Features | Aerospace

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Aerospace

Aerospace, defence exhibition to showcase latest industry innovations

13th September 2024 The twelfth edition of Africa’s largest and only aerospace and defence trade exhibition and air show, the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition, is scheduled to take place from September 18 to 22, at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Centurion, Gauteng. This year’s event is set to attract... →

Partnership to revolutionise aerospace manufacturing

13th September 2024 Leader in precision aerospace manufacturing Jeh Aerospace and spatial AI pioneer GridRaster announced a strategic partnership to transform aerospace manufacturing through the integration of spatial AI, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. This collaboration will bring... →

AI AEROSPACE MANUFACTURING Aerospace manufacturing is taken to new heights with AI and AR/VR components

Partnership to decarbonise aviation industry

13th September 2024 Leading global aviation finance company Avolon has partnered with commercial aircraft manufacturer Airbus to support the development of hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft through Airbus’ ZEROe Project. Announced at the Farnborough International Airshow on July 24, 2024, Airbus and Avolon will... →

An image of the ZEROe aircraft in formation

ZEROE CONCEPT The Airbus ZEROe hydrogen-powered aircraft will contribute to the decarbonisation of the aviation sector

Revitalisation of defence force bodes well for broader industry

13th September 2024 The South African Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD) welcomes the Government of National Unity’s recent commitment to revitalise the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). →

SANDILE NDLOVU The AMD CEO believes that SANDF and the general defence industry will benefit from increased spending on new technology

A strategic partner of choice for defence and security solutions

15th September 2023 The Armaments Corporation of South Africa SOC Limited (Armscor) is an acquisition agency for the South African Department of Defence (DOD), and other State organs and entities. Armscor’s mandate is to provide the armed forces with state-of-the-art defence matériel, delivering innovative defence... →

Event continues to impress

By: Halima Frost 15th September 2023 Southern Africa's premier event for the general aviation industry, AERO South Africa took place this year at the Wonderboom National Airport in Tshwane, Gauteng, from July 6 to 9. The event was presented by Messe Frankfurt South Africa in partnership with Fairnamic – organisers of Europe’s... →

a light aircraft on the runway at the Wonderboom National Airport in Tshwane

FLY-IN HIGH the Fly in option was well received by visitors who could literally fly in to the event

Two aerospace research projects under spotlight

15th September 2023 Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI), an initiative of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in conjunction with prominent aerospace design company Ontrack Technologies, reports its ongoing support of two projects currently under way. The projects listed are the... →

a newly developed Jonker Sailplane in the air

PLANE SAILING The newly developed Jonker Sailplane aims to push the boundaries of aerodynamics, materials, and manufacturing techniques

Firm expands maintenance portfolio

15th September 2023 Aerospace company Dassault Aviation's South African subsidiary ExecuJet announced in July it had expanded its portfolio of maintenance approvals for business aircraft and engines. ExecuJet Maintenance, Repairs and Operations (MRO) Services Africa has been certified by the civil aviation bodies of... →

An aerial view of the Execujet offices, and hangars in Lanseria

FLYING HIGH Execujet South Africa continues to grow not only in South Africa but globally as well

Industry perseveres despite turbulent period

By: Cameron Mackay 16th September 2022 As of mid-August, combined domestic and international passenger traffic to, from and within Southern Africa has recovered to about 64% of August 2019 levels, says industry body Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) CEO Aaron Munetsi. This is despite the Southern Africa air transport... →

AARON MUNETSI Air transport is the prime enabler for development, but will only fulfil its potential when governments allow all African airlines to operate without restrictions

Travel demand fuels resurgence despite costs

By: Cameron Mackay 16th September 2022 The lifting of travel restrictions in most markets, low unemployment in most countries and expanded personal savings are fuelling a resurgence in demand in the global air transport industry, which will result in passenger numbers reaching 83% of pre-pandemic levels in 2022, states industry body... →

IATA Africa and Middle East regional VP Kamil Alawadhi

KAMIL ALAWADHI High oil and fuel prices are likely to see airlines improve their fuel efficiency - both through the use of more efficient aircraft and through operational decisions

Project increases company competitiveness

By: Cameron Mackay 16th September 2022 A supplier development project conducted by local body the Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) has increased the global competitiveness of advanced radio- frequency and microwave components manufacturer LambdaG, placing the company on a path to compete with “European manufacturers”.... →

Image of LambdaG CEO Dr Vernon Davids, project manager Ms Riddhi Maharaj, and project coordinator Dr Melissa Boonzaaier-Davids

PROJECT TEAM Dr Vernon Davids (CEO), Ms Riddhi Maharaj (Project Manager), Dr Melissa Boonzaaier-Davids (Project Coordinator)

Initiative helps companies diversify, mitigate supply shortages

By: Cameron Mackay 10th September 2021 The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in shortages of chips and electronic components in the local aerospace industry, which has also impacted on production and projects locally. Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) technical lead Livison Mashoko states that AISI is working closely with... →

