Chinese state media released a computer-generated video of the craft, known as Luanniao, as part of a broader aerospace programme called the Nantianmen Project, led by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

According to CCTV, the Luanniao would be the world’s largest flying warship, capable of carrying up to 88 unmanned fighter aircraft armed with hypersonic missiles and operating above most existing air defence systems.

The concept carrier is colossal. State media descriptions put it at 242 metres long, 684 metres wide, with a take-off weight of 120,000 tonnes, dwarfing any aircraft currently in service.

Chinese outlets say the system could enter service in 20 to 30 years, with some reports suggesting a target date around 2040. No prototype has been publicly confirmed to date.

Defence experts, however, have reservations about the level of technology China aims to achieve.

Hovering or operating at the edge of Earth’s atmosphere would require enormous fuel, advanced propulsion systems and reusable launch capabilities that do not yet exist, experts said, adding that putting such a craft into orbit would also expose it to space debris.

Even so, the concept points to Beijing’s ambitions in air and space power. 

The Luanniao is presented as the centrepiece of the Nantianmen Project, which also includes a sixth-generation “Baidi” fighter jet designed for near-space operations. A model of the jet was displayed at China’s main air show in 2024.

The announcement comes amid an intensifying U.S.-China space and technology rivalry. China has poured resources into rockets, satellites and lunar missions, including the Chang’e-6 mission, which returned samples from the far side of the Moon in 2024.

A follow-up mission, Chang’e-7, aimed at searching for water on the Moon, is scheduled for later this year, underscoring Beijing’s push to expand its space footprint.

China’s expanding military ambitions are backed by a defence budget whose true size remains contested. 

Beijing said its military spending reached $220 billion in 2023, a 7.2% increase from the previous year, but Western estimates suggest the real figure is significantly higher. A 2024 Pentagon report put China’s defence outlays at $330 billion to $450 billion, while some US senators have cited numbers as high as $700 billion. 

Other estimates vary widely, with the International Institute for Strategic Studies placing China’s 2024 budget at about $235 billion, and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimating $317.56 billion.

Whether the Luanniao ever leaves the drawing board, or whether China’s true defence spending matches official claims, one fact is clear: the Asian powerhouse already fields the world ’s largest military and is steadily building the capacity — and ambition — to challenge U.S. dominance.

The scale of the recall is one of the largest in Airbus’s 55-year history and affects more than half of all A320-family jets currently flying, including the A319, A320 and A321 models. The aircraft are the backbone of short-haul aviation across Asia, particularly in China and India, where rapid economic growth has fuelled a boom in domestic and regional air travel.

India ’s aviation regulator said 338 aircraft in the country were affected. IndiGo, the world’s largest A320 operator, had upgraded 143 of its 200 impacted jets by Friday, while Air India had completed modifications on 42 of its 113 affected planes. Both airlines warned passengers of delays, though they said overall schedules remained largely intact.

Japan also saw some of the worst disruption. ANA Holdings cancelled 65 flights and warned that more could follow, as two-thirds of the country’s A320 fleet required the update. Peach Aviation, its low-cost subsidiary, was also hit. Rival Japan Airlines faced no impact as it does not operate A320s. Nationwide, 95 flights were cancelled.

Across Taiwan , about two-thirds of A320 and A321 aircraft were grounded for checks, while Macao’s regulator instructed Air Macau to adjust flight schedules to limit disruption.

Australian budget carrier Jetstar reported delays at Melbourne airport, while Hong Kong’s HK Express said more than half of its affected aircraft had already been upgraded.

Houston and his SkyyNetwork team have over forty years of experience. He has built cutting-edge systems and helped introduce drones to industries ranging from medicine to agriculture.

There have already been several incidents in which drones have crashed into manned aircraft, but so far, no reported deaths as a result. Houston believes such incidents will become much more common if regulators and engineers fail to keep up. 

