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Tag: Airbus

  • TAAG Angola Airlines takes delivery of first Airbus A220 aircraft

    TAAG Angola Airlines takes delivery of first Airbus A220 aircraft

    Angola’s leading airline and flag carrier, TAAG Angola Airlines, has taken delivery of its first A220, an A220-300 from the Airbus Mirabel site, in Canada.

    A statement from the company says that the airplane was on lease from Air Lease Corporation (ALC).

    According to the statement, the addition of the A220 to the fleet of the state-owned airline is a further step in its modernisation and growth path, which includes a more versatile fleet.

    The aircraft livery features the PALANCA (black antelope considered a national symbol) on the plane’s tail and winglets, as well the colour pattern inspired by Angola’s traditional fabric named “Samakaka”.

    TAAG Angola has also committed to Airbus Flight Hour Services for material management solutions and Skywise Health Monitoring. These services enable a smooth entry into services thanks to a dedicated pool of parts, component engineering and repair services worldwide.

    Read Also: Airbus appoints Gabriel Semelas as new president for Africa, Middle East

    It reads: “The A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market. TAAG’s A220 will have a 137 passengers’ total capacity (12 in business class and 125 in economy class). With the widest economy seats of any single-aisle aircraft, large windows, the highest ceilings in its class and other innovative cabin features, the A220 will contribute to offering a superior flying experience to TAAG passengers and customers on local and regional flights.

    “The aircraft can fly non-stop up to 3,600 nautical miles or 6,700 kilometres, making the A220 the ideal solution to facilitate TAAG Angola Airlines’ gradual expansion.

    “The A220, a new-generation aircraft, is also part of the solution to help TAAG reach its sustainability ambitions, introducing greater efficiency with 25% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat compared to previous generation aircraft and around 40% lower NOx emissions than industry standards. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A220 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with up to 100% SAF by 2030.

    “As of the end of August 2024, around 30 customers have ordered more than 910 A220 aircraft confirming its leading position in the small single-aisle market. Around 355 A220s are currently flying on more than 1,500 routes and more than 460 destinations worldwide. To date, more than 100 million passengers have flown on the A220.”

  • Airbus expands footprints in Africa

    Airbus expands footprints in Africa

    European aircraft manufacturer, Airbus has announced the opening of its new Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.

    This newly established centre, according to the original equipment manufacturer will contribute to strengthening Airbus’ local presence and supporting the growth of the African ecosystem.

    In a statement, Airbus said the new facility will be serving as a hub for customers in the region;   provide tailored support and enhance operational efficiency.

    The Customer Support Centre, Airbus said will also 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, with the new facility intends  to empower airlines and reinforce their autonomy. The airplane maker said the facility will not only benefit airlines but the entire industry and local workforce.

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     “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, Vice President  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.”

    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.

  • Airbus study unveils unserved routes to boost air travel in Africa

    Airbus study unveils unserved routes to boost air travel in Africa

    Global aerospace and aviation leader Airbus has released an analysis detailing several key unserved African routes which could provide greater connectivity for travellers, drive economic growth in local economies, and provide a significant boost in revenue for airlines. The company also highlighted data on Africa from its latest Global Market Forecast (GMF).

    Several of the top unserved routes identified in the analysis are concentrated in cities such as Lagos, Cape Town, Nairobi, Dakar, and Douala.

    Airbus also touched on strategic recommendations to capitalize on the opportunities of a more connected continent as well as Airbus’ capabilities to help realise this potential.

    Read Also: Airbus to partner Nigeria in development of aviation sector

    Geert Lemaire, Market Intelligence and Consulting Director, Airbus, said: “Despite significant traffic between certain city-pairs, some identified routes still lack regularly scheduled non-stop flights. Factors such as restrictive bilateral air service agreements, economic variables, and challenges with capacity, frequency, and operating cost efficiency contribute to these routes remaining unserved.

    “With our capacity to make analyses about route and network development potential in-house, Airbus remains committed to partnering with airlines across Africa to identify optimized fleet solutions in line with network development requirements that further stimulate the continent’s air transport industry growth and improve connectivity for travelers.”

    The forecast, meanwhile, predicts a 4.1% growth overall in air traffic over the next 20 years, resulting in an anticipated need for 1 180 new aircraft by 2043. Meanwhile, the continued growth of the aviation sector in Africa is expected to result in 3.3% real GDP growth on the continent, well above the 2.6% global average.

    This growth is ratified by data from Airbus’ Global Services Forecast, which estimates that Africa will need to introduce 15,000 more pilots, 20,000 technicians, and 24,000 cabin crew to meet the surge in air travel demand.

