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Who We Are

About Aviation Central

For the Love of Flight, with a Unique Southern African Flavour

Founded in September 2009, Aviation Central was created by aviation enthusiasts with a simple vision: to share the passion, excitement and diversity of aviation throughout Southern Africa.

What began as a small community of aviation photographers and enthusiasts has grown into one of Southern Africa's leading independent aviation platforms, providing aviation news, event coverage, photography and information to hundreds of thousands of followers every month.

Our volunteer team travels throughout South Africa and neighbouring countries covering airshows, fly-ins, aviation museums, military exercises, general aviation events and commercial aviation. Every article, photograph and video is created by people who genuinely love aviation.

We believe aviation is more than aircraft—it's about the people, organisations, clubs, volunteers and businesses that keep our industry flying.

Whether you're an airline captain, weekend pilot, aircraft owner, aviation photographer, engineer, model aircraft enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys watching aircraft fly overhead, Aviation Central welcomes you.

Our Mission

To inspire, inform and connect the aviation community by delivering trusted aviation news, exceptional photography and comprehensive event coverage while promoting aviation throughout Southern Africa.

2009
Established
Hundreds of Thousands
Monthly Followers
15+
Years of Coverage
The People Behind the Lens

Meet the Team

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Flippie van Emmenis

Team Lead | Editor | Website Administrator

Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

Flippie joined Aviation Central in 2011 and has led the day-to-day operation of the platform for many years. He manages the website, social media platforms, advertising partnerships and editorial content while regularly covering aviation events throughout Southern Africa.

Specialties

Aviation NewsAirshow CoverageAviation PhotographyWebsite DevelopmentSocial MediaAviation Event PromotionAviation Business Advertising
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Lettie van Emmenis

Administration & Events

Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

Lettie provides the administrative support that keeps Aviation Central running smoothly while assisting with events, planning and behind-the-scenes coordination.

Specialties

AdministrationEvent CoordinationCommunity SupportEvent Planning
TV

Trevor Viljoen

Durban Correspondent | Photographer

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Trevor covers aviation events throughout KwaZulu-Natal and contributes aviation photography and news from the region.

Specialties

Aviation PhotographyAirshowsGeneral AviationKwaZulu-Natal Aviation
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Alan Richert

Photographer & Contributor

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Alan joined the Aviation Central team in 2018 and regularly contributes photography and event coverage.

Specialties

Aviation PhotographyAirshowsGeneral Aviation
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Niel Swart

Photographer & Contributor

Western Cape, South Africa

Niel contributes photography and aviation event coverage from the Western Cape and surrounding regions.

Specialties

Aviation PhotographyAirshowsGeneral Aviation and Airline IndustryWestern Cape Aviation
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Conrad Pretorius

Photographer & Contributor

Eastern Cape, South Africa

Conrad is a valued member of the Aviation Central team, contributing aviation photography and editorial content from aviation events across the Eastern Cape and Southern Africa.

Specialties

Aviation PhotographyAirshowsGeneral AviationEvent CoverageEastern Cape Aviation
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Andre Nel

Photographer & Contributor

Gauteng, South Africa

Andre is an experienced aviation photographer and contributor whose passion for aviation is reflected in his exceptional images and event coverage.

Specialties

Aviation PhotographyAirshowsMilitary AviationGeneral AviationEvent Coverage
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Jarryd Sinovich

Freelance Photographer & Writer

Gauteng, South Africa

One of Aviation Central's longest-serving contributors, Jarryd is well known throughout the aviation community for his exceptional photography and detailed aviation reporting.

Specialties

Airshow IndustryMilitary AviationAviation PhotographyAviation Journalism
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Elan Hoffman

Founder

Gauteng, South Africa

Founded Aviation Central in 2009 with the vision of creating a platform where aviation enthusiasts could share their passion for flight.

What We Do

Our Coverage

Airshows
Military aviation
General aviation
Commercial aviation
Aviation museums
Fly-ins
Helicopter operations
Vintage and warbird aircraft
Aircraft spotters' events
Model and radio-controlled aviation
Aviation charities and community events
Aviation businesses and organisations

Join the Aviation Central Community

Whether you're looking for the latest aviation news, planning your next airshow, promoting an aviation event or showcasing your aviation business, Aviation Central is here to connect the Southern African aviation community.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

For the Love of Flight, with a Unique Southern African Flavour.

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