October 12, (THEWILL) – TAAG Angola Airlines and Boeing have announced that TAAG is adding the highly fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner to its fleet with an order for four of the widebody jets.
Commenting, Eduardo Fairen, CEO of TAAG Angola Airlines, said “Our goal is to work with the best manufacturers in the world towards a multi-type fleet, in order to ensure we have the appropriate airplanes for each flight typology, namely our intercontinental connections,”
“The 787 option suits our intent for modern, size-wise and efficient equipment, able to progressively replace our current widebody fleet, and provide our customers with an improved flight experience.”
“The 787 Dreamliner will enable TAAG Angola Airlines to open new routes and expand their international network,” said Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing vice president, Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa.
“The Dreamliner’s market-leading efficiency and passenger comfort will advance the carrier’s fleet modernisation plans
TAAG Angola Airlines currently flies five 777-300ER (Extended Range) jets, three 777-200ERs and seven 737-700s to 12 destinations across Africa, Europe, South America and China.
Meanwhile, Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook for Africa projects that the continent will need 1,025 airplanes over the next two decades. Overall African air traffic growth is forecast at 7.4%, the third highest among global regions and above the global average growth of
6.1%.
Since revenue service began in 2011, the 787 family has launched more than 370 new nonstop routes around the world. The 787 Dreamliner reduces fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces.
In addition, passengers enjoy a better experience with the largest windows of any jet, air that is more humid and pressurised at a lower cabin altitude for greater comfort, large overhead bins, soothing LED lighting, and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.
TAAG Angola Airlines was founded in 1938 and it is based in Luanda, Angola’s capital city. For more than 80 years, TAAG has connected Angolans with its key domestic and
international markets.
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defence products and space systems for customers in more than
150 countries.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