  • Airbus to partner Nigeria in development of aviation sector

    Airbus to partner Nigeria in development of aviation sector

    Airbus, the  European multinational aerospace corporation, says it is ready to work with Nigeria  in raising the standard of  air travel business in the country.

    This is sequel to a recent visit by Aviation and Aerospace Minister, Festus Keyamo to the company’s facilities in Toulouse, France.

    Airbus, in a March 20, 2024 letter to Keyamo, expressed its enthusiasm “about continuing our partnership with Nigeria to support the growth and development of its aviation sector.”

    The company, in the letter signed by its Vice President Sales – Africa, Hadi Akoum, said it was committed to working closely with the minister  and his team to “explore innovative solutions and seize opportunities and capitalize on the potential of Nigeria.”

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    He promised that “in the coming weeks, we will diligently follow up on the pivotal topics covered during your visit, such as facilitating access to foreign exchange for airlines acquiring new aircraft and resolving the requirement for airlines to obtain local insurance for foreign-financed aircraft.”

    Such proactive approach, Akoum added, “will advance our mutual objectives of enhancing Nigeria’s air transport sector with modern, eco-friendly aircraft, thereby reducing operational expenses and mitigating environmental impact.”

    He said Keyamo’s approach to addressing issues like aircraft financing and insurance matters “reflects your commitment to fostering a thriving aviation industry in Nigeria.”

  • Demand for Airbus aircraft to hit 1,180

    Demand for Airbus aircraft to hit 1,180

    Demand for middle range aircraft, especially 100-seaters for airlines in Africa, including Nigerian carriers, is projected to hit over 1,180 in the next 20 years, Airbus Global Market Forecast (GMF), has said.

    According to Airbus, 880 of these would be single-aisle types with 300 wide-bodies. Airbus expects to be awarded at least 50 per cent of these orders when they materialise.

    Airbus has 37 per cent  market share in Africa with 265 aircraft in operation with 36 of the continent’s airlines. It has 42 per cent  of the order backlog in Africa, totalling 41 aircraft.

    According to the 2023 Airbus Global Market Forecast (GMF), airlines serving Nigeria will require nearly 160 passenger and freight aircraft in the next two decades.

    This includes 131 single-aisle aircraft such as the A220, and A320 families, and 28 wide-body aircraft such as the A330 and A350 families.

    To drive the aircraft acquisition a financial model has been designed  to accommodate financial institutions, local carriers and original equipment manufacturers.

     Last week, Ibom Air received a major boost for aircraft financing as Zenith Bank and aircraft giant Airbus have successfully closed financing for Ibom Air’s first A220, signaling a pivotal moment for African aviation.

    With Zenith Bank’s commitment to supporting regional carriers and Airbus’s endorsement, this collaboration  will address funding challenges and foster a sustainable aviation ecosystem in Nigeria.

    Besides, the deal highlights  the continent’s promising aviation sector potential.

    The agreement between Ibom Air and Zenith Bank, which was initiated by Airbus, is part of a broader shift that could provide much-needed financial momentum and signal a new era of financial support for the continent’s promising aviation sector.

    Speaking on the development, Zenith Bank’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu  said the financial institution will continue to play its role as economic enablers.

    He said : “ “At Zenith Bank, we know how important the role financial institutions play in acting as economic enablers.

    “We also understand how important the aviation sector is to facilitating economic growth in Nigeria and across the broader African continent. This landmark agreement solidifies our commitment to supporting regional carriers and advancing the landscape of African aviation financing.

    “Securing adequate funding poses a significant hurdle for African carriers. Financing conditions for African Airlines are generally less favorable compared to other regions. Consequently, African airlines encounter challenges in acquiring and executing renewal and expansion initiatives.”

    Read Also: Udom receives two additional Airbus aircraft for Ibom Air

    On his part, Ibom Air Chief Operating Officer, George Uriesi said aircraft financing is a collaborative effort requiring the  support of regional banks.

    This synergy, he said, fosters a sustainable aviation ecosystem.

    He said : “ This will allow us to soar higher and drive positive socio-economic impact in Nigeria and the broader continent, stressing that Nigeria is widely recognised as the African market with the highest growth potential and we aim to be at the forefront of that growth”.

    Speaking on the development , Airbus’s Marketing Director Joep Ellers said the future of aviation in Africa remains bright, assuring that  aviation sector growth on the continent will drive average yearly services demand up by 4.1 percent  from $2 billion to $7 billion.

