FLEET - TAAG Angola Airlines Welcomes Fifth A220-300

TAAG Angola Airlines Receives Fifth A220-300 to Boost African Connectivity

TAAG Angola Airlines has reinforced its fleet with the arrival of a fifth Airbus A220-300 at Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport in Luanda, registration D2-TAK, marking the first such addition across the African continent.

The aircraft is configured with a two-class cabin, with 12 seats in business class and 125 in economy class, offering a total capacity for 137 passengers.

ROUTES - TAAG Cargo to Launch Weekly Boeing 737-800 Freighter Service to Accra

Angola’s national carrier, TAAG Angola Airlines, will launch a weekly Boeing 737-800 freighter service to Accra from next month, expanding its dedicated cargo network across West Africa, the airline’s Cargo Director David Ambridge said on February 9, 2026.

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AIRLINE / ROUTES - South African Airways' added leases delayed to 2026

South African Airways' network rebuilding strategy has been set back, as an A320-200 and two A330-200s originally scheduled for delivery in 2025 from various lessors are now expected only in 2026, after their current operators chose to retain the aircraft longer, according to CCO Tebogo Tsimane.

He told Aviation Week at the recent 57th annual general assembly of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) in Luanda, Angola, that the setback has "put our plan behind. This capacity is important to improve our codeshares and our connectivity because we are a network carrier and we are building a connecting schedule around Johannesburg O.R. Tambo, and then secondarily around Cape Town International."

SAA is looking for additional leased A330s to enter service in the second half of 2026, Tsimane said.

Group CEO John Lamola recently told ch-aviation that two A330-300s from flynas (XY, Riyadh), which were awaiting cabin modifications at Istanbul Airport, are no longer being taken due to high modification costs. He said replacements had been identified but declined to elaborate.

Lamola confirmed to ch-aviation at the AFRAA event that SAA is poised to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for its long-term fleet requirements before the end of 2025. The news was broken by ch-aviation in an earlier interview with Lamola, where he disclosed that SAA plans to purchase 28 new-generation airframes plus accompanying engines to be delivered from 2032 as part of its long-term fleet plan.

The airline is looking to acquire up to 16 widebodies for long-haul routes to be delivered in tranches of five from 2032, plus 12 new-generation narrowbodies, also to be delivered from 2032, to replace the airline’s A320-200s, whose leases are expiring.

Codeshare partnerships

In the meantime, SAA is accelerating its partnership growth, having signed new codeshare agreements with TAAG Angola Airlines in Luanda on December 1. SAA will add its flight code to TAAG-operated flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Luanda Dr António Agostinho Neto and onward connections to Lisbon and São Paulo Guarulhos.

This was followed by a codeshare agreement between SAA and Turkish Airlines on December 4, signed alongside a Star Alliance Chief Executive Board meeting in Geneva. SAA will codeshare on Turkish-operated flights from Istanbul to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban King Shaka, Frankfurt International, Paris CDG, and London Heathrow.

This follows similar commercial partnerships in 2025 with Lufthansa, Emirates, and CemAir.

SAA currently operates an in-house fleet of 18 aircraft, including fourteen leased A320-200s, two leased A330-300s, and two company-owned A340-300s. In addition, it wet-leases one A330-300 from Hi Fly Malta for added capacity regionally to Accra and Abidjan and intercontinentally to Brazil; and two B737-800s from SunExpress to boost domestic capacity over the December peak summer holiday season in South Africa.

CH Aviation

FLEET - TAAG Adds Fourth Airbus A220-300, Advancing Regional Fleet Overhaul

 TAAG Angola Airlines is taking delivery this week of its fourth Airbus A220-300, expected to arrive in the Angolan capital after a ferry flight from Montreal with a technical stop in Faro.

The aircraft departed Canada on 8 December.

Newsaero

FLEET - TAAG (Angola) will receive 15 new long-haul aircraft by 2027, In addition to these units, four more B787s and 15 A220-330s are guaranteed.

