EHang achieves first pilotless human-carrying eVTOL Flight in Africa at the 9th Aviation Africa Summit.
Bateleurs fly injured cheetah to specialist care in Pretoria.
Van's RV-15 goes into production.
Embraer E190-E2 and E195-E2 Aircraft Receive Type Certification from South African Civil Aviation Authority
Boeing, RAAF prove MQ-28 operational effectiveness.
Portuguese Air Force's first A-29N Super Tucano arrive at OGMA's facilities.
This Week in History - 6 September 1966 - The Concorde's Rolls-Royce Olympus engine begins flight tests underneath an Avro Vulcan bomber.
World Wide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus Video - Goerapan Kalahari Helicopter Safari 2025 Day 5
AirVenture Oshkosh Tour 2026
Word from the airlines is that US flights could be under pressure over the Oshkosh period next year due to the FIFA Soccer World Cup being held in the USA, Canada and Mexico. The tournament takes place from 11 June to 19 July, the final taking place in New York on the Sunday before Oshkosh starts.
Our group will be departing South Africa on Friday 17 July, while we do see a possible impact on airline pricing as big tour operators start making block bookings, we also see a great opportunity for those soccer enthusiasts that may want to see a game or two and also attend Oshkosh AirVenture.
Our flights have been booked with Emirates, and bookings are open for next year's tour. We still do have a few Early Bird specials open for those who want to book and pay upfront. The airline has granted us an extension on the due date and we are offering a 7,5% discount on all tour packages. Please see details and prices below.
Tour Dates & Pricing for 2026
Alpha Tour - Emirates ex Johannesburg
Departs JNB Friday 17 July 2026, arrives back in JNB Tuesday 28 July 2026
Sharing R41 655 (Early Bird Price R38 530 Save R3 125)
Single R43 755 (Early Bird Price R40 472 Save R3 283)
Bravo & Charlie Tours Emirates ex Durban and Cape Town
Departs DBN/CT Friday 17 July 2026, arrives back Tuesday 28 July 2026
Sharing R43 855 (Early Bird R40 565 Save R3 290)
Single R45 955 (Early Bird R42 508 Save R3 447)
Delta Tour ex Chicago
Departs O'Hare Chicago Saturday 18 July, arrives back at O'Hare Sunday 26 July
Sharing R14 760 (Early Bird R13 652 Save R1 108)
Single R16 860 (Early Bird R15 595 Save R1 265)
If you would like to take advantage of the Early Bird Special, please contact Neil at info@airadventure.co.za or cell +27 84 674 5674
Ehang Achieves First Pilotless Human-Carrying Evtol Flight in Africa at the 9th Aviation Africa Summit
EHang Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: EH) ( "EHang" or "the Company"), the world's leading Urban Air Mobility ("UAM") technology company, announced that it successfully conducted the first-ever pilotless human-carrying flight of its EH216-S in Africa.
This milestone took place during the 9th Aviation Africa Summit & Exhibition (the "Aviation Africa Summit") in Kigali, Rwanda, in collaboration with its strategic partner China Road and Bridge Corporation ("CRBC"). This marks a historic breakthrough for EHang as the first pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing ("eVTOL") aircraft to fly on the African continent.
The first pilotless flight of the EH216-S in Africa received strong support from the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority ("RCAA"). Dignitaries including Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Jimmy Gasore, RCAA Director General Silas Udahemuka, and Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wenqi Gao were present to witness this historic moment. Aviation representatives and media journalists from over 50 countries worldwide attended the flight ceremony, with Mr. Rucheng Lu, Chief Engineer of EHang, also accompanying the guests. Staff from the RCAA and reporters from China Media Group were the first group of passengers to experience the flights. This milestone not only marked a successful debut in Africa, but also expanded the EH216-S's global flight footprint to 21 countries across five continents.
Africa's vast geography presents unique opportunities for the low-altitude aviation, especially in remote and underserved regions. The successful debut flight of the EH216-S is not only a preview of its future deployment in practical commercial applications, but also a demonstration of how air mobility can address transportation challenges, enhance economic growth, and improve livelihoods across the African continent. EHang will join hands with partners such as CRBC to actively expand into the African market, leveraging its advanced pilotless aerial vehicle technology and rich experience in low-altitude application practices, and jointly explore an advanced air mobility development model suitable for the African region.
As the strategic partner for the summit and flight, Qilin Huang, Head of CRBC's Rwanda Office, stated, "The EH216-S flight is a brilliant showcase of China's cutting-edge technology and new-quality productive forces in Africa. Looking forward, we will continue to explore eVTOL application scenarios in Africa and open up new opportunities this emerging market."
Mr. Rucheng Lu, Chief Engineer of EHang, commented, "With over 73,000 safe flight already completed, this first human-carrying flights in Africa demonstrates EHang's outstanding technical capabilities and robust system safety, making an important step in accelerating our global expansion. Starting with the Aviation Africa Summit, EHang will continue to engage with African airlines, airports, civil aviation authorities, industry organizations, and aviation professionals, exploring innovative models and providing solutions that promote the development of Africa's transportation, logistics, tourism and other sectors, and contribute to the better development of global new civil aviation."