    On his part, Head of CustomerFinance, Airbus , Boris Sakrauski   said : “ Growing Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) services at both regional and local levels are also central to the sector’s growth, safety, and longevity.

    “Over the past five years, more than 60 Airbus aircraft were delivered to the African continent via lessors and various financing structures. We are thrilled to now have Zenith Bank in the arena of new Airbus aircraft financiers.

    “We hope that its involvement in the sector sends a powerful signal to other banks and financial institutions in Nigeria and across the continent about the exciting potential of the African aviation sector.”

  • Airbus launches report on impact of aerospace technologies in Africa

    EUROPEAN aircraft manufacturer Airbus yesterday released a White Paper on the role of aerospace technologies and their impact on socio-economic growth in Africa.

    The extensive report, tagged: “The Great Enabler: Aerospace in Africa”, looks at how different segments of the industry can address a core set of challenges on the continent by increasing access to healthcare; enhancing food security, making African agriculture more competitive and sustainable.

    It also looks at how the industry can promote education, training and innovation; empowering businesses with innovative products and solutions; and breaking down barriers to the movement of people and goods across Africa.

    The report was officially launched at a special summit, convening African government officials, policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, intergovernmental bodies and multilateral development organisations in Toulouse, France.

    Discussing space technology in Africa, three Nigerians that offered their perspectives at the panel include: Chief Agricultural Economist at the African Development Bank (AFDB) Dr. Jonas Chianu; Chief, New Technologies and Innovation, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Dr. Kasirim Nweke; and Head, of Space Education Outreach Programme, Centre for Space Science and Technology Education at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) Dr. Mofoluso Fagbeja.

    Others are Cote d’Ivoire’s  Permanent Secretary, State Action at Sea  Mr. Abroulaye Fofana and Director of Strategy Development, Space System, Airbus Mr. James Hinds.

    The forum also had a panel on Aviation, Aviation and Tourism in Africa; Spotlight on Aerospace Technology in Healthcare and Humanitarian Field; Aerospace Manufacturing; and Entrepreneurship with various aerospace experts on the panels.

    President Airbus Africa Middle East Mikail Houari said: “The aerospace industry offers solutions to many of the socio-economic challenges Africa is facing on the path to sustainable development. A paradigm shift from thinking about aerospace as an isolated industry to a key enabler of socio-economic change is necessary to realise its benefits for a prosperous future.

    “That is what this White Paper is aiming at, by highlighting different ways in which aerospace technology can support social and economic development in Africa.”

    The white paper analyses the role of aerospace technologies in sectors with the greatest possible impact on social and economic development, including manufacturing and industrialisation, civil aviation, agriculture, healthcare and humanitarian assistance:

    On manufacturing and industrialisation, the white paper noted that  many African countries are final consumers in the global aerospace value chain. Joining the ranks of producers in this value chain is challenging for many but not impossible.

    It said: “The examples of Africa’s current leaders in aerospace – South Africa, Tunisia and Morocco – demonstrate the complexities but also the opportunities for African countries to develop aerospace manufacturing and industrialisation capacity. Key among these opportunities is Africa’s potential demographic dividend, which will be achieved by investing in its youthful and increasingly techno-savvy population. ”

    In the aviation sector, the paper noted that  the key question remains how to connect people to markets and goods in a faster, cheaper and more efficient way to maximise the sector’s role as an economic engine and a vehicle for greater integration in Africa.

     

     

     

     

     

    The report added: “Agriculture is perhaps the most consequential pillar of the continent’s sustainable development. However, despite employing more than 60 per cent of Africa’s population, the sector contributes only about 15 per cent of the continent’s GDP as underlying challenges persist. Aerospace technology such as precision farming could potentially reverse this situation by enabling farmers to produce more with less. ”

    The report also stresses the need for clear government policies to harness the power of aerospace technology, concluding with key recommendations on human capital development, partnerships and financing.

    The research was based on 30 in-depth interviews with a cross-section of stakeholders, including African Union Commission (AU), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), AfDB, United Nations World Tourism Organisation, World Bank, International Finance Corporation, Kenya Red Cross, International Air Transport Association and  African Airlines Association, South African National Space Agency.

    Others are: Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency, Airbus Bizlab, Farmerline, Air Mauritius, Air Seychelles, Congo Airways, Fastjet, Overland Airways, Aerosud, Denel Aerostructures, Lazard, MARA Group, One2Five Advisory, Ag.Aviation Africa, ch-Aviation.

    The first day of the event closed with the launch of the second season of Airbus Bizlab Africa4Future initiative with Bruno Guitierres, Head of Airbus Bizlab announcing Nigeria and Code d’Ivoire in focus.