INDUSTRY IMPACT Several AISI projects as well as AISI beneficiaries have experienced disruption in the last 18 months owing to Covid-19 interruptions to their supply chains

A&D sectors decline needs to be halted

By: Cameron Mackay 10th September 2021 The decline of industrial sectors, such as aerospace and defence (A&D), needs to be addressed urgently, states Commercial Aerospace Manufacturing Association of South Africa (Camasa) chairperson Themba September. “The A&D sectors’ technology development benefits the manufacturing sector through... →

Image of a welder working in an aerospace manufacturing facility

COMPETING IN GLOBAL MARKETS Camasa is actively pursuing the effective integration of local major manufacturers into global supply chains, particularly in niche areas

AfCFTA support vital for growth

By: Cameron Mackay 10th September 2021 The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), implemented at the beginning of this year, can potentially boost African aerospace manufacturing by improving export sophistication across Africa, states Commercial Aerospace Manufacturing Association of South Africa chairperson Themba September.... →

Image of CAMASA chairman Themba September

THEMBA SEPTEMBER For aerospace manufacturing, the prospect of improvements in export sophistication across Africa can lead to an enhanced prominence of aerospace manufactured products

Advancing aerospace and professional development

11th September 2020 Founded in 1911 by pioneering South African aviator, Rear-Admiral Sir John L. Weston, the Aeronautical Society of South Africa (AeSSA), is an autonomous, voluntary, non-profit association affiliated as a Division of the Royal Aeronautical Society in the United Kingdom. AeSSA’s members comprise... →

Industry’s wings seemingly clipped

By: Mamaili Mamaila 11th September 2020 South Africa’s economy is hanging by a thread and this has presented massive challenges for the local aerospace industry, says aircraft design organisation Aerodesigns Africa director Murray Spoelstra. →

GLOBAL SIGHTS SET Similar to the local automotive industry that is manufacturing for European countries, so must there be opportunities to manufacture aircraft under licence for foreign companies

Level playing field key to moving industry forward

By: Mamaili Mamaila 11th September 2020 Transformation should be a top priority among the issues that need to be addressed in manufacturing for the aviation industry, says maintenance solutions provider Dynamic Aerotech technical operation and research director Mulalo Neluheni. →

OPEN UP THE INDUSTRY While there is scope for black people with potential to thrive in this space, this needs to take into account the whole value chain in the aerospace industry

Association laments sector decline

By: Mamaili Mamaila 11th September 2020 The aerospace manufacturing sector is in a “freefall” and there does not appear to be any parachute in sight, says industry body Commercial Aerospace Manufacturing Association of South Africa (Camasa) co-chairperson Themba September. →

AIRING IT OUT In its efforts to ensure that the sector returns to its former glory, Camasa has participated in the process of drafting a sector masterplan

Initiative plans to accelerate tech amid industry decline

By: Mamaili Mamaila 11th September 2020 The Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) plans to continue building technology strategies with industry for long-term implementation amid the industry’s decline of late. “The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been extremely severe on the aerospace industry, owing to the lockdown on air... →

EVEN ODDS Although there are “pockets of excellence”, the local aerospace industry is very small and focuses almost exclusively on exports

Armscor – Providing Cost Effective And Efficient Defence Solutions

27th August 2020 The Armaments Corporation of South Africa SOC Limited (Armscor) is an acquisition agency for the South African Department of Defence. Its mandate is to provide armed forces with the state-of-the-art defence materiél required to provide safety and security for South Africa, its citizens and the... →

Friction welding tech ideal for industry

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 30th August 2019 Welding supply store ESAB’s SuperStir stir welding technology, which is based on friction rather than heat, is pertinent in aerospace applications, says welding product supplier Unique Welding marketing and product development manager Nicole Black. Unique Welding is an official partner and local... →

OUT OF THIS WORLD ESAB partnered with aerospace company Boeing in the manufacturing of fuel tank structures for US federal agency Nasa's heavy-lift rocket

Initiative promotes a unified air transport market in Africa

30th August 2019 The full implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) by all countries in Africa could reap “enormous economic benefits”, says law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. SAATM was launched last year with the aim of developing air services and harmonising associated regulations in... →

Aeronautical Society to focus on inclusivity and collaboration

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 31st August 2018 The Aeronautical Society of South Africa’s (AeSSA’s) yearly conference will take place at Hoogeind Manor, in Somerset West, on October 24 to 25 and is themed Aerospace for All. The theme captures the increasing relevance of aeronautics and space to achieve outputs for economic and societal... →

TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITY The local aviation industry has to remain relevant in terms of technology

R&D must be prioritised as Industry 4.0 disrupts

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 31st August 2018 Research and development (R&D) is crucial for the aviation industry and government should establish it as a national priority, says the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (Barsa) GM Ndiphiwe Ntuli. Barsa submitted its comments to the Department of Transport on the Revised White... →

NDIPHIWE NTULI Closer collaboration between industry roleplayers is key to unlocking the growth potential of aviation

