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January 2026 disappeared faster than a coffee break at an airshow—blink and it was gone. The year has roared into life with plenty happening across our little corner of the aviation world. But before we dive headfirst into 2026’s hottest stories, it’s only fair to glance in the rear-view mirror and see what the AviationMedia team got up to in 2025.
2025 may not have been the full-volume rock concert that 2024 was, but it certainly wasn’t background elevator music either. There were moments—proper ones—that reminded us why we keep our cameras charged and our weekends suspiciously “unavailable.”
A Century of the Moth
The De Havilland DH.60 Moth turned 100 on 22 February 2025, and Rand Airport was the place to be. Owners, pilots and enthusiasts arrived from all over South Africa to celebrate the aircraft that taught generations how to fly and still manages to look elegant doing it. A proper centenary, done properly.
Pretoria Fees Airshow Takes Flight
2025 also welcomed a newcomer to the airshow calendar: the Pretoria Fees Airshow. Hosted at Legends Adventure Farm over the Easter weekend, it combined airshow action with a full-on Easter festival. It was part aviation, part family fair, and entirely unique—proof that new ideas still have wings.
Airlink Goes E2
On the airline front, Airlink took delivery of its first Embraer E195-E2s. The first aircraft arrived on South African soil in September and later made a crowd-pleasing appearance at the Wonderboom Airshow in November. Modern, quiet, and easy on the eyes—aviation progress done right.
Classic Magic
Ruan spent several days throughout the year chasing golden light with the Classic Flying Collection. From the Chipmunk to the Tiger Moth and Boeing Stearman, these classics were photographed against some of the finest backdrops the country has to offer. Proof that old aeroplanes never get old—just better lit.
G20 Airspace Action
With the G20 Summit hosted in South Africa, the SAAF’s fighter squadrons enjoyed a serious uptick in flying hours. Gripens from 2 Squadron and Hawks from 85 Combat Flying School became regular performers over Gauteng, reminding everyone that calm blue skies can still mean very serious business.
Adding a very personal highlight to the mix, we also had the opportunity to photograph Talon—the Hawk Mk 120 wearing the striking Talon paint scheme designed by an AviationMedia team member. From concept to combat jet, and then through our own lenses, it was one of those rare full-circle moments that don’t come around often… and one we’re still quietly smiling about.
Swartkop Standouts
Swartkop remained a regular highlight in 2025, with monthly flying days and the annual airshow at Mobile Deployment Wing. The standout moment? 21 Squadron’s Dassault Falcon 900 on display—an elegant and rare sight that doesn’t come around often.
Remembering Friends
No year-in-review feels complete without acknowledging friends we won’t see on the airshow circuit again. As we head into a new season, we remember James O’Connell and Andrew Blackwood-Murray with gratitude—celebrating the incredible memories they gave us, rather than focusing on the loss.
22 Squadron Starts 2026 Strong
2026 wasted no time getting serious. As fires broke out around the West Coast and the chopper crews went straight to work. 22 Squadron deployed an Oryx helicopter fitted with a Bambi bucket, lending a helping hand from above when it mattered most.
AAD 2026 Returns
This year also marks the return of Africa Aerospace and Defence at Air Force Base Waterkloof. If the 2024 edition—with formations, heritage jets and the thunder of the Rooivalk—was anything to go by, 2026 is shaping up to be something special.
The Return…
Our AviationMedia calendar is filling up fast. Favourite aircraft, familiar locations, and a few surprises are calling—and this year, we’re answering. Exciting things are coming. Stay tuned.
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