Bateleurs Fly Injured Cheetah to Specialist Care in Pretoria
Raewyn du Toit
On the 10th July 2025, The Bateleurs flew an injured female cheetah from the Eastern Cape to a specialist veterinary and rehabilitation centre in Pretoria for urgent treatment and further care. This mission highlights the crucial role of volunteer pilots in wildlife conservation.
With the cheetah's injuries requiring specialised attention, time was critical. Thanks to a coordinated effort between conservationists, The Bateleurs, veterinary experts, the animal was transported to receive the necessary treatment.
This mission highlights the importance of efficient and compassionate care for wildlife in distress, showcasing the commitment of all involved to protect and conserve Southern Africa's incredible species. Through their expertise, dedication, and teamwork, The Bateleurs continue to make a significant impact in the fight to safeguard wildlife.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a part in this mission from the volunteers to the veterinary professionals ensuring the cheetah's safe recovery, and for calling on us to assist with aerial support.
VAN'S RV-15 GOES INTO PRODUCTION
The first-ever high-wing design from Van's Aircraft, which has more than 50 years' experience designing high-performance low-wing airplanes, has entered production. Van's has begun manufacturing wing kits, which will be shipping and in builders' hands this year.
On the first morning of EAA AirVenture 2025, Van's opened orders for the wing-kit portion of the smooth-handling RV-15. Deliveries of the wing kits, which are made up of aluminium skins and structural components that are "pre punched" to final size and assembled with easy-to-use, aerospace-quality blind rivets, will begin before year's end. This construction method greatly reduces build time and makes the RV-15 easier to construct than any Van's RV in history.
"The RV-15 is a game changer for the backcountry flying community and Van's Aircraft," said Mikael Via, Van's Aircraft CEO. "Our design engineers have worked tirelessly to create an airplane that takes Van's idea of 'Total Performance' into the utility category. The RV-15 has the ideal mix of very low stall speeds and docile handling that backcountry pilots love with unexpectedly high cruise speeds. The RV-15 is capable of cruising at 140 knots while also feeling comfortable on short, challenging remote airstrips."
Embraer E190-E2 And E195-E2 Aircraft Receive Type Certification from South African Civil Aviation Authority
Embraer's E-Jets E2 family has received Type Acceptance Certification from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA); another significant milestone in the aircraft's global success and reinforcing its suitability for the African market.
"This certification opens new opportunities for the aircraft, which has already attained significant success across the world," said Stephan Hannemann, SVP for Africa and Middle East, Embraer Commercial Aviation. "Passengers can now look forward to experiencing the E2's class-leading comfort very soon."
Embraer's E2 family of aircraft enables airlines to build operational flexibility, match capacity with demand, and add frequencies - all enhancing connectivity. E190-E2 and E195-E2 are the most fuel-efficient single aisle aircraft flying today, delivering 17.3% and 29% better fuel efficiency per seat respectively, compared to previous generation E-Jets.
The announcement comes on the heels of a major fleet expansion by Airlink, South Africa's leading airline, which recently finalized a lease agreement with Azorra for 10 new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. The first deliveries are expected later this year, with the full fleet arriving by 2027. These aircraft will seat up to 136 passengers in Embraer's comfortable two-by-two configuration and will support Airlink's growth across high-density and emerging routes in sub-Saharan Africa.
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, commented: "With Embraer firmly established as the market leader in the up to 150 seat segment in Africa, this region is a key focus for us. As a long-standing Embraer customer, it's great that Airlink will soon be South Africa's first E2 operator. This aircraft is the most efficient single-aisle jet and is perfectly suited to support Airlink's ambitious growth plans across Southern Africa."
Airlink CEO, de Villiers Engelbrecht, said: "South Africa's type acceptance of the latest generation Embraer E195-E2 and its Pratt & Whitney engines by the SACAA are important milestones as we prepare to receive and take them into service. The E2's additional capacity and range will let Airlink respond to increased demand on some of our most popular routes and extend our destination network so that we can provide convenient connections for customers in new markets."
The type acceptance process was closely supported by Embraer's engine partner Pratt & Whitney, as the E2's next generation PW1900G engines were, in parallel, certified in South Africa. With SACAA certification now in place, Embraer's E2 jets are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aviation in South Africa and beyond.
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) have successfully completed demonstrations proving the operational viability of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).
The RAAF-defined demonstrations required the MQ-28 to execute a series of operationally relevant missions designed to supplement and enhance capabilities of existing crewed platforms.
The uncrewed MQ-28 platforms and digital versions have now completed 150 hours and 20,000+ hours of virtual testing. The Capability Demonstration 2025 missions were completed in early June, four months ahead of schedule, and validated: autonomous behaviours and mission execution, multi-ship operations to provide combat mass deployment operations to RAAF Base Tindal, teaming with an E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft, and data fusion and sharing data between multiple MQ-28 aircraft and transmission of that data to a crewed platform.
