TAAG Angola Airlines is growing. Just weeks after launching flights between Luanda (LAD) and Durban (DUR) via Johannesburg (JNB), the flag carrier is back with a brand-new route to Accra (ACC).
Building up networks
Despite a brief delay, TAAG’s Luanda – Accra service is live, with three weekly flights connecting the two cities. It marks an end to the 15-year hiatus of TAAG’s Ghanaian services, coinciding with the carrier’s focus on expanding its presence as a gateway into South Africa.
TAAG’s Luanda – Accra service will provide a one-stop-hop between South Africa and Ghana, providing capacity for the growing market between West Africa and Southern Africa. The route will be operated with a Boeing 737-700NG, which offers 120 seats divided between business class and economy.
Moving into 2023, TAAG is set to replace its current service between Luanda and Durban via Johannesburg with direct flights, bolstering connectivity in the region further. When launched, TAAG will be the only airline at Luanda airport to offer direct flights to Durban and Cape Town (CPT).
Airline CEO, Eduardo Fairen, celebrated the inaugural service and its importance for TAAG’s growth plans, explaining during TAAG’s annual meeting with Angola’s travel trade agencies.
“We will continue our growth path by adding new routes, increasing frequencies in existing destinations, and upgrading the fleet. At the same time, we are fostering our enablers to have more and more passengers choosing TAAG as their airline of choice for domestic and international travels.”
Further growth
Since his appointment in October 2021, Fairen has completely overhauled TAAG, modernizing its operations and strengthening its position within the African aviation industry.
The airline now offers fourteen international destinations, including the recent additions of Durban, Havana (HAV), and Madrid (MAD). While further plans for 2023 have yet to be announced, TAAG is already eyeing growth with the introduction of six leased Airbus A220-300s, expected to add flexibility across its intra-African route map.
Last week, TAAG welcomed the aircraft manufacturer for a demonstration of the ultra-efficient narrowbody at Luanda Airport. Despite being slightly smaller than the 737, the A220 will offer capacity for up to 142 passengers, improved economics, and a range capable of reaching destinations in South America, Brazil, and Southern Europe.
TAAG has bounced back quickly after the end of its partial EU airspace ban in 2019 and has sought to strengthen its ties in Spain and Portugal. In October, TAAG and Iberia unveiled a codeshare agreement, strengthening connectivity between Luanda and a range of destinations across continental Europe, including Amsterdam (AMS), Rome (FCO), and Barcelona (BCN).
Regional expansion
While South Africa remains a priority, TAAG is similarly growing its smaller regional network across Central Africa. On December 12, the airline reopened services to Pointe-Noire (PNR), bolstering connectivity for tourists and business travelers heading to the coastal oil hub. The three-weekly flights will be operated by TAAG’s regional De Havilland Dash-8 turboprops, offering a capacity of 74 passengers.
Source: Simple flying
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