 Image: TAAG

FLEET - Boeing fast-tracks delivery of TAAG Angola's second B787-9

TAAG Angola Airlines (DT, Luanda 4 De Fevereiro) has announced the accelerated delivery in early October 2025 of its second B787-9, D2-TER (msn 66913), two years ahead of schedule, following negotiations with Boeing.

In a statement, the airline acknowledged Boeing's support for its fleet renewal. "The aircraft will initially arrive in an economy and premium economy configuration, aligned with the manufacturer’s immediate availability, but with the possibility of future reconfiguration to better meet the preferences of both Angolan and international passengers," it said.

TAAG ordered four B787s -two B787-9s and two B787-10s - as whitetails from Boeing in October 2023, to be reconfigured to TAAG's specifications.

The delivery of the first B787-9, D2-TEQ (msn 66877), on a sale-lease-back agreement from AerCap, was delayed from December 2024 until January 29, 2025. The first larger B787-10 was initially scheduled for February 2025 and then for July-August. The airline has not confirmed new delivery dates. The B787s will replace TAAG's current fleet of three B777-200ERs and five B777-300ERs.

The new widebodies form part of a fleet modernisation programme that has also seen TAAG take delivery of its third A220-300 in June 2025. A fourth is expected in late 2025, part of a 15-unit order to serve the airline’s growing regional footprint.

CH Aviation / Photo: TAAG 

US EXIM approves $297mn guarantee for TAAG B787-10s

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) has approved a final commitment of around USD297 million for the export of B787-10s and General Electric spare engines to TAAG Angola Airlines (DT, Luanda 4 De Fevereiro). The Angolan national carrier has two B787-10s on order to be delivered in July and August, respectively. It has also ordered two smaller B787-9s, the first of which arrived in February with a second expected in September.

Full Story : US EXIM Bank

CH Aviation / Photo: TAAG

 

FLEET - TAAG Angola Airlines reintroduces restored B777-200ER

TAAG Angola Airlines (DT, Luanda 4 De Fevereiro) has confirmed it reintroduced its B777-200ER D2-TED (msn 34565) on the route between Luanda 4 De Fevereiro in Angola and São Paulo Guarulhos in Brazil on March 21.

An airline spokesman confirmed Angolan news reports that the aircraft was grounded in 2020 and remained out of service until March 2025 following restoration by Angolan technicians as part of TAAG's fleet recovery plan.

The restoration involved interior and seat refurbishment and the recovery of critical components, all carried out by local engineers and maintenance staff, the Ver Angola news site reported.

ADS-B data shows the Angolan flag carrier had been deploying B777-300ER D2-TEK (msn 43254) on the São Paulo route. This aircraft has been rescheduled to operate between Luanda and Lisbon.

According to ch-aviation fleets data, TAAG's current long-haul fleet includes three B777-200ERs, five B777-300ERs, and one B787-9. It has two B777-300s, one more B787-9, and two B787-10s on order.

CH Aviation

Photo: Flyingphotos Magazine

 

FLEET - TAAG Angola Airlines Takes Delivery of Its Second A220-300

 TAAG Angola Airlines welcomed its second Airbus A220-300 aircraft today, March 14, 2025, a significant step in its 2024-2029 TAAG Angola Airlines welcomed its second Airbus A220-300 aircraft today, March 14, 2025, a significant step in its 2024-2029 strategic plan and fleet expansion program

The bearing Manufacturer Serial Number MSN 55334 and registered as D2-TAF, touched down at the newly inaugurated Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport in Luanda.

Newsaero

FLEET - TAAG Angola Airlines Takes Delivery of Its First Boeing 787 Dreamliner

- African airline receives first of four 787 Dreamliner airplanes on order

- 787 Dreamliner to expand TAAG Angola Airlines’ network in Europe and open new opportunities in Asia and North America

LUANDA, Angola, Jan. 31, 2025 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] delivered the first of four 787 Dreamliner airplanes to TAAG Angola Airlines, debuting the airline’s new livery. The 787-9 and subsequent deliveries of the fuel-efficient widebody jet will advance the airline's fleet modernization plans and long-haul capabilities, bringing more travelers and trade to Angola with the industry’s most advanced commercial airplane.