Houston does point out that although drones will be increasingly commonplace, “it won’t be an overwhelming sky full of metal situation”. A study by Airbus in 2018 estimated that only 8333 delivery drones would be needed in the sky at one time for a typical urban airspace like Paris in order to make all the possible drone deliveries. However, other studies have placed the figure at eightfold this.

Even without the sky being blacked out by drones, he says, there is a significant risk to safety. As advanced drone technology becomes cheaper, “it’s very easy for untrained and unskilled individuals to get their hands on drones that can enter these highly safety-critical pieces of the airspace and pose a threat to the airspace”.

In March this year, an amateur pilot in the UK faced jail time after he flew his drone at 1600ft – four times the legal altitude – causing a police helicopter to take evasive action.

Houston says the industry must be working to reduce the risk of these sorts of incidents: “It's really up to the industry to design systems and solutions to stop people buying drones at their local hardware store and putting them in airspace they shouldn’t”.

Houston’s own company is making great headway on the front. With SkyyNetwork, Houston has built technology that improves the situational awareness of multiple drones in the same airspace, which will become increasingly vital. “We also source the hardware, we source the hardware, we do the flight operations in the safest and most efficient way possible.”, he says.

Houston also says standards bodies like the American Society for Testing and Materials will play an important role.  Eventually, drone air traffic control systems will be globally standardised in the same way more traditional manned aircraft are, he asserts, “the work is absolutely underway, but there's a long way to go there”.

The body of 19-year-old Sneha Debnath from Tripura was discovered in the Yamuna River near Geeta Colony after she had been missing for six days . As reported by police, she had left a suicide note and was last seen on Signature Bridge. Technical surveillance led to the tracing of her movements, and local eyewitnesses reported her presence on the bridge shortly before her disappearance. A search operation involved the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and raised concerns about non-functional CCTV cameras in the area.

Fuel switch system declared safe by FAA and Boeing

After the fatal Air India Boeing 787-8 crash, both the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing have stated that the fuel switch locking systems on their aircraft are safe , as reported by Reuters. Despite an AAIB investigation questioning the reliability of the switches, the FAA issued a notification concluding that no regulatory action is necessary, citing no unsafe condition. ALPA India has requested observer status in the ongoing crash investigation, amidst claims that pilot error is not to blame.

Indian national arrested for cocaine at Kathmandu airport

Nepalese police arrested Abdus Samad Jamal Mansuri, a 49-year-old Indian national from Mumbai, after recovering approximately 3.4 kg of cocaine at Tribhuvan International Airport. Mansuri had arrived in Kathmandu from Azerbaijan on a Qatar Airways flight. The police confirmed his arrest occurred in the airport's arrival parking area, and an investigation is currently underway.

Punjab congress raises alarm over law and order crisis

Following the daylight murder of businessman Sanjay Verma, Congress leaders in Punjab have accused the state government of allowing drug cartels and extortionists to operate with impunity. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa criticized Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's inaction, demanding accountability and immediate government reform to protect business interests. Amid escalating fears among the entrepreneurial community, calls for a high court-monitored investigation into Verma's murder and public discussion about law enforcement efforts have intensified.

He said aircraft manufacturing will be the next step following recent progress in the automotive industry, and that the National Industrial Strategy is built on linking sectors such as petrochemicals, car production, and now aviation.

The government has invested around $8.3 billion in industrial infrastructure, which officials say could generate returns up to eight times that amount.

In total, over 1,900 industrial projects are currently underway in the kingdom, with combined investments valued at $101 billion.

A new industrial city focused on aircraft maintenance has already been launched, covering more than one million square metres.

Several companies have also received their first-ever licences to operate in the aviation manufacturing sector, according to the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.

Officials say manufacturing will play a major role in achieving up to 40 percent of the goals set out in Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Strategy.

The plan is part of the country’s wider efforts to diversify its economy away from oil and build a strong, self-sustaining industrial base.

"A gust of wind and smoke just entered from the windows into the hall where we were eating. Everybody panicked, first of all, because of the 'boom' of the sound which we heard from the blast, and there was almost zero visibility. We were unable to see who was sitting beside us. So we just ran from there," Mohit said.

