AVIAssist – Your latest Safety Focus magazine & aviation updates are here

(Posted 09th December 2025)

As the year comes to a close, we’d like to start by sending you warm season’s greetings and thank you for being part of our aviation safety community. Your support and engagement make all the difference in helping us achieve our mission. We wish you a joyful holiday season and all the best for 2026!

Safety Focus Magazine #44 is Out Now!

The 44th edition of our magazine is out now and ready for download for free! In this edition, Director Tom Kok reflects on Africanization and what it means for the future of AviAssist. You’ll also find recent developments with updates on the Foundation and aviation safety news.

Featured articles include:

Human Factors insights on bridging generational gaps in business aviation.

A feature on what happens when a drone swarm goes wrong.

An article on the difference between continued and continuing airworthiness.

“Safety isn’t just a protocol; it’s a mindset that drives every decision we make.”

Download your free copy here

Industry Updates / Aviation News

Tech Spotlight: What’s New in Aviation Innovation

Innovation in aviation is moving fast! Across the globe, electric and hybrid aircraft are being tested for short-haul routes, with African operators exploring early adoption. These developments promise lower emissions, quieter airports, and new opportunities for regional travel.

EHang made history at the 9th Aviation Africa Summit with its first pilotless human-carrying eVTOL flight in Africa, backed by Rwanda’s Civil Aviation Authority.

Read the full press release ? EHang’s first pilotless eVTOL flight in Africa

IATA Outlines Priorities for Africa’s Aviation Growth

In July 2025, IATA called on African governments to prioritize aviation as a catalyst for economic growth, make safety a key focus, and resolve issues like blocked airline funds.
Read more: IATA’s 2025 statement

EU-ASA Safety Project Concludes

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) officially wrapped up its EU-Africa Safety in Aviation (EU-ASA) project in October 2025. The initiative helped deploy a standardized safety data system (ECCAIRS) in African states to improve safety data reporting.

Read more: EU–ASA project

TravelComments.com – Western Cape: Agulhas Plain gains Ramsar status, boosting nature-based tourism!

TravelComments.com – Cape Town: Chapman’s Peak Drive weekly closures announced – What travellers need to know!

TravelComments.com – Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: SANParks confirms infrastructure work at Bitterpan Wilderness Camp!

TravelComments.com – Southern Africa Trip Planner: Rain & temperature forecast for travellers February –June 2026!

Your comments are welcome and will receive a response in due course.Cancel reply

ATCNews:

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang H. Thome is the founder and publisher of ATCNews, Eastern Africa’s leading aviation, tourism and conservation news blog of its kind. Wolfgang has nearly 50 years of experience in the tourism, aviation and conservation fields in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, covering all aspects of safari-, hotel- and air-operations.

The Managing Editor of ATCNews is Mrs. Esther C. Goossens.