Lorne Philpot

Gauteng

Writer at Sustainability in the Sky

Reporter at The South African

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Articles

Pretoria’s Wonderboom Airport set for revival

1 week ago | sustainabilityinthesky.com | Lorne Philpot

Located on the outskirts of Pretoria, Wonderboom Airport is set for a revival. Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya said in her inaugural State of the City Address last week that local government is committed to reviving the city’s underperforming assets. These include Wonderboom Airport. The Tshwane government devised a turnaround plan for the beleaguered airport several years ago. To date, five components of the 18-point plan have been completed.
Cunard's Queen Anne visits Cape Town for the first time

1 week ago | sustainabilityinthesky.com | Lorne Philpot

The world-renowned cruise liner Queen Anne, operated by Cunard Cruise Lines, arrived in Cape Town on 10 April. This is indeed the first time the vessel has docked in Cape Town. Beyond the immediate tourism boost, the cruising industry has positive ripple effects for Cape Town. The sector benefits tour operators and transport services, restaurants, hotels and retailers, amongst others.
Qantas appears set to restart Perth Johannesburg route this year

1 week ago | sustainabilityinthesky.com | Lorne Philpot

According to a recent operational schedule filed by Qantas, Perth Johannesburg flights appear to be back on the airline’s route network. Executive Traveller writes that Qantas looks set to restart Perth Johannesburg flights on 7 December 2025. However, there has not yet been an official announcement confirming the restart by Qantas. In addition, Qantas looks set to restart its Perth Auckland flights.
IATA launches information portal for Live Animal Regulations (LAR)

1 week ago | sustainabilityinthesky.com | Lorne Philpot

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched LAR Verify, a digital portal to improve the welfare and safe transport of live animals by air. Using LAR Verify, airlines, shippers and freight forwarders can access accurate operator and destination-specific requirements as defined by the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR). The regulations have formed the basis for the worldwide transport of live animals by air for more than 50 years.
South African Airways (SAA) aims to relaunch USA flights in 2026

1 week ago | sustainabilityinthesky.com | Lorne Philpot

South African Airways (SAA) is hoping to resume scheduled flights to the USA next year. The Johannesburg-based airline is aiming to restart flights to the East Coast of the USA in 2026. In addition, it is looking to operate flights between Cape Town and the United States. South African Airways previously flew to New York and Washington DC before the pandemic and SAA’s grounding for a business rescue procedure in March 2020.
Retaining human capital: A challenge for the air cargo sector

1 week ago | sustainabilityinthesky.com | Lorne Philpot

The air cargo sector is facing a human capital crisis, with new research revealing that nearly 6 in 10 employees have considered leaving the industry altogether. The study, conducted by Edge Insight for IBS Software, sheds light on the growing challenges of recruitment and retention in the sector. The air cargo sector is indeed key to sustaining global supply chains, especially amid the trade uncertainties currently being seen.
IATA highlights air cargo sector for global supply chain resilience

1 week ago | sustainabilityinthesky.com | Lorne Philpot

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) emphasized the vital role of air cargo sector in maintaining global supply chain resilience and called on governments and industry to remain focused on delivering the fundamental expectations of customers—safety and security, digitalization and sustainability. “Whether supporting global trade, enabling e-commerce, or delivering vital humanitarian aid, the value of air cargo has never been clearer.
South African Airways (SAA) triples Johannesburg Windhoek flights

2 weeks ago | sustainabilityinthesky.com | Lorne Philpot

South African Airways (SAA) will offer three daily flights between Johannesburg and Windhoek from 1 May. South Africa’s national carrier will operate three daily flights between its OR Tambo International Airport hub in Johannesburg and Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport from 1 May. SAA will offer early morning, midday and mid-afternoon flights from Joburg to Windhoek.
SolitAir secures AOC in UAE and grows fleet

2 weeks ago | sustainabilityinthesky.com | Lorne Philpot

Dubai World Central-headquartered middle-mile air cargo operator SolitAir has officially received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in the UAE. The certification process, governed by UAE Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) Part V, Chapter 4, required SolitAir to meet stringent operational, safety and financial capability standards.
Fastjet Zimbabwe operates inaugural flight on Harare Lusaka route

2 weeks ago | sustainabilityinthesky.com | Lorne Philpot

Fastjet Zimbabwe has operated its first flight on the Harare – Lusaka route, connecting these cities with three weekly services. Flights between Harare and Lusaka will be operated on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Fastjet utilises a 50-seater Embraer ERJ145 aircraft for this service. This aircraft type is known to provide the versatility required to build a sustainable regional network with the right size capacity – while offering customers comfortable seating with generous legroom.