Aviation company Airbus has launched a new customer support centre for Airbus Commercial Aircraft in Johannesburg, Gauteng, to bring locally focussed services closer to customers across Africa.

The facility will improve customer proximity, while offering a full range of services to help operators maintain safe, efficient and reliable fleets.

The centre will provide technical assistance, engineering and maintenance solutions, fleet performance analysis, training services and on-site customer support for all Airbus commercial aircraft families, including the A220, A320, A330 and A350.

“The new centre expands Airbus’ presence in Africa and underscores our confidence in the region’s potential, as we invest in local capabilities, empower our customers, and drive connectivity and shared progress across the continent,” said Airbus Africa and Middle East president Gabriel Semelas in a media release.

Airbus has been present in Africa since 1976, when the first A300 was delivered to the continent. Today, nearly 40 airlines operate more than 260 Airbus aircraft.

According to its Global Services Forecast, Airbus foresees there will be a need for 14 000 new pilots and 21 000 mechanics and engineers on the African continent in the next 20 years to meet the growing demand for air travel.

The opening also coincides with Airbus Helicopters celebrating 30 years of service and innovation in Southern Africa, where the Midrand hub provides maintenance, spare parts, logistics support and Africa’s first H125 virtual reality (VR) simulator for pilot training.

Airbus Defence and Space also continues to support African governments with military aircraft, Earth observation services and satellite connectivity solutions.

With more than 180 African suppliers integrated into its global supply chain, Airbus noted in a media release that it continues to play a key role in developing the continent’s aerospace capabilities.

From component manufacturing and maintenance services to training partnerships and technology transfer, Airbus said its industrial presence supports job creation, skills development and local economic growth across Africa.

“Our enduring presence, marked by nearly five decades on the continent and the commitment from Airbus and 30 years of impact from Airbus Helicopters here in South Africa, as well as the official opening of our customer support centre in Africa here today underscores our profound belief in the region’s future.

“We are not just selling aircraft, helicopters, space or military assets, we are investing in partnerships, fostering skills, and building capacity across the continent. Our aim is to continue driving connectivity, resilience, and shared growth, contributing to a prosperous and interconnected Africa,” Semelas said.

Also speaking at the event, South African Civil Aviation Authority executive Dean Khumalo highlighted the role of Airbus in shaping South Africa’s aviation landscape.

He discussed the importance of future-oriented partnerships with governments, operators, training institutions and original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs), such as Airbus, noting that OEMs play a catalytic role in unlocking local capability and fostering skills development.

“Through investments such as this new support centre, Airbus is not only expanding its physical footprint but also deepening its impact on the region's aviation ecosystem,” he said.

“This new customer support centre is more than bricks and mortar; it is a symbol of confidence in Africa’s aviation future. With the continent's economy projected to grow steadily, and aircraft demand expected to triple by 2043, we must be ready together to meet that future head on,” he continued.

Meanwhile, during a media briefing on July 23, Airbus Africa Commercial Aircraft customer services VP Laurent Negre noted that, by 2030, Airbus aims to serve the largest commercial aircraft fleet globally with 18 000 airbus aircraft in operation.

“We want to help build an ecosystem that works in the long run,” he said.

“Africa is key to Airbus . . . we are expanding that footprint. Air transport is also key to Africa, considering the size of the continent and the importance that it will have in the rest of the world, and we are here to support that growth,” added Airbus Southern Africa MD Nam-Binh Hoang.