Latest news with #commercial aircraft
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Airbus opens new support hub in Johannesburg
Airbus has opened a new customer support centre for commercial aircraft in Johannesburg, reinforcing its long-standing partnership with Africa's aviation sector. The centre marks a key milestone in the company's nearly 50-year presence on the continent. The Johannesburg facility will offer technical assistance, engineering and maintenance solutions, fleet performance analysis, training services, and on-site support for all Airbus commercial aircraft families, including the A220, A320, A330, and A350. '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, drive connectivity and shared progress across the continent,' said Gabriel Semelas, president of Airbus in the Middle East and Africa. Supporting African airline operations By strengthening customer proximity, the new centre is designed to help African airlines operate safe, efficient, and reliable fleets. Airbus currently serves nearly 40 African carriers operating more than 260 Airbus aircraft. According to the company's Global Services Forecast, Africa will require 14,000 new pilots and 21,000 maintenance professionals over the next 20 years to support projected growth in air travel demand. Broader presence across the continent Airbus has been active in Africa since the first A300 aircraft delivery in 1976. Its broader African footprint includes Airbus Helicopters, which this year marks 30 years of operations in Southern Africa, where its Midrand hub provides maintenance, spare parts, and the continent's first H125 virtual reality simulator for pilot training. Airbus Defence and Space also provides support to African governments through military aircraft, Earth observation services, and satellite-based connectivity. With more than 180 African suppliers integrated into its global supply chain, Airbus contributes to local job creation, skills development, and industrial growth across the continent. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The National
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Lars Wagner to become Airbus chief of commercial aircraft unit from January 2026
Airbus said Lars Wagner will become the chief of its commercial aircraft business starting from January 1, 2026, at a time when the company is focused on resolving supply-chain bottlenecks and increasing production. The chief executive of engine parts maker MTU Aero Engines will replace 40-year Airbus veteran Christian Scherer. Mr Wagner will join Airbus from the beginning of November this year to 'ensure a smooth transition' with Mr Scherer, Airbus said on Thursday. Mr Scherer will remain the chief of the commercial aircraft unit until December 31, topping a career spanning more than 40 years in several executive roles with Airbus, the company said. Mr Wagner, 50, has held the position of chief executive of Munich-based MTU Aero Engines since January 2023. Before his appointment as chief executive, and since joining MTU in 2015, Mr Wagner took on the roles of chief operating officer and executive vice president in charge of manufacturing operations. He held a number of management positions at Airbus including in Bremen, Hamburg and Toulouse. Mr Wagner rejoins the company after working there from December 2003 to June 2015, according to his LinkedIn profile. He holds a degree in mechanical and aeronautical engineering as well as an MBA. The decision to replace Mr Scherer, 62, is guided by succession planning, Guillaume Faury, Airbus chief executive, said in a media call in October 2024, according to Bloomberg. The European plane maker in June delivered 63 aircraft and recorded 203 gross orders, which included some of the commitments it won at the Paris Air Show last month. Year-to-date deliveries until June reached 306 handovers to 65 customers. Airbus is struggling to reach its production targets as it struggles with engine shortages and other supplier bottlenecks. The European manufacturer also faces uncertainty as US tariffs are set to hit the EU bloc's exports as soon as August 1. Meanwhile its US arch-rival Boeing delivered 60 aircraft in June, its best level in 18 months, putting it level with Airbus. Boeing's June delivery performance reflects improvements in its factories and resuming of US aircraft exports to China. In the year to June, Boeing delivered 280 commercial planes and in the second quarter delivered 150 aircraft, it said in a July 8 statement.