A devastating air disaster in India has caused the grief of families mourning the loss of at least 279 lives after a London-bound passenger jet crashed. The victims in Ahmedabad spanned a wide spectrum of society, from a prominent political figure to a teenage tea vendor.

Of the 242 people on board, only one survived: a British national who miraculously emerged from the wreckage of the blazing aircraft on Thursday afternoon. His escape stands as the sole story of survival.

Among the victims was 68-year-old Vijay Rupani, a prominent figure in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party and the former Chief Minister of Gujarat.

What they said

“The tragedy in Ahmedabad is heartbreaking beyond words. My thoughts are with everyone affected”, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on his part said, “The scenes of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing are devastating. Boeing also released a statement saying, “We are in contact with Air India and stand ready to support them”.

The EU’s Air Safety List, managed by the European Commission (EC) with support from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), targets airlines and countries with deficient safety oversight.

Bans are imposed based on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, focusing on; ineffective supervision by national aviation authorities, gaps in maintainance or failure to meet airworthiness directives, lack of certification from EASA’s Third Country Operators (TCO) by non-EU authorities, which assesses safety management, maintenance, and operational controls.

As of June 2025, 169 airlines are banned from EU skies: 142 from 17 countries with systemic oversight failures and 27 individual carriers, and 22 Russian airlines, due to specific safety irregularities.

What Tanzania's ban means

On Tuesday, June 3, the EC expanded its ban to all 34 Tanzanian-certified airlines, including ATCL, citing “serious deficiencies in national aviation oversight”,

While no Tanzanian airline currently operates in Europe, the ban derails ATCL’s plans to relaunch routes to London, Frankfurt, and Athens, stunting its long-haul ambitions to compete with carriers like Emirates.

The TCAA has responded swiftly to the ban, noting that the ban has “no operational impact” on current services, as Tanzanian airlines do not fly to the EU.

It also reassured travellers that Tanzanian skies are safe, citing a clean safety record and alignment with ICAO standards, The Citizen reports.

Impact on Tanzania’s aviation

The European Union’s June 4, 2025, ban on all Tanzanian-certified airlines, including Air Tanzania (ATCL), from EU airspace hampers ATCL’s plans to launch routes to London, Frankfurt, and Athens, costing $15–20 million annually in lost revenue.

Egyptian residents express mounting concerns over Dubai billionaire Mohamed Alabbar's plans to redevelop downtown Cairo, fearing a loss of historical character and increased Gulf influence. As reported by various sources , Alabbar's initiative aims to replicate Dubai's model for a tourism-centric economy amid Egypt's reliance on Gulf states for financial support. Critics, including architect Ahmed Zaazaa, raise alarms about potential elitism in the redevelopment process, while the Egyptian government insists it will consider multiple investment proposals.

Mother of jailed activist resumes hunger strike

Laila Soueif, mother of jailed Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, has announced her return to a full hunger strike in London to protest her son's ongoing imprisonment in Egypt, as reported by AFP. She initially moderated her strike following UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's intervention in March but found it necessary to escalate her protest again after Fattah's continued detention. Fattah, a significant figure in Egypt's pro-democracy movement, has also been on hunger strike since March, highlighting the plight of political prisoners in Egypt.

Tourist vessel capsizes in Red Sea

Seven individuals, including five foreign tourists, have been confirmed dead following the capsizing of the Sea Story dive boat in the Red Sea, as decreed by Egyptian authorities. The incident , attributed to severe weather conditions, occurred while the boat was on a diving expedition near Sataya Reef, with the vessel having passed routine safety inspections prior to the tragedy. This incident raises concerns regarding the safety standards of Egypt's tourism sector, which plays a crucial role in the national economy.

Fatal crash of Egyptian military training aircraft

The Egyptian Armed Forces reported a military training aircraft crash during an exercise, which claimed the lives of its crew due to a technical malfunction. According to Roya News , the incident occurred near Ras El Bar on the Mediterranean coast. The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended condolences, signalling regional solidarity amid Egypt's tragic accident, which showcases the challenges within military operations.

