Airbus will strengthen its presence in Africa by opening a new Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg.
AIRBUS CUSTOMER SUPPORT CENTRE JOHANNESBURG
The Toulouse-based aircraft manufacturer has announced the opening of a new Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The new centre will indeed contribute to strengthening Airbus’ local presence and will support the growth of the African ecosystem.
“We are proud to open this new office to increase our proximity to customers while continuing to support the development of solutions for Africa, in Africa, and by Africa,” says Laurent Negre, VP Airbus Customer Services Africa and Middle East.
SERVING THE REGION
Serving as a hub for customers in the region, the new office will thus provide tailored support and enhance operational efficiency.
The Customer Support Centre will drive the development of existing local capabilities. Thus, ensuring access to maintenance and training resources while fostering a stronger, more collaborative ecosystem in the region.
GROWING LOCAL AVIATION
By supporting the growth of the local aviation industry, Airbus aims to empower airlines and reinforce their autonomy.
This will not only benefit airlines but also the entire industry and the local workforce.
The office will employ local employees with the expertise required to offer support to air service operators.
“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 intra-African and international connectivity,” Negre said.
GROWTH FORECASTS FOR AFRICA
Airbus forecasts that air traffic in Africa will in fact double by 2043.
As such, air service providers will need several new aircraft to accommodate this.
Furthermore, Airbus seeks to ensure that the operators of its aircraft are well supported.
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OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK FOR AFRICA
Airbus’ most recent Global Market Forecast, predicts that commercial demand for the African continent will reach 1460 passenger and freight aircraft by 2043.
The figure includes 1210 single-aisle aircraft as well as 250 widebody aircraft.
Additionally, Airbus’ Global Services Forecast estimates that Africa will need to introduce 15 000 additional pilots, 20 000 mechanics to meet the surge in air travel demand.
AIRBUS OPERATORS IN AFRICA
At present, Airbus aircraft are being widely used by various airline operators across the African continent.
There are currently 257 Airbus passenger aircraft in service with 36 African airlines.
This includes Air Mauritius, Air Seychelles, Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, Uganda Airlines and Rwandair amongst others.
