Airbus Opens Johannesburg Customer Support Centre for Operators in Africa
Opening ceremony on July 23, 2025—facility expands technical services and training access across the African continent
Airbus has officially inaugurated its new Customer Support Centre for commercial aircraft in Johannesburg on July 23, 2025.
This move, as Airbus states, brings the company closer to its airline customers “to help operators maintain safe, efficient, and reliable fleets,” further cementing a presence in Africa that dates back to the very first A300 delivery in 1976.
Enhanced Support for African Operators
The facility will support operators across the region by providing technical assistance, engineering solutions, fleet performance analysis, and training services. These services will span the A220, A320, A330, and A350 aircraft families.
The opening was attended by Mr. Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus Middle East and Africa, who remarked that the new centre expands Airbus’ presence in Africa.
He stated the move “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.”
Also present were Mr. Stephane Gosselin, Head of Airbus Commercial Customer Support, and His Excellency Mr. David Martinon, French Ambassador to South Africa, alongside diplomatic representatives from Germany, the UK, and Spain.
Strategic Investment in Regional Growth
Airbus notes that the centre supports its broader strategy to strengthen regional capabilities and meet the growing demand for intra-African and global connectivity. According to its Global Services Forecast, Africa will require 14,000 pilots and 21,000 mechanics by 2043.
The opening also coincides with Airbus Helicopters marking 30 years of operations in Southern Africa, the company outlines. Its Midrand hub already houses Africa’s first H125 virtual reality simulator for pilot training.