  • Aerospace in Africa: Nigeria joins Airbus’ panel at launch of White Paper in Toulouse

    …As Season 2 of #Africa4Future initiative targets Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire
    Airbus, today, released a White Paper on the role of aerospace technologies and their impact on socio-economic development in Africa.
    Tagged The Great Enabler: Aerospace in Africa, the extensive report looks at how different segments of the industry can address a core set of challenges on the continent by increasing access to healthcare; enhancing food security by making African agriculture more competitive and sustainable; promoting education, training and innovation; empowering businesses with innovative products and solutions; and breaking down barriers to the movement of people and goods across Africa.
    The report was officially launched at a special summit, convening African government officials, policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, intergovernmental bodies and multilateral development organisations in Toulouse, France.
    Discussing space technology in Africa, three Nigerians that offered their perspectives at the panel include, Dr. Jonas, Chief Agricultural Economist at the African Development Bank (AFDB): Dr. Kasirim Nweke, Chief, New Technologies and Innovation, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA); and Dr. Mofoluso Fagbeja, Head, of Space Education Outreach Programme, Center for Space Science and Technology Education at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).
    Others are, Mr. Abroulaye Fofana, Permanent Secretary, State Action at Sea, Cote d’Ivoire, and Mr. James Hinds, Director of Strategy Development Space System, Airbus.
    The forum also had a panel on Aviation; Aviation and Tourism in Africa; Spotlight on Aerospace Technology in Healthcare and Humanitarian Field; Aerospace Manufacturing; and Entrepreneurhip with various aerospace experts on the panels.
    “The aerospace industry offers solutions to many of the socio-economic challenges Africa is facing on the path to sustainable development. A paradigm shift from thinking about aerospace as an isolated industry to a key enabler of socio-economic change is necessary to realise its benefits for a prosperous future. That is what this White Paper is aiming at, by highlighting different ways in which aerospace technology can support social and economic development in Africa,” said Mikail Houari, President Airbus Africa Middle East.
    The report also stressed the need for clear government policies to harness the power of aerospace technology, concluding with key recommendations on human capital development, partnerships and financing.
    The research was based on 30 in-depth interviews with a cross-section of stakeholders including: African Union Commission, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa,African Development Bank, United Nations World Tourism Organisation, World Bank, International Finance Corporation, Kenya Red Cross, International Air Transport Association, African Airlines Association, South African National Space Agency, Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency, Airbus Bizlab, Farmerline, Air Mauritius, Air Seychelles, Congo Airways, Fastjet, Overland Airways, Aerosud, Denel Aerostructures, Lazard, MARA Group, One2Five Advisory, Ag.Aviation Africa, and ch-Aviation.
    The first day of the event closed with the launch of the second season of Airbus Bizlab Africa4Future initiative with Bruno Guitierres, Head of Airbus Bizlab announcing Nigeria and Code d’Ivoire in focus.
    Airbus Bizlab Africa4Future initiativep romotes autonomous drones to deliver vital humanitarian aid payloads; intelligent greenhouses for more efficient farming; and drones that make crop-spraying faster, safer and more environmentally friendly.
    They are each part of Airbus’ global aerospace accelerator BizLab, selected after beating off the competition at pitch events in 2017.
    The sessions were moderated by Kenyan entrepreneur/media personality, Julie Gichuru.

  • Airbus forecasts $4.6 trillion market for aircraft in 20 years

    Aircraft manufacturer: Airbus has forecast $4.6 trillion worldwide market for commercial aircraft services for the next 20 years.

    The forecast covers new global services for aircraft expected between 2018 and 2037.

    The new analysis, according to investigations is based on three-way market segmentation, respectively focusing on: the aircraft; the airline operation and the passenger experience.

    Other factors include aircraft-focused life cycle services, which represents the largest segment of growth including maintenance, spares pool access; tooling; technical training and system upgrades – which are needed to keep the airlines aircraft flying.

    The market, investigation reveals represents a cumulative value of $2.2 trillion over the 20-year period – from $76 billion in 2018 to more than $160 billion per annum by 2037.

    According to investigations, these services are provided throughout the life cycle from design to dismantling.

    A report by Airbus reveals: “In this category, aircraft manufacturers provide customers with core services which come with the aircraft, including assigned field representatives and call centres for Aircraft on Ground.

    “The largest market by value is maintenance increasingly characterized by outsourcing and “paid- by-the-hour” (PBH) contracts. Moreover, as technology and new materials develop, such as composite repairs, Airbus sees a strong trend for further outsourcing.

