Airbus opens Africa customer support centre in Johannesburg, enhancing support for African operators

July 23, 2025 in Business, Companies, Travel & Tourism by Editor

Left to Right: Mr Glenn Daly, Economic Attache at the German Embassy to South Africa His Excellency Mr David Martinon, French Ambassador to South Africa, Mr Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus in Africa and Middle-East. Mr Stephane Gosselin, Head of Airbus Commercial Customer Support, His Excellency Mr Anthony Phillipson, British High Commissioner to South Africa, Mr Fernando De Castro Cardo, Deputy Head of Mission at the Spanish Embassy to South Africa

European airplane maker Airbus has opened its first dedicated commercial aircraft Customer Support Centre in Africa, establishing a new facility in Johannesburg to provide technical and operational support to the continent’s growing number of Airbus operators.

The centre will serve nearly 40 African airlines that collectively operate more than 260 Airbus aircraft, offering a comprehensive suite of services including technical assistance, engineering and maintenance solutions, fleet performance analysis, training, and on-site customer support. The facility will support all Airbus commercial aircraft types in African service, including the A220, A320, A330, and A350 families.

The opening marks a strategic expansion of Airbus’ presence in Africa and comes as the manufacturer projects long-term growth in regional air travel demand. According to the Airbus Global Services Forecast, Africa will require 14,000 new pilots and 21,000 maintenance technicians over the next 20 years.

Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus for the Middle East and Africa, said the investment underscores Airbus’ confidence in the region’s aviation potential. “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, and drive connectivity and shared progress across the continent,” he said.

The Johannesburg centre is expected to offer immediate operational benefits to East African carriers such as Uganda Airlines, Air Tanzania, Ethiopian Airlines, and RwandAir — all of which operate Airbus aircraft. Uganda Airlines operates the A330-800, Air Tanzania the A220, Ethiopian the A350-900 and -1000, while RwandAir flies both models of the A330CEO.

By establishing technical support closer to operators, the centre is expected to reduce aircraft downtime, lower maintenance turnaround times, and improve access to training and parts. This could translate into cost savings and improved service reliability for airlines operating in a high-cost environment.

The launch coincides with Airbus Helicopters’ 30th anniversary of operations in Southern Africa. Airbus’ Midrand facility offers helicopter maintenance, logistics support, and training — including Africa’s first H125 virtual reality simulator. Airbus Defence and Space also provides services on the continent ranging from military aircraft to Earth observation and satellite connectivity.

Airbus has been active in Africa since 1976 and works with more than 180 suppliers on the continent.