds are spread across 26 African countries.
Airlines facing blocked funds often reduce flight frequencies or suspend routes. To facilitate aviation's economic and social benefits, governments need to live up to their international obligation and remove all barriers to airline revenue repatriation.
“These challenges are not new but solving them is urgent. That's why IATA launched the Focus Africa initiative in 2023, working hand-in-hand with governments, industry, and development partners to deliver real improvements in safety, affordability, and connectivity. Aviation is not a luxury. It is an economic and social lifeline. Focus Africa is about turning potential into jobs, growth and prosperity,” said Appavou.
The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is a pillar of the industry's net-zero commitment and is midway through its initial voluntary phase of reporting (2024-2026). Mandatory reporting will start in 2027. As of 2025, 129 countries are participating in CORSIA, including 20 African states.
IATA urges African governments to ensure the success of CORSIA as the only globally agreed, market-based mechanism to address CO2 emissions from international aviation, and to avoid putting forward a patchwork of national or regional taxes which leads towards a fragmented, inefficient and inconsistent global policy framework, ultimately undermining the scheme.
Making CORSIA Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs) available to airlines for their offsetting obligations should be a priority for African countries as it not only fulfils their international obligations under CORSIA but will directly benefit countries that do so by generating revenue from carbon markets, supporting development and jobs while attracting climate investment.
13 June 1980
The last produced Concorde (number 16) is delivered to British Airways.
Construction of two Concorde prototypes began in February 1965: 001, built by Aérospatiale at Toulouse, and 002, by BAC at Filton, Bristol. 001 made its first test flight from Toulouse on 2 March 1969, piloted by André Turcat, and first went supersonic on 1 October.[53][54] The first UK-built Concorde flew from Filton to RAF Fairford on 9 April 1969, piloted by Brian Trubshaw. Both prototypes were presented to the public on 7-8 June 1969 at the Paris Air Show.
Concorde began scheduled flights with British Airways and Air France on 21 January 1976 and operated on various routes, including London-Bahrain, London-New York, London-Miami, and London-Barbados (with British Airways), and Paris-Dakar-Rio de Janeiro, Paris-Azores-Caracas, Paris-New York, and Paris-Washington (with Air France), but faced challenges such as bans and low profitability. Later, British Airways repositioned Concorde as a super-premium service and it then became profitable.
In 2003, Air France and British Airways announced the retirement of Concorde, due to rising maintenance costs, low passenger numbers following the 25 July 2000 crash, and the slump in air travel following the September 11 attacks.
Air France flew its last commercial flight on 30 May 2003 with British Airways retiring its Concorde fleet on 24 October 2003.
USA, Denver International Airport (DEN/KDEN), Denver, CO: American Airlines flight 3023, a Boeing 737-8 MAX, aborted take-off on runway 34L at Denver International Airport, CO (DEN). The left main gear collapsed and a small fire broke out. All 176 passengers and 6 crew members evacuated safely. ADS-B data indicate that the aircraft was pushed back from the gate at 19:14 UTC and began taxing at 19:22 UTC. It intimately taxied to runway 08, where it turned around at 19:31 UTC. The aircraft then taxied to runway 17L, where it turned around at 19:41 UTC. It then taxied to runway 34L and commenced the take-off roll at 20:16 UTC. Denver Metar data indicate that the wind changed direction from 170 degrees at 18:53 UTC to 300 degrees at 19:46 UTC.
Switzerland, Lake Lucerne, off Kehrsiten, Stansstad, NW: A Socata TBM700N (marketed as TBM940) crashed into Lake Lucerne, off Kehrsiten, Stansstad, Nidwalden, shortly after take-off from runway 24 at Buochs Airport (BXO/LSZC), Buochs, and sank. The pilot was not injured and the passenger was injured and taken to a hospital. ADS-B data indicate that the aircraft took off from runway 24 at 06:21 UTC. It circled back to BXO, aborted the approach to runway 24, made teardrop turn and landed on runway 06, eight minutes after take-off. The aircraft remained on the apron for over an hour and took off from runway 24 at 07:38 UTC. It made a climbing right hand turn after take-off and began losing altitude over Lake Lucerne until it impacted the water.
Brazil, Porto Ferreira: An A29A Super Tucano crashed after mid-air collision during training in the interior of Sao Paulo state in Brazil. The accident occurred between Descalvado and Porto Ferreira cities around 11:10 am. According to the Air Force Academy (AFA), the pilot managed to eject and no one was injured.
