Airbus selects Irvine Partners as its Sub-Saharan Africa PR prime

August 15, 2023 in Business, Companies by Editor

European airplane maker Airbus, has selected international communication advisory firm, Irvine Partners, as its PR agency across Sub-Saharan Africa. in a contract that will run for the next three years.

Airbus has expanded its footprint in Africa in recent years, signing up new airline customers and securing repeat orders from existing clients. The region is also important for manufacturers, with aerospace giant predicting in its latest forecast, that the region will need 1100 new passenger and freighter aircraft, in the 17 years between today and 2040.    Samsana Ismail, the head of communications at Airbus Africa Middle East, says the airframer selected Irvine Partners for the three-year contract, because they were impressed by the firm’s “approach, their reach, understanding and strategic insights into our communications approach across Africa.”

“Irvine Partners has six offices across the continent, it’s important for us to collaborate with partners who possess a comprehensive understanding of market nuances and dynamics. Together we’ll tell stories that matter within the continent,” Samsana added.

Besides aircraft, Airbus is a major player on the continent and offers a wide portfolio of aerospace solutions including commercial airlines, helicopters, military aircraft and satellites.

Irvine Partners chief executive Rachel Irvine says their selection as a dedicated PR agency by Airbus, is a pointer to the airframer’s commitment to expansion and growth across the region.

“As a business with a strong foothold across Sub-Saharan Africa and an acute understanding of its audiences, we’re well positioned to tell the Airbus story. We will focus on tangible impact, specifically around socio-economic development on the continent, responsible growth and sustainability, and innovation within the aerospace industry,” says Ms Irvine.

Last year, Airbus projected that African air traffic would rebound to pre-pandemic levels around late 2023-24. Airbus believes that a combination of huge deficits in ground transportation infrastructure, an abundance of natural resources and youthful population point to a future strong demand for air travel, supported by trade and tourism.