Politics hamper African airlines’ growth potential

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 31st August 2018 The African airline sector has significant potential for growth, but it is not growing sufficiently because of various issues, such as stringent regulatory frameworks, says flag carrier airline Air Mauritius Southern Africa and Latin America regional GM Carla da Silva. Government policies in... →

CARLA DA SILVA Better and more communication is needed in terms of the benefits of aviation and the role that it plays in stimulating gross domestic product and job creation

Spotlight on CTC and potential legal inconsistencies

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 31st August 2018 The Cape Town Convention (CTC) on International Interests in Mobile Equipment is receiving a lot of attention from the legal industry in terms of how South Africa has incorporated it and how certain remedies provided for therein are enforced in the aviation industry, says global law firm Norton... →

COMPLIANCY CHECK An aviation working group is evaluating whether South Africa implements and complies with the rights and remedies provided for in the Cape Town Convention

Aerotropolis market access to foster economic growth

By: Donald Makhafola 26th January 2018 A successful aerotropolis has to ensure that the benefits associated with international air connectivity, such as market access and attractiveness for investment, will support economic activity, says consultancy and engineering firm Royal HaskoningDHV’s subsidiary Netherlands Airport Consultants... →

Ekurhuleni unlocks investment opportunities

By: Donald Makhafola 26th January 2018 With globalisation causing more reliance on air commerce to trade goods and services, the speed and agility that aviation offers become key differentiators for firms and cities that want to stay competitive, says global engineering and infrastructure advisory firm Aurecon environment and planning... →

Plans in the pipeline for new ATNS development

By: Donald Makhafola 26th January 2018 As part of the City of Ekurhuleni’s aerotropolis framework project, South Africa’s air traffic management agency Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) plans to relocate and consolidate its divisions to the ATNS campus in Isando, Ekurhuleni. Construction is expected to start in July. “We want... →

ORTIA IDZ development gaining traction

By: Donald Makhafola 26th January 2018 Development of the OR Tambo International Airport Industrial Development Zone (ORTIDZ), worth an estimated R400-million, is gaining traction, with the zone’s first phase targeted for completion before the end of 2018. The company mandated with the responsibility of developing and operating... →

Industry support evident despite challenges

By: Victor Moolman 1st September 2017 Although the lack of meaningful government involvement has been one of the biggest challenges in the industry, the Aeronautical Society of South Africa (AeSSA) still get support from the Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI), which is part of the Department of Trade and Industry’s... →

International summit features young industry professionals

By: Victor Moolman 1st September 2017 This year, the Young Professional Forum, initiated by the Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI), will be held alongside the International Forum for Aviation Research’s open session that will take place on October 24. →

Local aviation industry needs to be technology ready

By: Victor Moolman 1st September 2017 With commercial aviation a market that is rapidly growing globally, aviation components supplier Aerosud Aviation MD Johan Steyn says there is a need to stay abreast of technological advancements if South Africa is to remain competitive in aviation manufacturing. Owing to this, he notes that,... →

Photo by Duane Daws
HIGH-TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY The Aerospace industry requires advanced technologies

Self-protection system set for 2020 completion

1st September 2017 Helicopter manufacturer Airbus Helicopters has contracted defence and security company Saab to produce the Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) self-protection system for the H225M Caracal multirole utility helicopters, with deliveries scheduled for 2020. →

UAVs lead way for smaller aerospace manufacturers

By: Sebastian Whyle 26th August 2016 Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) – commonly referred to as drones – have led the way in introducing smaller manufacturers to what has typically been a large-scale industry, says South African aerospace-focussed programme National Aerospace Centre (NAC) director Philip Haupt. →

AEROSPACE SECTOR GROWTH
An increase in interest around UAVs and the manufacturing of complete aircraft has been observed over the past few years

Photo by Duane Daws
AEROSPACE SECTOR GROWTH An increase in interest around UAVs and the manufacturing of complete aircraft has been observed over the past few years

Electric propulsion the future of aircraft

By: Sebastian Whyle 26th August 2016 As battery systems improve, there is a shift towards electrically powered aircraft, which is causing a rapid change in propulsion systems in the aerospace industry, says South African aircraft manufacturer The Airplane Factory (TAF) director and shareholder Mike Blyth. →

AIRCRAFT TECHNOLOGY In the small aircraft arena, continuing innovation has resulted in safer and faster small aircraft being manufactured

Airliner purchase agreement signed by Tanzanian government

26th August 2016 The government of Tanzania has signed a firm purchase agreement for two Q400 turboprop airliners, multinational aerospace and transport company Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced late in July. The aircraft will be delivered with a 76-seat, dual-lavatory configuration and will be used for... →

VERSATILE AIRCRAFT The Q400 aircraft is exceptionally versatile and can be adapted to a variety of business models

Aviation bureau approves maintenance service provider

26th August 2016 Aerospace engineering and component services provider Able Aerospace Services, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation, earned certification by civil aviation authority the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) as an Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) in April this year. →

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