From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

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. Sabrina Jardim tells us more.

Sabrina Jardim:

The new customer support centre 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.

Airbus Southern Africa MD Nam-Binh Hoang…

Sabrina Jardim:

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 in 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.

Airbus Southern Africa MD Nam-Binh Hoang…

Sabrina Jardim:

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.

Airbus Africa and Middle East president Gabriel Semelas…

Sabrina Jardim:

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.

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 aircrafts in operation.

South African Civil Aviation Authority executive Dean Khumalo…

Airbus Southern Africa MD Nam-Binh Hoang…

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.