Airbus has announced the opening of a new Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, marking a step forward in the aerospace giant’s efforts to strengthen its footprint across the African continent. This newly established centre aims to serve as a regional hub, offering tailored support to airlines and enhancing the overall operational efficiency of the aviation ecosystem in Africa.
Empower aviation
The opening of this centre is part of Airbus’ broader strategy, “for Africa, in Africa, and by Africa”, to bolster the growth of Africa’s aviation sector, which is witnessing rapid expansion due to increasing demand for both intra-African and international connectivity.
The Johannesburg centre will focus on providing tailored maintenance, training, and operational support, while also fostering a more collaborative aviation ecosystem. This approach is designed to empower African airlines, increase their autonomy, and ultimately contribute to the growth of the local aviation industry.
This move also aligns with Airbus’ broader vision of supporting the development of aviation solutions “for Africa, in Africa, and by Africa.” As the African aviation market matures, Airbus is positioning itself as a partner that is deeply embedded in the region’s growth story.
Laurent Negre, VP of Customer Services for Africa and the Middle East at Airbus, emphasised the importance of this move: “With the rapid expansion of the latest generation aircraft on the continent, Africa requires additional dedicated support and skills to meet the increasing demand for connectivity.”
Growing demand
Airbus’ latest Global Market Forecast indicates that Africa’s aviation sector is poised for significant growth in the coming decades. By 2043, the continent is expected to require around 1,460 passenger and freight aircraft, comprising 1,210 single-aisle and 250 widebody aircraft. This surge in demand is driven by Africa’s expanding economies, a growing middle class, and the increasing need for both regional and international connectivity.
In addition to the growing demand for aircraft, Airbus’ Global Services Forecast projects that the African aviation industry will need to introduce around 15,000 additional pilots and 20,000 mechanics to support the anticipated growth in air travel. This underscores the critical need for enhanced training and maintenance facilities, which the new Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg is well-positioned to address.
One of the key objectives of the new centre is to enhance local capabilities, ensuring that African airlines have easier access to maintenance services, training programs, and technical resources. By investing in the region’s aviation infrastructure, Airbus is positioning itself as a long-term partner in the development of Africa’s aviation ecosystem. The focus on local empowerment is a clear indication that Airbus is not only looking to expand its market share but also to invest in the region’s future.
Airbus’ new centre will act as a bridge between Africa and its global network, ensuring that airlines on the continent can meet the challenges of modern aviation, including the maintenance of next-generation aircraft like the A320neo and A350. This support will help African carriers operate more efficiently, reduce downtime, and increase the reliability of their fleets.