Minister calls for green partnerships in the Arab World

Egypt’s Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad has urged for enhanced public-private partnerships to drive the region's green transition, Daily News Egypt reports. During her opening remarks at the Arab Sustainability Expo held in Cairo, she highlighted the importance of aligning sustainability with economic incentives and showcased Egypt's initiatives in renewable energy and climate finance. The expo aims to facilitate collaboration among government leaders, private stakeholders, and international organisations to address key sustainability challenges across the Arab region.

The 145% tariffs implemented by the United States on imports from China prompted a reciprocal 125% tax from China on American products. Despite these tensions, President Trump expressed optimism about enhancing trade relations with China, asserting that the tariffs would significantly decrease, although not entirely disappear. Ortberg stated that the halting of aircraft deliveries by China was a direct consequence of the prevailing tariff situation.

Boeing, recognized as America's largest exporter, relies on approximately 70% of its commercial aircraft sales from international markets. In response to the ongoing issues, Ortberg mentioned that the company is evaluating strategies to re-market 41 already produced planes to alternative customers, given the robust demand from other airlines. Additionally, there are nine planes not yet integrated into Boeing's production schedule, which he aims to redirect if necessary.

Boeing maintains close communication with the Trump administration regarding the trade conflict with China, emphasizing daily engagement with key government officials. Ortberg expressed hope for fruitful negotiations to resolve these trade disputes. Moreover, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent opined that there is a chance for a significant trade agreement between the United States and China, contingent on China's willingness to reduce its dependence on manufacturing exports.

Additionally, Ortberg highlighted that other manufacturers in Boeing's supply chain are also affected by tariffs, particularly suppliers located in Japan and Italy, where universal tariffs of 10% are now in place. CFO Brian West underscored the importance of free trade policies for Boeing, expressing a commitment to collaborate with suppliers to ensure operational continuity. The company has reported improved financial performance in the first quarter of this year, attributed to higher production and delivery rates, with plans to ramp up production of its 737 MAX jets to 38 units per month by 2025.

The aircraft was parked at a gate at Sao Paulo's International Guarulhos Airport on Friday, January 24, when the lightning struck its tail.

Warr stated that following the incident, the British Airways aircraft, which was bound for London, was relocated for safety inspections.

The plane left nearly six hours after it was supposed to take off after minor damage was fixed, he added.

At the World Travel Market London 2024, Thai Airways announced plans for extensive route expansion and fleet modernization to bolster its global presence and support Thailand's tourism recovery post-COVID. WIT Kitchathorn, the airline's Director of Sales, highlighted new destinations in Europe, including Milan, Oslo, and Brussels, set to launch in mid-2024. Thai Airways aims to attract more tourists from China and India by leveraging Thailand's new visa-free policies, anticipating increased passenger traffic from these key markets. According to Travel and Tour World , the airline is modernizing its fleet with orders for 45 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 20 Airbus A321s, emphasizing sustainability and enhanced passenger experience.

Digital economy and infrastructure

GDS International has announced a $1 billion investment to develop a hyperscale data centre park in Chonburi, Thailand, over the next five years. This initiative aims to enhance Thailand’s digital economy and infrastructure, reinforcing its position as a regional tech hub for cloud and AI technologies, Thailand Business News reports. The project was endorsed by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, highlighting the investment's potential to attract further high-value investments in the digital sector. The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) has approved the project, which is expected to create employment opportunities and foster skill development through collaboration with local industries.

Grand Tourism

At the World Travel Market 2024, Thailand's Minister of Tourism, Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, announced the "Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025." This campaign aims to lure international visitors with a mix of cultural festivities, travel experiences, and infrastructure investments, targeting £75.55 billion in tourism revenue. Key initiatives include improving visa facilitation, expanding the ASEAN travel network, and promoting lesser-known destinations like Nan and Sakon Nakhon. The campaign emphasizes Thai cultural experiences through its "Five-Must Do" categories and plans to host major events such as the Amazing Thailand Countdown and the Songkran Festival.

