Airbus makes major moves in Africa

September 18, 2024 in Business, Companies, Travel & Tourism by Editor

European airframer and aerospace giant Airbus made twin moves in Africa this week, announcing the opening of a new Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg, and appointing Gabriel Semelas as President of Airbus in Africa and the Middle East South Africa.

Semelas who will take up his position on January 1, 2025, picks the baton from Mikail Houari 57, who has held the position since 2017, a period that saw Airbus make significant inroads into the African market.

The developments were announced in separate media releases on September 16 and 17.

Besides strengthening its local presence, Airbus sees the new support centre as a proactive step towards developing Africa’s homegrown capacity to maintain new-generation airliners. The office will serve as a hub for customers in the region, providing tailored support to enhance operational efficiency.

“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,” he added.

The Customer Support Centre is expected to drive the development of existing local capabilities ensuring access to maintenance and training resources while fostering a stronger, more collaborative ecosystem in the region.  By supporting the growth of the local aviation industry, Airbus hopes to empower airlines and reinforce their autonomy.

Airbus’ most recent Global Market Forecast, predicts that commercial demand for the African continent will reach 1460 passenger and freight aircraft by 2043, comprising 1210 single-aisle aircraft and 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.

With more than 24 years under the belt in the aeronautical industry, Semelas has held key senior executive roles at Airbus where he is currently the Chief Commercial and Financial Officer at Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH in Germany. Before that, he led the contracts team for Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft business in Africa and the Middle East.

In his new role, Gabriel Semelas will be responsible for overseeing Airbus’ operations across all the company’s divisions in the Africa and Middle East region, a market seen as holding the greatest potential for future growth of the global aviation industry.

Wouter Van Wersch, Executive Vice President International at Airbus, said “Gabriel’s extensive background in the aeronautical industry, coupled with his proven leadership skills, makes him the ideal candidate to lead Airbus’ operations in Africa and the Middle East.”