Airbus has announced the opening of its new Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, marking a significant step in the company’s efforts to bolster its presence on the African continent. This new facility aims to serve as a regional hub for Airbus customers, providing tailored support to enhance operational efficiency and contributing to the growth of Africa’s aviation ecosystem.
Enhancing Local Capabilities and Fostering Growth
The Johannesburg Customer Support Centre will focus on developing existing local capabilities, including access to maintenance and training resources, thereby fostering a more collaborative aviation ecosystem in the region. By supporting the growth of Africa’s aviation industry, Airbus seeks to empower airlines and reinforce their operational autonomy. This initiative is expected to benefit not only airlines but also the broader industry and local workforce.
“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,” said Laurent Negre, VP Customer Services Africa and Middle East at Airbus. “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.”
Addressing the Growing Demand for Aviation in Africa
Airbus’ decision to establish a Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg is in line with the growing demand for air travel in Africa. The continent is poised for significant aviation growth, as indicated by Airbus’ latest Global Market Forecast. The forecast predicts that commercial demand in Africa will reach 1,460 passenger and freight aircraft by 2043, including 1,210 single-aisle aircraft and 250 widebody aircraft.
The need for enhanced support and infrastructure is evident as airlines across Africa expand their fleets and routes to meet the increasing demand for both intra-African and international connectivity. Airbus’ presence in the region is expected to play a crucial role in supporting this growth, offering airlines access to the necessary maintenance, training, and operational resources to sustain and expand their operations.
Meeting the Need for Skilled Aviation Professionals
In addition to aircraft demand, Airbus’ Global Services Forecast highlights a significant need for skilled aviation professionals in Africa. The forecast estimates that the continent will require 15,000 additional pilots and 20,000 mechanics by 2043 to accommodate the surge in air travel demand. Airbus’ new Customer Support Centre aims to address this skills gap by providing training and fostering local talent development. This aligns with the company’s vision to support Africa’s aviation sector growth through capacity building and skills transfer.
A Strategic Move to Empower African Airlines
Airbus’ new Customer Support Centre is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the aviation industry’s infrastructure in Africa. By establishing a local support hub, Airbus aims to offer more direct and effective services to its customers in the region. This proximity allows the company to better understand and address the unique challenges faced by African airlines, thereby empowering them to operate more efficiently and sustainably.
The establishment of this centre also underscores Airbus’ commitment to supporting the continent’s aviation industry. By investing in Africa’s aviation ecosystem, Airbus is not only reinforcing its market position but also contributing to the development of a more robust and autonomous aviation sector in Africa.
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