Attempted rape

A Thai piano teacher, identified as Jan, has accused renowned lawyer Sittha Biabangkerd of attempted rape, sharing CCTV footage of the incident with media outlets. This accusation follows Sittha being linked to a separate case where he allegedly swindled millionaire Jatuporn Ubonlert out of 71 million baht. Jan claims that Sittha, who initially contacted her for legal advice after she was a victim of an investment scam, attempted to sexually assault her during a music lesson at her home. She escaped and has since distanced herself from him, expressing fears of retaliation for coming forward. According to Asean Now , She believes Sittha is receiving "karma" for his actions.

Honeymoon destination

Thailand has overtaken the Maldives as the top international honeymoon destination, according to a MakeMyTrip (MMT) report. Domestically, the Andaman Islands have replaced Kerala as the most popular honeymoon spot in India, while Kashmir moved into third place, Economic Times reports. While Goa's bookings remained unchanged, Himachal Pradesh saw a 4% decline. Couples increasingly prefer luxury accommodations, with 68% choosing 4-star or 5-star hotels, and the average spending per couple has risen by 13%.

Experts have called for heavy taxation on Sugary drinks, or Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) to reduce health implications on Nigerians. These SSBs pose significant health risks to Nigerians, contributing to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, PM News Nigeria reports. Despite their appealing taste, SSBs are likened to "beautifully packaged poison" that gradually harms consumers. With approximately 11 million diabetics and Nigeria being the fourth largest consumer of SSBs, urgent action is needed. A recent training by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) revealed the detrimental impact of SSBs on public health and the economy.

Money laundering

Nigeria has dropped money laundering charges against Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, allowing him to seek medical treatment abroad. Gambaryan, who has been detained since February and faces accusations of laundering over $35 million, denies the charges. The Nigerian government plans to proceed with the case against Binance itself. Separate tax evasion charges against Binance remain active, which the company also denies, according to US News .

Nigeria-Lybia clash

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is set to announce its verdict on the controversial AFCON Group D qualifying match between Libya and Nigeria, originally scheduled for October 15. The match was moved last minute, and the Nigerian team faced severe disruptions, including being held hostage by Libyan authorities after their flight was diverted. Punch reports that this incident prompted the Nigeria Football Federation to file a complaint with CAF, which has been put on hold pending disciplinary review. Stakeholders in Nigerian football, including former officials, are calling for heavy sanctions against Libya, arguing that their actions were retaliatory and inhumane. There is widespread expectation among Nigerian football associates for CAF to take decisive action to ensure accountability and foster fair play in African football.

Aircraft shortages

Boeing and Airbus delivery delays are exacerbating aircraft shortages in Nigeria, where domestic airlines are struggling with high costs and limited access to leasing options. Supply chain issues, a Boeing strike, and geopolitical conflicts have disrupted aircraft supply. Stakeholders highlight that rising insurance costs and foreign exchange shortages are making acquisition and maintenance prohibitively expensive for Nigerian carriers. With many aircraft grounded for maintenance, the operational fleet has dwindled to under 40, Business Day reports. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo announced improvements in Nigeria's aviation rating, which could facilitate access to dry lease aircraft, although older models may dominate due to lingering supply chain challenges. Industry experts stress the need for stronger government support to help local airlines compete against major international carriers.

Luxury goods

Swarovski has officially launched its flagship store in the Palms Mall, Lagos, solidifying its commitment to Nigeria's growing luxury market. Partnering with Polo Limited, the luxury goods company, Swarovski aims to cater to Nigeria's affluent demographic with exceptional quality and elegant designs. The store’s opening marks a significant milestone in the brand's African expansion, highlighting its confidence in the region's appetite for high-end goods. The launch follows a successful three-day tour featuring global partners and showcases Swarovski's intent to mix global heritage with localized marketing. The brand emphasizes sustainability and ethical practices in its operations. With three stores now in Nigeria, Swarovski is poised to establish itself as a leading luxury brand, offering a unique shopping experience that reflects sophistication and modern trends, according to This Day Live .