MQ-28 is a unique autonomous capability designed to complement the find, fix, track and target elements of air combat with autonomous behaviours and reduced risk to crewed platforms.
"The RAAF set the task of proving the first four steps in the Air Combat chain for the MQ-28 and we have accomplished that sooner than anticipated," said Glen Ferguson, MQ-28 Global program director.
"Completing this work early allows us to accelerate the next phases of development - engage and assess - with an air-to-air weapon shot planned for later this year or in early 2026.The demonstrations have proven the maturity of MQ-28's capabilities and the utility of CCA's and their application to the future force mix," Ferguson said.
The capabilities validated throughout 2025 will be incorporated into the Block 2 aircraft now in production, forming the basis of an initial operational capability for the RAAF and allied partners.
Portuguese Air Force's first A-29N Super Tucano arrive at OGMA's facilities
Embraer (NYSE: ERJ/ B3: EMBR3), one of the global leaders in the aerospace industry, carried out the transfer flight of the first A-29N Super Tucano to OGMA, in Portugal. The first three aircraft, which landed yesterday at the facilities in Alverca do Ribatejo, district of Lisbon, will now receive the necessary equipment to operate in accordance with the operational requirements of NATO and Portugal.
"The acquisition of the A-29N Super Tucano reinforces FAP's confidence in Embraer products. We are sure that these aircraft have contributed even more to the modernization of the Portuguese fleet and to broader cooperation with the local industry," said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
The first three aircraft have landed in Portugal just eight months after the contract signature between the State of Portugal and Embraer, evidencing the unmatched customer focus and flexibility in deliveries that Embraer offers.
The A-29 Super Tucano is the global leader in its category with more than 600,000 flight hours. Currently, 22 air forces have selected the Super Tucano and other nations have already shown their interest in the platform due to its unmatched combination of capabilities, making it the most cost-effective option in the market.
For Air Forces seeking a proven, comprehensive, efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solution on a single platform, coupled with great operational flexibility, the A-29 Super Tucano offers a wide range of missions such as Advanced Pilot Training, CAS, Air Patrol, Air Interdiction, JTAC Training, Armed ISR, Border Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Air Escort.
The A-29 Super Tucano is the most effective multi-mission aircraft in its category, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for precise target identification, weapons systems, and a comprehensive communications suite. Its capability is further enhanced by advanced HMI avionics systems integrated into a robust airframe capable of operating from unpaved runways in austere environments and without infrastructure. Furthermore, the aircraft has reduced maintenance requirements and offers high levels of reliability, availability, and structural integrity with low life.
9 September 1966
The Concorde's Rolls-Royce Olympus engine begins flight tests underneath an Avro Vulcan bomber
The Rolls-Royce/Snecma Olympus 593 was an Anglo-French turbojet with reheat, which powered the supersonic airliner Concorde. It was initially a joint project between Bristol Siddeley Engines Limited (BSEL) and Snecma, derived from the Bristol Siddeley Olympus 22R engine. Rolls-Royce Limited acquired BSEL in 1966 during development of the engine, making BSEL the Bristol Engine Division of Rolls-Royce.
In June 1966, a complete Olympus 593 engine and variable geometry exhaust assembly was first run at Melun-Villaroche. At Bristol, flight tests began using a RAF Avro Vulcan bomber with the engine and its nacelle attached below the bomb-bay. Due to the Vulcan's aerodynamic limitations, the tests were limited to a speed of Mach 0.98 (1,200 km/h). During these tests, the 593 achieved 35,190 lbf (157 kN) thrust, which exceeded the specification for the engine.
Until regular commercial flights by Concorde ceased in October 2003, the Olympus turbojet was unique in aviation as the only turbojet with reheat powering a commercial aircraft.
Japan, 80 m off shore of Azama SUNSUN Beach, Nanjo city, Okinawa: A tandem paramotor crashed 80 meters off shore of Azama Beach, Nanjo city, Okinawa. Eyewitness reports that the paramotor dove into the sea in spiral after a bang. The male pilot perished and the female Chinese passenger is in cardiac arrest. At the time of rescue, the passenger was found floated with a life jacket wearing, however, the pilot did not wear a life jacket and the power unit could not detach from him. The pilot was connected to the aircraft by nylon belts on both sides of his waist, but the belt on his right hand broke while inflight, according to the video or photo records from the passenger's camera.
USA, near Brookings Regional Airport (BKX/KBKX), Brookings, SD: A Beechcraft 35 Debonair was destroyed when it impacted terrain shortly after take-off from runway 30 at Brookings Regional Airport (BKX/KBKX), Brookings, South Dakota. The pilot and two passengers sustained serious injuries. Preliminary information indicates the airplane climbed at an altitude of about 200 feet, when it reportedly experienced partial loss of engine power. The pilot turned to plane around in an attempt to return to the airport, but the airplane entered a "nose-dive" into the ground.
Goerapan Kalahari Helicopter Safari 2025 Day Five 17