The airline’s first 787 Dreamliner, which is on lease from AerCap, arrived in Luanda just ahead of Angola’s Liberation Day on February 4, marking nearly 50 years since the delivery of TAAG Angola’s first airplane, a Boeing 737-200.

“The delivery of the 787-9 is a pivotal step in our strategy to modernize TAAG Angola Airlines’ fleet,” said Nelson Pedro Rodrigues de Oliveira, CEO of TAAG Angola Airlines. “This airplane brings the efficiency and versatility we need to meet growing market demands, replace our aging widebody fleet, and deliver a world-class experience to our passengers.”

TAAG Angola Airlines currently operates five 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes, three 777-200ERs, and seven Next-Generation 737s, connecting Angola to 12 destinations across Africa, Europe, South America and China. The introduction of the 787 Dreamliner will enable the carrier to expand its long-haul network, with plans to launch new routes to Europe and explore opportunities in Asia and North America.

“The 787 Dreamliner will complement TAAG Angola Airlines’ fleet of Boeing 737 and 777 jets, as we continue to support the airline in its mission to connect people and places across the globe,” said Anbessie Yitbarek, vice president of Boeing Commercial Sales for Africa. “Our 50-year relationship with TAAG Angola Airlines has been built on trust and shared goals, and we look forward to many more years of successful collaboration and innovation together.”

The 787 Dreamliner, which TAAG Angola Airlines ordered in 2023, is a core part of the operator’s modernization efforts. Recognized for its advanced technologies, fuel efficiency, and exceptional passenger experience, the 787 Dreamliner reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 25% compared to the airplanes it will replace.

Coinciding with the delivery of TAAG Angola Airlines’ first 787 Dreamliner, the airline is working with Boeing to purchase CO2 emissions reduction associated with blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through an accounting process called book-and-claim. Distributors will deliver the blended SAF made available through these purchased certificates to nearby airports for use by airlines and other carriers.

Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook projects Africa will need 1,170 airplanes over the next two decades. Boeing airplanes have formed the backbone of Africa’s commercial fleet for over 75 years. More than 60 airlines operate around 500 Boeing airplanes throughout Africa, which represents nearly 70% of the airplane market across the continent.

 

Angola to initiate TAAG privatisation process in 2026

The Angolan government is aiming for 2026 to initiate the long-awaited privatisation process for state-owned TAAG Angola Airlines (DT, Luanda 4 De Fevereiro) and is looking for an international strategic partner that will help reduce operating costs and bolster the airline's global presence, according to Transport Minister Ricardo Viegas d'Abreu.

In the meantime, he said that TAAG would continue with its current restructuring next year, according to Bloomberg. The restructuring forms part of a five-year strategic growth plan to strengthen the airline ahead of the planned privatisation.

Responding to a query from ch-aviation, d'Abreu said the size of the stake to be offered to an international strategic partner was not yet defined but it would be "a relevant stake to ensure further investment in the development of the airline business lines as well as ensure a more sustainable business model". He previously told ch-aviation the government would seek an international partnership for TAAG once the airline's recovery was sustainable.

TAAG has shown signs of recovery, with the first profit in years of AOA460 million kwanzas (USD499,000) recorded in 2022, but its current financial position remains precarious, with an AOA90.1 billion (USD97.7 million) operating loss posted in 2023.

The poor performance was mainly due to increased operating costs, especially AOA138.1 billion (USD149.5 million) in third-party services and AOA16 billion (USD17.3 million) in aircraft leases. A major factor was the rise in the price of JET-A1 fuel and other passenger-related expenses, according to the financial report issued by the Institute for the Management of State Assets and Participation (Instituto de Gestão de Activos e Participações do Estado - IGAPE). The entity oversees the management and privatisation of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and assets.

Fleet modernisation

The airline's growth strategy includes fleet modernisation. Initially expected around December 17, the arrival of its first B787-9 whitetail has been delayed until February 2025, while the second is expected by May 2025. The delivery of the first B787-10 is expected in February 2025. At the Dubai Air Show in October 2023, TAAG placed an order for four B787s - two -9s and two -10s - on a sale/lease-back basis from Boeing. They will operate initially in parallel with the airline's B777-300ERs. TAAG's current fleet of B777s includes three B777-200ERs and five B777-300ERs, according to ch-aviation fleets data.

In addition, TAAG is modernising its regional fleet with the introduction of the A220-300, the first of which arrived in September and began operations in November. The second and third A220s are expected from the first quarter of 2025. The airline plans to add fifteen A220s, with the first batch leased from Air Lease Corporation. They will gradually replace the airline's ageing fleet of five in-house B737-700s. Their delivery schedule has been impacted by Airbus' production line, problems with Pratt & Whitney PW1500G GTF engines, and the need for pilot and mechanic training on the new type.

TAAG is also finalising business cases to expand its cargo capacity, which would include acquiring a second B737-800(BCF) and possibly a widebody freighter. The airline currently dry-leases a B737-800(BCF) from BBAM.

TAAG began operations at the new Luanda Dr António Agostinho Neto in November 2023, with the complete transfer from the old Luanda 4 De Fevereiro set for completion by the end of March 2025. The Angolan flag carrier plans to launch its first US service, connecting Luanda to Houston Intercontinental, by 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
CH Aviation

Photo: FlyingPhotos - LPPT

ROUTES - TAAG ADDS A220 SERVICE TO MOZAMBIQUE FROM MID-NOV 2024

TAAG Angola Airlines earlier this week added Airbus A220-300 aircraft service to Mozambique, replacing Boeing 737-700 aircraft. The first A220 service on Luanda – Maputo was operated on 17NOV24. Future schedules now displaying this route will be exclusively served by A220, 4 times weekly.

DT581 LAD0930 – 1430MPM 223 x136
DT582 MPM1530 – 1830LAD 223 x136

Selected dates may see the Boeing 737-700 aircraft operating.

The carrier’s A220 aircraft entered service on 08NOV24 on Luanda – Sao Tome route, followed by service to Catumbela and Windhoek. Listing for A220 service to these destinations are on selected dates only until late-November 2024.

 

ROUTES - TAAG (Angola) began A220-300 commercial flights, flying from Luanda to Sao Tome.

FLEET / NEW LIVERY - TAAG takes delivery of 1st A220

TAAG Angola Airlines took delivery of its first Airbus A220. The aircraft, A220-300 D2-TAA (55294) was handed over at the Airbus-factory at Mirabel in Canada.

Next to being its first A220, the Airbus is also the first aircraft in the fleet to wear the airline's new livery that was unveiled earlier this year.

TAAG has secured leases for up to fifteen A220s, which it will use to replace its current narrowbody jet fleet of eight Boeing B737-700s.

Photo by Airbus.

NEW LIVERY - TAAG unveils new corporate image

TAAG has announced it will launch a new corporate image, including a new livery. The new livery will first feature on the airline's upcoming Airbus A220s and Boeing B787s.

Unfortunately, the livery is a bit less colorful compared to its current one. Gone is the red and orange fuselage, which will be replaced by a white one that will sport large "Angola Airlines"-titles. The tail will also be changed but still has the red and orange.

TAAG expects to take delivery of its first A220-300 in the "third quarter of this year". In total, the airline has secured leases for up to fifteen A220s, which it will use to replace and renew its fleet. On the widebody-front, it has orders for two B787-9s and two B787-10s. Originally, these were planned to start to arrive in 2024 but with the delivery challenges Boeing has this is now unclear.

Today, TAAG's fleet is made-up of seven B737-700s, one B737-800BCF, three B777-200ERs, five B777-300ERs, and six DHC-8-400s.

Illustration by TAAG Angola Airlines.

NEW LIVERY - TAAG Angola Airlines will present new livery for the next Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Boeing will also modernize the interiors for TAAG's upcoming deliveries of two recently ordered 787-9 and two 787-10 aircraft.

TAAG Linhas Aéreas de Angola has placed an order for four new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to serve the company's continental and intercontinental routes from the 3rd quarter of 2024.

Photos: TAAG
 

NEW MODEL IN THE FLEET - TAAG Angola Airlines to Renew Fleet with Boeing 787 Dreamliners

 

TAAG Angola Airlines to Renew Fleet with Boeing 787 Dreamliners

- Angola's national airline adds four 787 Dreamliners to fleet

- Airline modernizes its fleet with first order of the popular 787

LUANDA, Angola, Oct. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and TAAG Angola Airlines announced today that the African carrier is adding the highly fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner to its fleet with an order for four widebody jets.

"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," said Eduardo Fairen, CEO of TAAG Angola Airlines. "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 of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa. "The Dreamliner's market-leading efficiency and passenger comfort will advance the carrier's fleet modernization 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.

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. Passengers enjoy a better experience with the largest windows of any jet, air that is more humid and pressurized 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.

NEW AIRCRAFT - TAAG to wet-lease an A330-200 (9H-HFG) from Hi Fly to support its Luanda-Lisbon schedule

TAAG Angola Airlines, the state-owned carrier of the Republic of Angola, announced that it will be wet leasing an Airbus A330 from Portugal’s Hi Fly to support its Luanda (LAD) to Lisbon (LIS) operations.

Photo: Rui Silva - LPPT  

 

TAAG (Angola) is undergoing a feasibility study with Santos Dumont (Ireland) as the carrier plans to refresh its B777 fleet

A potential order is expected in June 2023, with the A330neo or B787 as the likely candidates. TAAG is also open to leasing the aircraft, including some freighters.

Aviator Daily News

Photo:TAAG

 

TAAG expects widebody decision by late 2Q23

TAAG Angola Airlines (DT, Luanda) has confirmed it has returned to the table with Boeing after resolving historical financial issues as the airline negotiates with both OEMs, including Airbus, for a new widebody fleet expected to be announced in June next year.

"We have returned to the table with Boeing after reaching an outstanding agreement to settle our differences. We are talking with both OEMs for the widebody fleet," confirmed TAAG Chief Executive Officer Eduardo Fairen. He reiterated that the airline hoped to make an announcement at the next Paris Air Show.

Boeing declined to comment when approached by ch-aviation.

Fairen was reacting to comments made by Angolan President João Lourenço in Washington DC, USA, on December 12 on the sides of the US-Africa Leaders' Summit. "At the beginning of my mandate, we started negotiating with Boeing to purchase more aircraft, but, at the time, we encountered a constraint that was linked to debt limits. Angola's public debt was very large," he said, adding that international financial institutions had cautioned Angola not to exceed the limits of its public debt. Once this issue was resolved, there were conditions for returning to fleet renewal talks with Boeing.

In April 2019, Lourenço had ordered an indefinite deferral of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for fleet renewals and the reversal of all financial transactions with aircraft suppliers after the International Monetary Fund, which had approved a USD3.7 billion extended credit facility to Angola, had raised concern over the unsustainability of the country's debt.

As previously reported, TAAG had signed two MoUs with Boeing for 14 aircraft and had made a pre-delivery payment of USD2.86 million. It was looking to replace its ageing B777-200(ER)s with B787-8s. Then-CEO Rui Carreira had planned to use funds previously deposited with Boeing for two unwanted, optioned B777-300s.

According to the ch-aviation fleets advanced module, TAAG's current widebody in-house fleet comprises three B777-200(ER)s and five B777-300(ER)s.

Ch Aviation