• TAAG receives fifth Airbus A220-300 aircraft
• Fleet expansion targets 50 planes under 2024-2029 plan
• Airline aims for 3 million passengers, stronger African connectivity

TAAG Angola Airlines received its fifth Airbus A220-300 last weekend. The aircraft, registered D2-TAK, seats 137 passengers, with 12 in business class and 125 in economy.

The acquisition is part of the national carrier's fleet renewal and modernization drive, in line with its 2024-2029 strategic plan. A key component of that program aims to expand the fleet to 50 aircraft, up from around 20 currently.

The airline is seeking to strengthen Angola's intra-African connectivity. It aims to improve links with cities and regions across the continent, particularly in South Africa, East Africa and West Africa. TAAG is targeting 3 million passengers per year in the coming years, compared with around 1 million carried in 2022.

As part of that ambition, the airline unveiled a partnership with Standard Bank in January to allow passengers to purchase plane tickets on credit for both domestic and international flights. The initiative is aimed at broadening access to air travel for Angolans, the airline said.

The carrier's expansion strategy also aligns with the vision of Angolan authorities, who intend to position TAAG as a central player in the development of the capital's new airport hub. Located on the outskirts of Luanda, the new international airport has a capacity of 15 million passengers and 130,000 tonnes of cargo per year. Fleet expansion and network growth are seen as key levers to support the infrastructure's profitability and establish Angola as a strategic connection point in southern Africa.

Henoc Dossa