Airbus' presence in Africa is as diverse as the continent itself. For nearly five decades our commercial airliners, helicopters, military aircraft and satellites have been providing reliable and efficient service and solutions to customers across the continent.
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The Great Enabler: Aerospace in Africa
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Airbus underscored the important role aerospace technologies play in Africa’s socio-economic development with a special “white paper” report called “The Great Enabler: Aerospace in Africa.”
Commercial Aircraft
Airbus has been present in Africa for nearly 50 years. Over the last decades, Africa’s aviation sector has gone through significant improvements.This includes the creation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) as well as the modernisation of fleets by national airlines.
African carriers are increasingly aware of the operational and economic benefits of acquiring new and modern Airbus aircraft. Today African carriers have chosen to operate some of the most technologically advanced aircraft such as the A350, A330neo, A320neo and the A220.
Helicopters
There are over 500 Airbus helicopters currently in service throughout Africa, providing a range of both military and civil roles including law enforcement, air ambulance search & rescue, anti-poaching, infrastructure inspection, tourism and corporate missions.
Airbus is broadening and deepening its presence through its regional subsidiary, Airbus Helicopters Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd, which offers aircraft assembly, completions, maintenance, engineering and training.
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Defence
Airbus is a strong defence partner in Africa by offering interoperable and collaborative solutions to ensure superiority for combat systems across the five operational domains: land, air, sea, space and cyber.
Today, nearly 95 light and medium tactical aircraft (C212, CN235 and C295) have been delivered to 20 African nations from all over the continent. The Egyptian Air Force is the largest operator of C295s worldwide, having ordered 24 of the military aircraft for its great suitability and performance in the rugged country’s hot and dusty conditions.
Space
In Africa, Airbus offers a wide portfolio of Earth observation satellite capabilities and services to governments and institutions, including the South African National Space Agency. Numerous Airbus satellites provide coverage and enable crucial communications services across the region, such as the Nilesat for Egypt and the ALSAT 2A & 2B for Algeria.
In the Kingdom of Morocco, Airbus has the satellite prime contractor role for the MOHAMMED VI-A Earth observation satellite. While supplying the platform and the ground segment for mission planning and satellite control, Airbus handles all integrated and comprehensive services and capabilities for the satellite.
Working with the Namibia University of Science & Technology, Airbus has established a virtual space data centre to provide geo-intelligence services to Namibia’s government departments, state agencies and private-sector customers.
Made in Africa
Airbus’ inclusive approach to commercial and industrial opportunities is founded on collaboration and the establishment of mutually beneficial long-term public and private sector partnerships.
Today, Airbus' supply chain in Africa represents more than 100 direct or indirect suppliers for products and services that range from design engineering, manufacturing of aero-structures and components to composites.
In both Morocco and Tunisia, Airbus suppliers and Airbus subsidiary Airbus Atlantic (previously known as STELIA Aerospace) utilise a highly skilled workforce while taking advantage of the proximity to Europe to source a mix of machined composite, electrical and assembled components across all Airbus programmes.
South Africa’s aerospace industry is a major supplier of parts, components and sub-assemblies that are incorporated across the Airbus product range.
News from the region
Ethiopian Airlines takes delivery of Africa’s first Airbus A350-1000
