Airbus launches new customer support centre in Johannesburg,South Africa, strengthening ties with Africa’s aviation industry

SOUTH AFRICA – Airbus has officially opened a new customer support centre for commercial aircraft in Johannesburg, reinforcing its nearly five-decade partnership with Africa’s dynamic aviation sector.

This strategic facility marks a critical advancement in Airbus’ commitment to expanding its footprint across the continent.

Located in South Africa’s largest city, the Johannesburg centre will deliver a comprehensive range of technical assistance and engineering services tailored to needs of Airbus commercial aircraft operators.

It supports all families of Airbus aircraft in operation on the continent, including the A220, A320, A330, and A350 models.

Services offered will include maintenance solutions designed to optimize aircraft performance, fleet analysis to improve operational efficiency, and advanced training programmes for local engineers, pilots, and technical teams.

The centre also plans to provide on-site support, enabling faster issue resolution and reducing downtime for operators.

Gabriel Semelas, president of Airbus Middle East and Africa, highlighted the importance of this new centre, “This facility expands Airbus’ presence within Africa and reflects our firm confidence in the region’s potential.”

He emphasized that Airbus aims to invest in building local capabilities, empowering customers, and fostering enhanced connectivity throughout African aviation markets.

The Johannesburg support centre complements Airbus’ existing infrastructure and partnerships across Africa, supporting an ever-growing regional fleet increasingly reliant on Airbus aircraft owing to their fuel efficiency and operational reliability.

This move aligns with broader efforts to develop Africa’s aviation ecosystem, stimulating economic growth and regional integration.

Airbus’ nearly 50 years in Africa underline its ongoing dedication to the continent’s aviation advancement through technology transfer, workforce development, and sustainable aviation solutions.

The company remains focused on working with airlines, maintenance providers, and regulatory authorities to meet evolving market demands.

The launch of this centre is also expected to generate skilled employment opportunities and contribute to knowledge transfer within the South African aerospace sector. By providing localized support services, Airbus aims to reduce operational costs and turnaround times for African operators.

In the coming years, the Johannesburg facility is poised to become a regional hub for Airbus customer support activities, supporting the continued expansion of commercial air travel across Africa and positioning Airbus as a trusted partner in the continent’s aviation future.

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