UPDATE: 2023/06/21 14:58 EST BY JOANNA BAILEY
In case you can consider it, TAAG has signed with one other lessor for more A220s on the third day of Paris Air Show. Today, the airline announced a partnership with NAC for an additional two Airbus regional jets, for delivery in 2025 or later.
In case you lost track, here’s the commitment for TAAG and its A220s to this point:
TAAG noted today that the A220s will support its strategy of Luanda becoming a key north-south and south-south hub for aviation in Africa. The state-of-the-art Luanda International Airport is currently under construction and is about to enter operation in early 2024.
UPDATE: 2023/06/20 10:34 EST BY JOANNA BAILEY
At the beginning of day 2, TAAG has announced one other lease agreement signing, this time with Azorra. The agreement covers three further A220s, so as to add to the 4 signed for yesterday on the show. This brings TAAG’s total commitment for the A220 to 13 aircraft, including the six signed for at Farnborough last 12 months.
John Evans, Azorra’s CEO, commented on the signing,
“. .”
State-owned carrier of Angola, TAAG Angola Airlines (DT), has announced on the Paris Air Show its agreement with Aviation Capital Group (ACG) for its intent to lease 4 Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
With deliveries expected from 2025, the aircraft will probably be siphoned from ACG’s current order with Airbus and are expected to operate from TAAG’s hub at Luanda’s Quatro de Fevereiro Airport (LAD); the aircraft will help facilitate connecting Angola to varied destinations across Africa.
Photo: Graham Cornall | Shutterstock
4 plus six
The 4 aircraft ordered this 12 months on the Paris Air Show are along with the airline’s current order of six A220s placed with Air Lease Corporation in a deal initially made on the 2022 Farnborough Air Show. With the primary order expected to be delivered in January this 12 months, once they eventually arrive, the airline will utilize the A220 to switch its aging Boeing 737 fleet, with many having a median age of over 16 years. Eduardo Fairen, CEO of TAAG Angola Airlines, commented:
“Incorporating 4 recent A220 aircraft under this agreement is an indication of our international credibility and a serious milestone in renewing the TAAG fleet. We’re deeply committed to growing the corporate, leveraging our market share and destination portfolio. Our passengers will profit from higher connectivity options while planning their trips and a greater flight experience overall, because the Airbus A220 is a great, tech-advanced equipment suitable for nowadays gadgets.”
Suited to the African aviation market
In comparison with its existing Boeing B737-700s, TAAG says that on long-haul routes, the A220s will cut fuel consumption by around 30% and operational costs by 20%. TAAG says the flexibility of the A220 gives it the range flexibility to cover intra-African and intercontinental markets with state-of-the-art efficiency.
With TAAG seeking to expand its network and presence across Africa and beyond, Mikail Houari, Airbus President of Africa and the Middle East, noted the suitability of the A220 and the way the African aviation market is well-suited for the aircraft:
“The A220 is perfectly suited to the necessities of the African market and is the best alternative for TAAG Airlines because it expands its footprint on the continent and beyond. Due to its optimal size, single aisle comfort, and generous baggage and cargo capability, the aircraft will further elevate TAAG’s service capabilities.”
Photo: TAAG Angola Airlines
Growth at TAAG
With loads of growth opportunities within the African aviation market, TAAG is seeking to double its fleet by 2027 by sourcing up to twenty-eight recent aircraft, with recent destinations critical to the airline’s growth strategy. Despite a difficult 2022, the airline recorded a net profit and looked to reinvest its fortunes into re-developing the carrier.
TAAG operates in 23 destinations across Africa, Europe, and South America. With Angola being an ex-Portugese colony, the airline stays connected to many major Portuguese cities, including Lisbon and Porto (Portugal), Maputo (Mozambique), Sal (Cape Verde), São Paulo Guarulhos (Brazil) and São Tomé (São Tomé and Príncipe).
TAAG was founded in 1938 and has been through some difficult times, including when Emirates managed it.