JOHANNESBURG — Another news today from the European aircraft manufacturer, Airbus has opened a new customer support facility in Johannesburg, South Africa, for its African customers.

The facility 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 center will also position Airbus closer to airline customers across the continent, thus enhancing customer proximity and offering a full range of services to help operators maintain safe, efficient, and reliable fleets. 

“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, drive connectivity and shared progress across the continent,” said Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus in the Middle East and Africa.

Supporting African Airlines

Numerous airlines across the African continent operate Airbus aircraft as part of their commercial fleets. Ethiopian Airlines (ET), Royal Air Maroc (AT), South African Airways (SA), Air Tanzania (TC), TAAG Angola Airlines (DT), Uganda Airlines (UR), and many more have Airbus aircraft in their operating fleets.

That said, 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. Therefore, the new support facility in Africa will prove valuable for nurturing local talent, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth in the aviation sector on the continent.

According to its Global Services Forecast, Airbus anticipates a need for 14,000 new pilots and 21,000 mechanics and engineers in Africa over the next 20 years, to support growth in air travel demand.