Official data revealed that Taiwan detected a record 153 Chinese military aircraft around the self-governed island on Tuesday, October 15, following a day of extensive drills conducted by China.

The aircraft was observed within the 25 hours leading up to 6:00 am on Tuesday (2200 GMT Monday), according to a statement from the defence ministry. This marks the highest number recorded in a single day.

The tension between Taiwan and China has been escalating, with China conducting a series of military exercises near Taiwan. These actions are seen as a show of force and a direct challenge to Taiwan's sovereignty. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council described these exercises as "blatant provocations".

Recently, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent a warning to China regarding its actions around Taiwan.

"I can tell you that with regard to the so-called 10.10 speech, which is a regular exercise, China should not use it in any fashion as a pretext for provocative actions, on the contrary, we want to reinforce -- and many other countries want to reinforce -- the imperative of preserving the status quo and neither party taking any actions that might undermine it," he said.

"We have produced three Skyleader 600 airplanes in Tanzania, and they are ready for the market. These planes are an ideal mode of transport for Tanzania and Africa at large, and we welcome customers interested in purchasing them and becoming proud owners,” Grolig said.

The Skyleader 600 aircraft, manufactured at the Morogoro Regional Airport plant in the eastern part of Tanzania, was certified by local authorities after meeting international aviation standards, local news outlet The Citizen reports.

The facility, which opened in 2021, is part of the Czech-owned AAL ’s efforts to position Tanzania as a key player in the African aviation industry .

Unveiled at the Tanzania International Manufacturers Expo 2023 (TIMEXPO) in Dar es Salaam, the Skyleader 600 can transport two passengers in addition to the pilot.

According to Grolig, the planes are ideal for business travellers seeking efficient, long-distance transport.

“We conducted in-depth research on the needs of frequent business travellers who require efficient long-distance transport. This aircraft will enable them to attend meetings in different regions and return to the city promptly for other engagements,” Grolig explained.

Permanent Secretary of Tanzania's Ministry of Transport, Godius Kahyarara, mentioned that the Skyleader 600 can fly for six hours without stopping. Highlighting that the plane is capable of travelling long distances without needing to refuel.

Vietnam's trade surplus reached $11.63 billion in the first six months of 2024, with export turnover increasing by 14.5%. The domestic sector accounted for 28.1% of total export turnover, while the US remained Vietnam's largest export market. The need to improve policies, diversify markets, and leverage free trade agreements was emphasized for sustainable export growth, reports Viet Nam News .

Labour cooperation between Vietnam and South Korea

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has emphasised the importance of promoting labour cooperation between Vietnam and South Korea to match their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He highlighted the need for Vietnamese workers in South Korea and urged for collaboration in training and employment opportunities in various sectors. The PM also emphasised the importance of ensuring Vietnamese workers abide by South Korean laws and enjoy their legitimate benefits, as reported by Viet Nam News . He called on Vietnamese workers to cultivate knowledge and skills during their time in South Korea and contribute to the development of both countries. PM Chính expressed confidence in the continued economic and labour cooperation between the two countries, driven by their strong partnership.

Addressing aircraft shortage

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has urged domestic airlines to address the aircraft shortage caused by the global recall of Pratt & Whitney engines. Vietnam Airlines has grounded several planes and expects the shortage to continue until mid-2025. Airlines are instructed to seek replacement aircraft and increase capacity on high-demand routes. They are also asked to ensure transparent and flexible pricing strategies and to strengthen the monitoring of ticketing systems. The recall has affected over 1,500 aircraft globally, according to Viet Nam News .

HPV vaccine for women

HCM City's City International Hospital (CIH) has donated 84 doses of Gardasil vaccine to women in Bình Tân District in HCM City, providing free vaccinations at their hospital. The vaccine is effective in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related infections. Cervical cancer is the third leading cause of death for women, and the hospital hopes to control and prevent the disease by donating the vaccine. With 4,000 new cases and 2,000 deaths from cervical cancer each year in Vietnam, the hospital is working to improve women's health, reports Viet Nam News .

