This week in Midweek Updates
Aero Africa Lanseria International Airport 10to 12 June 2026 flying in allowed.
Saturday 11 April - A Busy Day at Jack Taylor!
Seven Bell 407GXis to Join South Africa's Transmission Company.
AERO 2026 is on track to set a new record for the number of exhibitors.
Wright B, World Cruiser replica to Join AirVenture 2026 “Pioneers of Flight”
Highlight of the anniversary year: Lufthansa celebrates 100 years since its first flights in Berlin.
ICAO Council condemns Iran for unlawful airspace violations affecti.ng civil aviation safety.
KC-390 Millennium and A-29 Super Tucano lead Embraer's lineup at FIDAE 2026.
A brief history of Major de Infanteria aviador António Jacinto da Silva Brito Pais and tenente de Engenharia José Manuel Sarmento de Beires
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - Claus Keuchel 1934 - 2018 RIP
Aero Africa Lanseria International Airport 10 to 12 June 2026 Flying In Allowed
AERO South Africa will host its sixth edition in June 2026 at Lanseria International Airport, where it will remain the ultimate general aviation platform. Organised by Messe Frankfurt South Africa in partnership with Fairnamic GmbH, the joint venture of Messe Frankfurt and Messe Friedrichshafen, AERO South Africa continues to gather momentum.
AERO South Africa allows for aircraft fly-ins, demo flights, and an immersive experience for serious prospective buyers. It's an excellent opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products and for attendees from across the globe to conveniently attend the event.
Prepare to explore a spectrum of products and services at AERO South Africa 2026, featuring the latest innovations, developments, and regulations in the General Aviation industry. Building on the success of previous years, we aim to deliver an even more engaging experience with captivating workshops, product launches, Business matchmaking, and demonstrations.
Join us as we continue to shape the future of General Aviation in Southern Africa. Trade visitors, come join us at AERO South Africa 2026 and get ready for an unforgettable journey in the world of aviation!
1. Register Online in Advance
Use the link below to register for the fly-in and be sure to include your aircraft and arrival details.
The following steps apply on the day of your arrival at the show:
2. Notify ATC on First Contact
When you first contact FALA ATC, inform them that you are flying in for AERO South Africa.
3. Proceed to Apron C
ATC will direct you to Apron C for parking. Please refer to FALA AIP AD-01 and AD-02 for taxi routes and the parking layout.
4. Secure Your Aircraft
Once parked, ensure your aircraft is properly chocked.
5. Refuel on Arrival (if needed)
If you require fuel, please refuel upon arrival before proceeding to the event area.
6. Shuttle to the Show
A shuttle service will operate between Apron C and the show entrance for your convenience.
7. Register Your Arrival at the Show
Make sure to visit the Lanseria International Airport stand at the event to register your arrival. This is essential to ensure you are not charged airport fees.
We look forward to see you at AERO South Africa 2026.
Kind reminder: This is a general aviation community trade show and not an airshow. Please note no children under 15.
OUR DEDICATED SALES TEAM
Louise Olckers - Show Director
Tel: +27 (0)10 599 6150 Louise.Olckers@za.messefrankfurt.com
Valentia Madube - Sales Executive
Tel: +27 (0)82 362 8138 Valentia.Madube@za.messefrankfurt.com
Saturday 11 April - A Busy Day at Jack Taylor!
This upcoming Saturday promises to be a busy day for both aviators and families at Jack Taylor Airfield, Krugersdorp.
EAA Chapter 973, recently revived at the airfield, will be holding their April monthly gathering, featuring Dawn and Arnie Quast from Chapter 932, Galt Airport, Chicago. Arnie, a United Airlines 787 Captain and EAA Chapter 932 President, will be doing a presentation on their chapter activities and introducing us to the unique "Chicago Hotdog", a culinary delight, with ingredients specially flown out from Chicago. Come and enjoy some “Chicago Fun” and let's welcome Dawn and Arnie to our unique EAA Chapter and South African hospitality.
EAA 973's monthly workshop will follow, Kevin and Retno will demo the art of installing new brake linings on your aircraft. They'll show how easy it is to do, and importantly what NOT to do!
The gathering, in association with The Krugersdorp Flying Club, will also feature a short Fun Rally, test not only your navigation skills, but also your planes performance as we compete with our fellow aviators. Add to this the annual KFC Easter Egg hunt - this is truly a fun family flying day at Jack Taylor, arguably one of SA's most GA friendly airfields!
So, pilots, families and aviation enthusiasts, plan your expedition to Jack Taylor this weekend, all are welcome and we'd love to see you there!
What goes on a Chicago Style Hot Dog?
Chicagoans are very particular about what goes on a Chicago style hot dog, and how to make it. A true Chicago hot dog is an all beef hot dog topped with yellow mustard, bright green sweet pickle relish, chopped white onion, tomato wedges, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers and celery salt. The hot dogs are usually steamed or simmered in water but they can also be grilled, in which case they are referred to as "char dogs". All of that deliciousness is wrapped up in a steamed poppy seed bun! Trust me, it's perfection.
Seven Bell 407GXis to Join South Africa's Transmission Company
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today during VAI Verticon 2026 that the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) has signed a purchase agreement for seven Bell 407GXis for utility operations, including high voltage powerline maintenance, emergency management and operational support.
“Bell is proud to work with the NTCSA as they expand their utility operations with Bell aircraft,” said Tim Evans, Managing Director, Middle East and Africa. “The Bell 407GXi is an ideal aircraft for utility operators across the region because it's a multi-mission workhorse. The NTCSA is joining hundreds of operators across the world who rely on the platform for critical utility use.”
The NTCSA is a key operator of the country's national electricity transmission grid and is responsible for building a sustainable energy future for South Africa and beyond.
“The NTCSA is eagerly anticipating the arrival of the seven new Bell 407GXi helicopters, in line with our agreement with Bell Textron Inc. As we renew and modernise our aviation fleet, their delivery could not be timelier. We are undertaking one of the largest build programmes in our history, constructing more than 14,000 kilometres of high voltage and ultra-high voltage transmission lines across the country to support new generation capacity. At the same time, maintaining the integrity of our existing transmission grid remains critical. A dependable aviation service is central to this work, and the Bell 407GXi helicopters will play a pivotal role in strengthening our operational capability,” said Monde Bala, Chief Executive Officer - NTCSA.
Equipped with single-pilot Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability and adjustable cabin space that seats up to five crew members, the Bell 407GXi allows operators to perform in demanding environments while transporting essential equipment. The helicopter's advanced Garmin G1000H NXi Flight Deck improves situational awareness and reduces pilot workload by presenting critical safety information on its all-glass avionic suite. The platform is favored during various missions, including utility, search and rescue and emergency medical services.
AERO 2026 is On Track to Set a New Record for the Number of Exhibitors
Preparations for AERO 2026 (April 22-25, 2026) are in full swing at the Friedrichshafen Exhibition Center-four weeks before the show even begins. In the southwest corner of the fairgrounds, the spectacular Business Aviation Dome-larger than last year's-is rising, while posters throughout the region highlight the world's leading trade fair for general aviation, business aviation, and air sports.
Tobias Bretzel, Show Director AERO at fairnamic GmbH, says: "The weeks leading up to AERO are always particularly hectic. This year, we expect a new record number of exhibitors, and ticket bookings are also significantly higher than last year. When we talk to companies and organizations, we hear just how eagerly they are looking forward to this year's AERO. Many exhibitors will be unveiling new products, which alone make it worth coming to AERO. It had already become apparent last fall that business aviation would have a particularly strong presence at AERO this year. This trend has continued unabated."
Business aviation companies will present their products and services not only in the Business Aviation Dome, but also in Hall A1. In addition, there will be joint stands from national associations such as the German Business Aviation Association (GBAA) - the main national partner of AERO and the AERO Business Aviation Show Hub - the Austrian Business Aviation Association (ABAA), the Air Charter Association (ACA), the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA), and many other partners. In addition to new products, networking through first-class evening events is central to the trade fair concept. Furthermore, the development of the framework conditions for the industry and the future challenges facing business aviation are key focuses. Conferences and presentations by leading industry experts provide in-depth insights and complement the exhibition.
Ultralight aircraft and helicopters can be found in Halls B of the exhibition grounds. This segment of aviation is always particularly innovative, diverse, and vibrant. Ultralight aircraft impress not only with their variety but above all with their performance. The increase in the maximum takeoff weight to 600 kilograms in Germany allows designers to explore new paths to make ultralight aircraft accessible to a wider audience. International manufacturers and accessory dealers meet knowledgeable prospects and potential and existing customers at AERO.
Single- and twin-engine piston aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 2 tons constitute the majority of general aviation aircraft in Europe. They serve as touring aircraft, training aircraft, but are also used for special missions like forest fire observation and traffic monitoring. All major manufacturers in this sector, such as Cirrus Aircraft, Textron Aviation, Tecnam, Diamond Aircraft, Piper Aircraft, Elixir Aircraft, and Extra Aircraft, will be represented at AERO 2026.
Exhibitors working on sustainable products will be featured on the AERO Sustainable Aviation Trail. Over 100 companies have registered and will demonstrate to visitors what the sustainable future of aviation looks like. This year, participants on the AERO Sustainable Aviation Trail will be highlighted by green and white windsocks.
For the first time this year, there will be a free shuttle bus service from select hotels in the region to AERO. The buses will depart from Lindau, Ravensburg, and Überlingen in the morning for the trade show and return in the evening after the show closes.
To get the most out of your visit to AERO, it's helpful to prepare in advance. The AERO app is now available for download from both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. In addition to comprehensive information on the daily program, the current exhibitor directory, and an interactive hall map, users will also find the latest press releases about the trade show and other important information in the app. You can also find a constantly updated list of the aircraft on display at the show. Until March 31, 2026, AERO app users will receive a 15% discount on their trade show ticket when they purchase it through the app. They can find the exclusive discount code directly in the app.
Wright B, World Cruiser replica to Join AirVenture 2026 “Pioneers of Flight”
Returning to Oshkosh will be the Wright B Flyer based at the National Aviation Heritage Area in Dayton, Ohio. This design from 1910 honors the development of the Wright brothers' designs in the short period following the successful 1903 inaugural flights at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.The Wright B will also re-create the earliest days of powered aviation with flights during the AirVenture afternoon air shows on Tuesday, July 21, and Thursday, July 23. These flights will take place with weather and operational considerations permitting.
The Pioneers of Flight display at AirVenture 2026 features original and reproduction aircraft from the first 25 years of flight that followed the Wright brothers' initial success in December 1903. The group that will be based in AirVenture's Vintage aircraft area represents innovations by American and international designers.
Highlight of the Anniversary Year: Lufthansa Celebrates 100 Years Since Its First Flights In Berlin
It is a special date for Lufthansa and a special day for all the employees who have shaped the airline with the crane logo: Exactly 100 years ago today - on April 6, 1926 - Lufthansa (at that time: “Luft Hansa”) took to the skies on its first flights. On that day, two aircraft took off from Berlin-Tempelhof Airport bound for Zurich and Cologne.
Exactly a century later, this special date was fittingly celebrated as a chronological highlight of the anniversary year on Easter Monday - including two special flights that retraced the historic routes of the inaugural flights.
A Boeing 787-9 and an Airbus A350-900, both in blue anniversary livery featuring a white XXL crane, had taken off from Frankfurt and Munich that morning. On board: hundreds of Lufthansa employees with their partners, who, as lucky winners of an internal raffle, had been invited by the company to join the anniversary flights and be there in person in Berlin on this special day. A total of more than 600 guests, including passengers on the fully booked special flights as well as invited guests from the political and aviation sectors, celebrated the highlight of the anniversary year at a festive event in Berlin. Among them was Berlin's Governing Mayor, Kai Wegner. A special highlight: The Boeing 787-9 in anniversary livery was officially named “Berlin” during the ceremony.
Jens Ritter, CEO of Lufthansa Airlines, emphasized in his speech: “Today, Lufthansa is celebrating its birthday! Driven by a pioneering spirit and passion, it all began here in Berlin. Exactly 100 years ago, the first flights of the original Lufthansa took off from here. Today, Berlin is one of our company's largest locations. Around 2,000 Lufthansa employees live and work in the capital region. Lufthansa and the Group's airlines will remain strong partners in Berlin in the future.”
Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, emphasized in his welcoming remarks: “100 years of Lufthansa is an impressive anniversary. On April 6, 1926, two flights departed from Berlin to Zurich and Cologne, thereby establishing Lufthansa's long-standing connection with Berlin. To this day, Lufthansa remains an outstanding partner for Berlin - and I am delighted that, on the occasion of this special anniversary, we are naming the Boeing 787-9 'Berlin.'”
Routes of the inaugural flights re-enacted
Around 3:15 p.m., the Boeing 787-9, which had previously been named “Berlin,” and the Airbus A350-900 with the registration D-AIXL then departed the capital for Zurich and Cologne. On their journey, the special flights flew over the locations where stopovers were made on April 6, 1926. The Boeing 787-9 flew from Berlin via Halle, Erfurt, and Stuttgart to Zurich, while the A350-900 flew via Magdeburg to Cologne. The flight numbers of the two flights, LH1926 and LH2026, also commemorated the special anniversary.
Lufthansa will celebrate its 100th founding anniversary in 2026. Berlin plays a special role in the airline's history: the first Lufthansa was founded here on January 6, 1926. Today, the Lufthansa Group is one of the four largest airlines worldwide and the largest airline group in Europe. In Berlin, the company is the clear market leader. Around 30 percent of all flights in the capital are operated by airlines within the group.
The ceremonial highlight of Lufthansa's anniversary year will take place on April 15 with a ceremony in Frankfurt. On this day, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also expected to attend at Lufthansa Group Hangar One, the new conference and visitor center at Frankfurt Airport.
ICAO Council Condemns Iran for Unlawful Airspace Violations Affecting Civil Aviation Safety
Through its decision adopted on 31 March 2026, the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) condemned the violation by the Islamic Republic of Iran of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, including their sovereign airspaces, contrary to Article of 1 of the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention.)
The Council deplored Iran's illegal use of unmanned aircraft systems for military purposes against civilian infrastructure over the territories of the affected Member States.
Recalling the purposes and principles of the Chicago Convention, United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), as well as relevant resolutions of the ICAO Assembly, the Council highlighted that such actions are inconsistent with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
Emphasizing the serious and ongoing risk to the safety of civil aviation arising from unauthorized military incursions into airspace and the resulting disruption of civil air operations in the region, the Council underscored the paramount importance of preserving the safety and security of international civil aviation.
The Council urgently called upon Iran to cease its unlawful activities and respect its obligations under the Chicago Convention and other relevant international civil aviation treaties.
KC-390 Millennium and A-29 Super Tucano lead Embraer's lineup at FIDAE 2026
Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ/B3: EMBJ3) will present the KC-390 Millennium demonstrator with its new livery for the first time in Latin America at FIDAE (Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio), which takes place from April 7 to 12 at Pudahuel Air Base in Santiago, Chile. In addition to the medium-sized multi-mission transport aircraft, the A-29 Super Tucano, a global leader for light attack, armed reconnaissance, and tactical training missions, will also be on display.
"FIDAE is one of the most important events in the defence industry in Latin America. Our participation reinforces our commitment to the region, as this is a great opportunity to promote our portfolio of integrated solutions and to strengthen relationships with our current and potential customers," says Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defence & Security.
The KC-390 Millennium, built and designed in the 21st century, is the most modern military transport aircraft in its class. It can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft, flying faster (470 knots) and farther. It can perform a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, equipment and personnel airdrop, medical evacuation, search and rescue (SAR), fire fighting, and humanitarian missions, operating from temporary or unpaved runways. The aircraft, when configured with quick-installation air-to-air refuelling equipment (AAR), can operate both as a tanker and as a receiver.
Already selected by the air forces of Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, the Republic of Uzbekistan, Slovakia, and Lithuania, the KC-390 Millennium offers unmatched capability, reliability, versatility, and performance to serve tactical and strategic needs of air forces worldwide.
The A-29 Super Tucano, the global leader in its category, has been selected by 22 air forces around the world. In Latin America, it is part of the fleets in Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and more recently, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Panama. With more than 600,000 flight hours accumulated, it has attracted the interest of several other nations due to its unmatched combination of capabilities, making it the most efficient option on the market.
For air forces looking for 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. These include Advanced Pilot Training, CAS, Air Patrol, Air Interdiction, Joint Terminal Attack (JTAC), Armed Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Border Surveillance, Air Escort, and most recently, countering drones.
The A-29 is capable of operating on unpaved runways, in harsh environments and without infrastructure. Furthermore, the aircraft has reduced maintenance requirements and offers a high level of reliability, availability, and structural integrity, with low life-cycle costs.
7 April 1924
On 7 April 1924 Major de Infanteria aviador António Jacinto da Silva Brito Pais and tenente de Engenharia José Manuel Sarmento de Beires departed Vila Nova Milfontes on the western coast of Portugal, enroute to Macau, the Portuguese colony on the southeast coast of China. This was intended as a step toward an eventual around-the-world flight, a reminder of the Portuguese voyages of discovery of the 15th and 16th centuries.
On 7 May during the flight, water used as engine coolant began leaking from the radiator and the engine temperature started to rise, requiring a reduction in power. Eventually, the airplane was unable to maintain altitude and the crew began a gradual descent. Near the village of Pipar Road, they sighted an open field that seemed suitable for landing. Just before touchdown the airplane was caught by a gust of wind and crashed. The crew received only minor injuries, but their airplane was heavily damaged. It was impractical to repair so far from a major city, so it was abandoned.
Brito Pais, Sarmento de Beires and Gouveia walked back to Karachi, where they continued their journey by train.
The wreck of Pátria was eventually shipped back to Portugal. Its Renault 12 Fe V-12 engine is in the collection of the Museo do Ar at Base Aérea de Sintra, Sintra, Portugal.
JAPAN, near Sapporo/New Chitose Airport (CTS/RJCC): A Boeing 777-200ER of All Nippon Airways (ANA), operating flight ANA/NH65 from Tokyo/Haneda to Sapporo/New Chitose, suffered high engine oil temperature of No.1 engine. Some news source reported that the flight crew declared an emergency, but ANA denied it. The Boeing made a safe single engine landing on runway 19L at 14:57 LT, and the aircraft stuck on the runway for ten minutes for inspection by ARFF vehicles. The flight arrived at the spot 8 by its own power at 15:24 LT. No reported injuries among 327 (or 323, depending on the source) on board.
Russia, near Moskva-Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO/UUEE): Aeroflot flight SU1540, a Boeing 737-800 (RA-73100), was departing from Moscow (SVO) when a strong burning smell emerged in the cockpit. The engine and all aircraft systems were operating normally, so the captain decided to continue take-off. As the aircraft climbed, passengers also noticed the smell-first in the area of rows 12-13, and then in the aft cabin, where greyish-blue smoke appeared. After a few minutes, the smoke cleared and disappeared. However, 4-5 minutes later, the smoke returned, and only disappeared again 3-4 minutes later. 21 kilometres northeast of Moscow, at an altitude of approximately 3,500 meters, the captain declared a mayday. The landing proceeded normally, 25 minutes after take-off. Engineering personnel found traces of a bird strike on the left and right wing leading edge slats, as well as on the right winglet. No damage was recorded to the aircraft, but the Boeing 737-800 has been grounded for a full technical assessment.
Iran, near Mahyar, Shahreza, Isfahan Province: Several aircraft have been destroyed on the ground in Iran, following a rescue mission for a crew member (WSO) of an F-15E that had crashed in the vicinity. Two MC-130J Commando II were reportedly stuck and were unable to depart. Unconfirmed reports say three USAF AFSCOC DHC-8's were used to fly out all personnel as well as the WSO. The two MC-130J's and four MH-6 Little Bird helicopters involved in the operation were subsequently destroyed. At least twelve USA General Atomics MQ-9A Reapers have been lost in the past weeks of the war.