    “PBH contracts allow airlines to secure and predict their maintenance costs, allowing airlines to focus on their core business of flying. Airbus also sees airlines increase their outsourcing of inventory management – towards pooling, instead of investing in their own stocks.

    Read Also: Airbus to open office in Nigeria

    “The next largest category encompasses flight operations services – such as pilot training and flight-planning solutions – and will account for a $1.5 trillion cumulative spend over 20 years. Fleets are expected to more than double to 48,000 aircraft over this period, such that Airbus estimates a need for 540,000 new pilots in the next 20 years. This trend will require ‘smarter’ ways of training using new digital technologies.”

    Investigations reveal that the third component of the global services market centres on the passenger experience which will account for an estimated $0.9 trillion cumulative value over the 20 year period.

    This, investigations further reveal encompasses the services needed to optimize the flight experience, including cabin upgrades, cabin crew training, in-flight-entertainment, connectivity and booking.

    The Airbus report reads: “This segment is expected to more than double in the next 20 years and grow from $27bn to almost $70 billion.

    “After an 18 percent annual growth in its services revenues for the past two years, Airbus’ ambition is to triple its services revenues from more than $3.2bn in 2017 to reach $10bn of services revenues in commercial in the next decade.

    “To attain this goal, Airbus will continue to develop full life cycle integrated services for all Airbus’ aircraft operators. Furthermore, these integrated services – such as Flight Hour Services (FHS) – will be even more efficient through the Sky wise open data platform. Airbus will also expand its current service portfolio to non-Airbus platforms, given that 62 percent of Airbus.”

  • Airbus poaches Rolls-Royce executive to head aircraft sales

    Airbus poaches Rolls-Royce executive to head aircraft sales

    Airbus has hired the head of Rolls-Royce ’s civil engines unit, Eric Schulz, to replace John Leahy to lead its commercial aircraft sales, following months of uncertainty over replacement for the veteran deal maker.

    Schulz, who had been president of Rolls Royce’s civil aerospace unit since January 2016, will report to Airbus chief executive Tom Enders and will join in January 2018, Airbus said.

    “We are glad to have Eric Schulz joining our team.

    He has broad international experience in the aerospace industry, deep understanding of airline operations and aero engines as well as proven-track record in effectively leading organisations in complex-environments,” Enders said.

    Schulz, a 54-year-old French engineer, began his career at one of Airbus’s founders, France’s former state-owned Aerospatiale.

    Thereafter, he worked at aerospace supplier Goodrich via a stint at two French airlines: UTA and Air Liberte.

    He is part of a relatively new management team that pulled Rolls-Royce out of a compliance scandal and financial problems.

    Schulz will inherit a Toulouse sales organization unsettled by recent defeats to Boeing (BA.N) and seeking stability amid UK and French corruption probes, which center on a now defunct Paris-based unit of Airbus headquarters.

    Leahy had been in the sales post since 1994 and is a dominant figure in the $100 billion-a-year aerospace industry, making his succession one of the sector’s most closely watched moves.

    Airbus said Leahy,  known in the industry as “Mr Airbus” – would remain with the company for a short, transitional period.

    NAN

  • Airbus to open office in Nigeria

    EUROPEAN aircraft manufacturing giant and lessor Airbus Group wants to  open an operational office in Nigeria.

    Airbus Group Vice President for Africa Vincent Larnicol broke the news last week during a visit to the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika.

    He informed Sirika of the group’s interest in government’s plans to  attract concession into  the sector.

    Larnicol told Sirika that the company has expanded  its strong European roots to move forward  with fully owned subsidiaries in the United States (US), China, Japan, India and the Middle East .

    He said the group has spare parts centres in Hamburg, Frankfurt, Washington, Beijing, Dubai and Singapore.

    The group, according to him, has  engineering and training centres in Toulouse, Miami, Wichita, Hamburg, Bangalore and Beijing; with more than  150 field service offices across the  world.

    The intention to open an office in Nigeria, Airbus said, was a mark of confidence in the government’s agenda for the aviation industry.

    The group informed Sirika of its interest in the government’s plans of concessioning the nation’s airports as well as establishing a national carrier.

    He commended the plan to establish an aircraft leasing company in view of the inherent difficulties in acquiring new aircraft.

    According to him, Airbus, in its desire to get closer to its customers, was developing engineering, manufacturing and service capabilities in Europe, China, India, Russia, the Middle East, Singapore and the US. This, he said, informed the decision to establish its presence in Nigeria with the opening of an operational office.