TikTok to allocate $1 million to support SMEs

TikTok will allocate $1 million in ad credits to support SMEs in Vietnam, part of a $12.2 million investment in Southeast Asia, according to Viet Nam News . The company plans to offer training programmes and advertising credit support to help SMEs increase their brand recognition and reach new customers. Studies have shown that TikTok is an effective platform for generating a return on ad spend and influencing purchase decisions.

A Boeing 737 plane carrying 85 people skidded off a runway at the airport in Dakar, Senegal's capital, injuring 10 people. Footage showed the aircraft on fire and passengers jumping down emergency slides. The flight was headed to Bamako, Mali, according to Africa News . The injured were being treated at a hospital and the others were taken to a hotel to rest.

Kagame's visit to Senegal

President Paul Kagame concluded a two-day visit to Senegal, where he discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. He also attended a basketball game featuring Senegal’s AS Douanes and Rwanda’s APR Basketball Club, but Rwanda was eliminated from the tournament, reports from KT Press indicate. This is Kagame's first visit to Senegal since Faye was elected in March.

Illegal fishing

The Senegalese government has taken steps to combat illegal fishing along its coastline by publishing a list of authorized fishing vessels. This initiative aims to promote transparency and combat corrupt practices in the management of national fisheries. The Maritime Executive explained the government has also called for strengthening the Maritime Fishing Code and prioritizing support for artisanal fisherfolk. IUU fishing has been found to have a significant economic impact on the country, resulting in job loss and increased poverty.

Migrants stranded in Moroccan desert

Senegal's Consul General in Morocco, Babou Sene, has denied reports of Senegalese migrants stranded in the Moroccan desert, stating that migrants are housed in reception centres and receive medical care at the Moroccan government's expense. Sene emphasized the strong hospitality and support provided to Senegalese nationals in Morocco and highlighted the exceptional relationship between Morocco and Senegal, Morocco World News reported. He also commended Morocco's efforts in providing decent living conditions for migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa.

Library of Léopold Senghor

Senegal has bought back the library of Léopold Senghor, the first president of independent Senegal, from France to prevent it from being auctioned off, The Black World Media reported. The collection of 344 books will be transferred to Dakar, including personally inscribed volumes by influential authors. Senegal plans to incorporate the library into a museum of Senghor's life and hopes to make digital copies of his papers available to researchers. There is some disappointment that the Senegalese state had to buy back Senghor's estate from France, but it is seen as an important part of Senegal's heritage.

The Presidential Aircraft Fleet (PAF) of six jets and four helicopters is set to experience downsizing to reduce the fleet to just seven aircraft. This move is part of efforts to streamline operations, reduce government expenditure, and cut maintenance costs.

“The President is uncomfortable with the rising cost of maintaining the planes. Three planes have been pencilled down for disposal. The main reason is cutting down high maintenance costs. I think officers in PAF were particularly concerned about the frequency of maintenance and how much it costs the nation ," a source told The Nation

“The President decided to let off the aircraft that constitute the most burdensome ," the source added.

During President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in 2016, attempts to sell two aircraft faced some challenges. The government rejected initial offers of $24 million for a Dassault Falcon 7x executive jet and a Beechcraft Hawker 4000 business jet, which deemed a reduced bid of $11 million unacceptable.

The current PAF lineup includes Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) 737, Gulfstream G550, Gulfstream G500, two Falcon 7X, HS 4000, two Agusta 139, and two Agusta 101. Of note, the BBJ 737 exclusively serves as the Nigerian Air Force One, catering solely to the President's travel needs.

The three locally assembled aircraft can accommodate two to four passengers, local media The Citizen reported.

“These aircraft represent significant achievement,” Mussa Mbura, Director General of the Tanzania Airport Authority (TAA) told reporters at a press briefing on March 18.

“The AAL investment creates revenue opportunities for the government and fosters job creation for Tanzanian citizens,” he added.

