With a new international airport and plans for an aeronautics academy, Angola deepens ties with Ethiopia to strengthen air transport, support tourism, and drive economic diversification.

Highlights:

● Angola and Ethiopia sign air transport cooperation deal in Luanda
● Plans include local aviation training, airport–rail links, and revitalization of TAAG
● The agreement supports AU’s single African air market ambitions

Angola signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Ethiopia on July 22 aimed at accelerating growth in its air transport sector and expanding its economic base. The move deepens ties between the two countries and positions Angola to benefit from Ethiopia’s aviation expertise, particularly through the leadership of Ethiopian Airlines, the continent’s most successful national carrier.

Ethiopia and Angola Sign Revised Bilateral Air Services Agreement

Luanda, Angola – July 2025 — The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Republic of Angola have signed a revised Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), modernizing the original accord signed in 1977.… pic.twitter.com/x5MZPT6XCJ

— Mekuria Getachew (@MekuriaGetach12) July 23, 2025

As part of the deal, Angola will receive technical support and skill transfer to develop its aviation ecosystem. This includes plans for an aeronautics academy and local training initiatives, aligned with the country’s vision to grow a self-sustaining aviation workforce. Angola is also establishing aircraft maintenance centers and related infrastructure to build out the sector’s full value chain.

The partnership follows the inauguration of the Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, which can handle up to 15 million passengers annually. Authorities say keeping the airport running at full capacity will depend on well-executed policies and complementary infrastructure, including airport–rail interconnections and the ongoing reform of national airline TAAG.

Transport Minister Ricardo D’Abreu noted that the agreement contributes to the African Union’s goal of a unified continental air market, while also supporting Angola’s wider agenda to diversify its oil-reliant economy through tourism and trade.

This article was initially published in French by Henoc Dossa

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho