Summary
- TAAG Angola Airlines has confirmed an order for 4 recent Boeing 787 Dreamliners to boost its widebody fleet and boost operations on long-haul routes.
- The airline’s goal is to step by step replace its current widebody fleet with the more efficient 787s, providing an improved flight experience for patrons.
- That is TAAG’s first Dreamliner order and can enable the airline to open recent routes and expand its international network, advancing its fleet modernization plans.
The national carrier of the Republic of Angola, TAAG Angola Airlines, has confirmed an order for 4 recent Boeing 787 Dreamliners to boost its widebody fleet, in step with its long-term expansion plans.
The announcement was made on October 10 and comes a couple of days after the successful Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) Conference hosted by the Angolan carrier in Luanda last week. It’s an exciting time for the national company, which is undergoing a major transformation.
Recent aircraft order
TAAG wants to boost its widebody fleet to spice up its operations on various long-haul routes. The corporate has chosen the Dreamliner for its cutting-edge technology and fuel efficiency. Sources near TAAG stated that the order comprises two 787-9s and two 787-10s.
Photo: Ryan Fletcher/Shutterstock
Delivery is anticipated to start out as early as August 2024, because the Angolan carrier seeks to step by step phase out its current widebody fleet with newer and more efficient 787s. TAAG Angola Airlines CEO Eduardo Fairen Soria said in a press release;
“Our goal is to work with the most effective manufacturers on the planet towards a multi-type fleet with the intention to ensure we’ve got the suitable airplanes for every flight typology, namely our intercontinental connections. The 787 option suits our intent for contemporary, size-wise, and efficient equipment, in a position to progressively replace our current widebody fleet and supply our customers with an improved flight experience.”
While TAAG has been a loyal Boeing customer for several a long time, that is its first Dreamliner order. It’s a notable achievement for the airline, which joins a small group of African carriers operating the kind. Moreover, it is going to turn out to be the primary operator of the 787-10 on the continent. Boeing Vice President of Industrial Sales and Marketing for Africa Anbessie Yitbarek added,
“The 787 Dreamliner will enable TAAG Angola Airlines to open recent routes and expand their international network. The Dreamliner’s market-leading efficiency and passenger comfort will advance the carrier’s fleet modernization plans.”
A loyal Boeing customer
TAAG’s relationship with the American manufacturer dates back over 40 years. Its jetliner era began in 1976 with the arrival of the primary Boeing 737 to Angola. Within the 80s, the national carrier saw rapid growth, driven by the acquisition of a brand new Boeing 707 aircraft. This enabled TAAG to expand its domestic and international operations.
Photo: Thiago B Trevisan I Shutterstock.
Today, its fleet has 15 Boeing-manufactured passenger and cargo aircraft. This includes five B777-300ERs, three B777-200ERs, five B737-700s, one B737-700QC, and one B737-800BCF, allowing it to operate flights to 12 destinations in Africa, Europe, South America, and China.
TAAG’s transformation
Earlier this week, the airline announced the evolution of its brand, teasing its recent order with a TAAG-liveried Dreamliner. It’s undergoing a major transformation, which incorporates moving to a brand new hub. This may bring several recent opportunities as the corporate embarks on a path
In June 2023, TAAG revealed to Easy Flying plans so as to add up to twenty-eight recent aircraft by 2027, doubling its current fleet. Since then, it has confirmed the addition of 14 more jets, including nine Airbus A220s on lease agreements, one Boeing 737-800BCF, and the most recent 787 Dreamliner order.
Other than acquiring recent aircraft, it plans so as to add more long-haul intercontinental connections over the following few years. The 787 has been identified as the best aircraft to support this goal. Since entering industrial service in October 2011, the Dreamliner family has opened over 370 recent non-stop routes worldwide.
Its 25% fuel burn and emissions reduction have made it a preferred selection amongst international airlines. The Luanda-based airline will turn out to be the fifth African carrier to operate the 787 after Air Tanzania, Egyptair, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways.
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