Among the AAL branches worldwide, the Morogoro factory in Tanzania is the only one in Africa with the remaining branches located in the Czech Republic, Germany, China, and Russia.

"The facility is the sole AAL branch in Africa, with their global network including branches in the Czech Republic, Germany, China and Russia," Mbura highlighted.

The TAA boss also outlined plans for further expansion, saying, "The assembly of additional aircraft is imminent."

At the Tanzania International Manufacturers Expo 2023 (TIMEXPO), AAL unveiled the Skyleader 600 , an aircraft that can transport two passengers in addition to the pilot at the event held in the nation's capital, Dar es Salaam.

Now, several nations are leading the way as Africa makes substantial advancements in the aviation manufacturing sector. Just recently, an important milestone was reached in Tanzania with the introduction of an aircraft during the Tanzania International Manufacturers Expo 2023 (TIMEXPO). The Skyleader 600, an aeroplane that can transport two passengers in addition to the pilot, was unveiled at the event, which was hosted in the nation's capital, Dar es Salaam.

Focusing on long-distance business travel, David Grolig, the director of Airplanes Africa Limited (AAL), the aircraft assembling company, said that the company opened a branch office in Tanzania owing to the country’s conducive climate for investment and openness to adapt to new discoveries.

In 2024, the company will launch the Skyleader 500, a commercial aircraft that is currently being converted for use in agriculture. According to Grolig, the Skyleader 500 is reasonably priced, has low operating expenses, and requires little maintenance.

Tanzania is not the only country in Africa with aerospace aspirations. With a $1.8 billion market value, South Africa has the largest aerospace industry in Africa. Morocco is in second place with a $1.1 billion, followed by Tunisia with a $430 million sector. South Africa and Morocco are two of the top 40 nations in the world for the aerospace industry, according to a 2020 Airbus White Paper report.

At the 2022 Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria, South Africa, the state-owned SAFAT Aviation Group of Sudan displayed the design and production of domestic aircraft. Mohammed Abdelhalim, a representative of SAFAT Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul (MRO), said events like AAD were crucial for showcasing their goods and that many had been shocked to learn that such things were available in Sudan.

The Nigeria n College of Aviation Technology plans to assemble the Magnus light aircraft with $5 million in local funding from the Nigerian government. Hadi Sirika, Nigeria's minister of aviation, expressed confidence that the country's aviation sector would soon advance to domestic aircraft manufacturing. He was quoted on January 18, 2023 by Voice of Nigeria saying, ‘’By God's grace, we will continue to assemble the Magnus aircraft, and in the not-too-distant future, the civil aviation sector will start producing aeroplanes right here in the nation. “ 

The African space industry, which was estimated to be worth $19.49 billion in 2021, is expected to rise 16.16% to $22.64 billion by 2026, according to a report by Space in Africa. Additionally, a 2020 research by Space Hubs Africa, reported that these industries contribute in excess of $55.8 billion to the African economy .

South Africa and Morocco look to offer Africa's best chance for advancing its aerospace industry.  

However, the participation of women working as pilots, air traffic controllers, and maintenance technicians has soared globally from 4.5 per cent in 2016 to 4.9 per cent in 2021, the report indicated.

Africa leads the way in the number of women pilots at 5.21 per cent, followed by North America at 4.61 per cent and Europe at 4.20 per cent.

This progress can be traced back to trailblazers like Egypt’s Lotfia Elnadi, the first woman from the Arab world and Africa to earn a pilot's license in 1933, according to L’Orient Today .

Moroccan, Touria Chaoui, who was born in 1936 and at age 15 became a licensed pilot and is also claimed to be the first woman pilot in the Arab world, according to Morocco World News .

Melody Millicent Danquah, Ghana's first female pilot, who in 1964 in a De Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk aeroplane, became the first person in the history of the West African nation to fly an aircraft solo, local Ghanaian media GhanaWeb reported.

The tenacity and determination of these African women opened the door for future generations of African women in aviation.

The increasing number of African women pilots is a testament to the changing times and a step towards shattering the glass ceiling in the aviation industry.