European aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, has opened the doors to a new customer support centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The company announced in September last year that it intended to open up a customer support facility in Africa.
In fact, for over five decades Airbus’ commercial airliners, helicopters, military aircraft and satellites have been providing reliable and efficient service and solutions to customers across the continent.
AIRBUS CUSTOMER SUPPORT CENTRE JOHANNESBURG
The new facility brings Airbus closer to airline customers across the continent, enhancing customer proximity and 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.
SUPPORTING AIRBUS OPERATORS
A number of airlines across the continent operate Airbus aircraft as part of their fleets.
Airbus has indeed been present in Africa since 1976, when the first A300 was delivered to the continent.
That said, almost 40 global airlines currently operate over 260 Airbus aircraft.
Hence the significance of the new facility – which helps to nurture local talent, foster innovation and drive sustainable growth of Africa’s aviation sector.
“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 GROWTH OF AFRICAN AVIATION
With more than 180 African suppliers integrated into its global supply chain, Airbus 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’ industrial presence supports job creation, skills development, and local economic growth across Africa.
According to its Global Services Forecast, Airbus foresees in the next 20 years on the African continent, a need for 14,000 new pilots and 21,000 mechanics and engineers to face the surge in air travel demand.
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