Plane Talking

Plane Talking, established in 1992, is a strategic communications and reputation management agency based in Cape Town, South Africa. The firm focuses on raising, protecting, and enhancing the profiles of organisations operating in the aerospace, aviation, and allied sectors across Africa. With over three decades of experience, Plane Talking serves clients in the defense, space, geospatial, and water technology industries, offering specialised public relations and communications services that address the unique challenges of these highly regulated and technically complex fields.

Specialised Industry Focus and Services

Plane Talking’s core expertise lies in the aerospace and defense sectors, where it provides strategic communications support to companies involved in aerospace communications, geospatial technologies, and defense industry communications. The agency also extends its capabilities to allied sectors such as water technologies and geospatial and water tech promotion, reflecting a broader focus on science, technology, and policy-driven industries. Given the sensitive nature of these fields, Plane Talking offers a range of services tailored to stakeholder relations, crisis communications, and reputation management. Key services include media relations, media training, and spokesperson training, ensuring that clients are equipped to handle high-stakes public engagement. Additionally, the agency provides crisis management and crisis communication review services, helping organisations prepare for and respond to potential reputational threats. Plane Talking also delivers content marketing and content production, including social media campaigns, to support b2b engagement and industry thought leadership. For clients seeking to influence public policy in the aerospace and defense sectors, the firm offers strategic communications consulting and public policy influence services, leveraging its deep understanding of the African regulatory and media landscape.

Methodology and Approach

Plane Talking’s approach is grounded in strategic planning and a thorough understanding of its clients’ industries. The agency focuses on stakeholder engagement, working closely with organisations to identify key audiences—from government bodies and industry partners to the media and the public. Its crisis communications methodology involves proactive risk assessment and scenario planning, enabling swift and effective responses during incidents. Plane Talking also emphasizes media relations across Africa, maintaining strong networks with journalists and influencers who cover defense, aerospace, and technology topics. The firm’s content production services are designed to build thought leadership and credibility, with an emphasis on clear, jargon-free messaging that resonates with technical and non-technical audiences alike. By integrating reputation management into every campaign, Plane Talking helps clients navigate the complexities of operating in sectors where public perception can directly impact business outcomes. The agency’s long tenure in Cape Town, South Africa, gives it a unique vantage point for serving African-focused clients, as it understands the regional dynamics, regulatory environments, and cultural nuances that shape communications in these industries.

Location and Client Fit

Headquartered at 9 Kakapo Clos in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, Plane Talking operates from a city that serves as a hub for aerospace and technology innovation in Africa. Cape Town’s growing space sector and defense industry make it an ideal base for the agency, which has deep roots in the local business community. Plane Talking is best suited for organisations in the aerospace, aviation, defense, geospatial, and water technology sectors that need specialised communications support to build credibility, manage crises, and influence policy across the African continent. The agency is particularly valuable for b2b companies and industry associations that require nuanced stakeholder relations and crisis management in high-stakes environments. With its focus on strategic communications and reputation management, Plane Talking is a practical choice for any Africa-focused organisation seeking to strengthen its public profile while navigating the complexities of the aerospace and allied sectors.