Press

In both Europe and Africa, general aviation is experiencing a slow and worrying decline, with the notable exception of Southern Africa. The causes are multiple and often related to crushing economic constraints: landing fees that have become exorbitant discourage private pilots and small operators, and the requirement to use handling companies at all international airports has further increased costs.

Paradoxically, the massive arrival of low-cost carriers, which have taken over secondary airports, has helped raise the price of airport services. It is too often forgotten that it was frequently thanks to general aviation that these airports were able to remain active before the low-cost flight revolution. This situation is worsened by a persistent lack of understanding of the relatively small environmental impact of light aircraft compared with large airliners.

Only flight schools are still holding on, driven by a growing demand for new pilots. Flying clubs, on the other hand, are disappearing — particularly in Africa, where only a few microlight clubs continue to operate, and even those remain marginal. Avgas, vital for piston engines, is becoming very difficult to find; when available, its price is prohibitive. Even small air taxi companies and humanitarian organizations, such as Aviation sans Frontières, are struggling to maintain their operations.

In Africa, flying clubs have almost disappeared, with a few pockets of resistance such as Dakar and Abidjan. However, upon arriving in Namibia, the picture changes for the better: many light aircraft continue to be operated throughout Southern Africa, offering a breath of hope that this last stronghold of general aviation will endure despite the headwinds.

It is all the more regrettable that general aviation is tending to disappear, because its development directly supports the quality and safety of the civil aviation sector. General aviation feeds pilot training, maintains a network of local airports, provides operational experience and fosters a safety culture that benefits the entire aeronautical system.

Indeed, countries where general aviation is well developed often enjoy a high level of quality in their civil aviation: think of the United States, Australia, South Africa or Brazil — nations where a fleet of light aircraft, active flight schools and dispersed infrastructure contribute to strong operational standards and effective oversight.

Protecting and supporting general aviation therefore means preserving not only a means of flight but also a school of practices, experience and safety that is essential to the proper functioning and security of civil aviation.

To be expanded…