Angolan flag carrier TAAG Angola Airlines has received the first of four Boeing 787 Dreamliners, just over a year after placing the order. The airline is undergoing significant transformation, with new aircraft, a new hub, and a new brand identity.
The first 787 arrives in Luanda
The new 787-9, registered as D2-TEQ, arrived at TAAG’s new hub at Luanda Dr Agostinho Neto International Airport (NBJ) on January 29. The aircraft departed Everett at 10:14 and landed in Luanda at 12:13 local time, where it was welcomed with a celebratory water cannon salute and received by the airline’s and country’s officials.
It is one of four Boeing 787s ordered by the airline in October 2023 . The first aircraft was initially expected to be delivered as early as August 2024. According to TAAG, the 787 has 313 passenger seats, split between 16 in business and 297 in economy and economy-premium class. TAAG has three more Dreamliners on order: one 787-9 and two 787-10s. The aircraft will support its fleet modernization plans and boost its long-haul capacity. TAAG Angola Airlines CEO Nelson Rodrigues said:
“The delivery of the 787-9 is a pivotal step in our strategy to modernize TAAG Angola Airlines’ fleet. 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.”
The new Dreamliner is on a sale and leaseback agreement with AerCap , making it the first lessor to introduce the 787 to the Angolan carrier. The pre-delivery payment for the fleet is financed by a consortium led by the Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Absa, one of Africa’s largest banks. The transaction builds on the 2019 collaboration, where Absa facilitated a $148 million deal for six Dash 8-Q400 for TAAG.
Enhancing long-haul capabilities
Angola’s government has ambitious plans to increase international tourism and trade, which involves increasing connectivity to and from Angola and making Luanda a key regional hub. According to ch-aviation, the state-owned carrier currently has a fleet of eight Boeing 777s, nine 737s, six DHC-8-Q400s, and one Airbus A220-300.
By incorporating the Dreamliner, TAAG seeks to replace its aging 777-300ERs and 777-200ERs and offer passengers an enhanced onboard experience. While not brand new, the 787 was delivered with TAAG’s new livery, which reinforces the visibility of the PALANCA (black antelope) while keeping the same color scheme inspired by Angola’s traditional fabric.
The widebody also features a special “50 ANOS” decal on the front section celebrating the country’s 50th anniversary of independence. D2-TEQ arrived in Luanda just ahead of Angola’s Liberation Day on February 4, marking nearly 50 years since TAAG received its first aircraft, a Boeing 737-200.
A new era for TAAG Angola
TAAG Angola joins some of Africa’s leading airlines, such as Ethiopian Airlines, Egyptair, Royal Air Maroc, and Kenya Airways, in operating the Dreamliner. The fleet is powered by General Electric GEnx engines, one of the two engine options for the type . The airline is also working with Boeing to purchase CO2 emissions reductions with blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through a book-and-claim process.
The carrier also received its first Airbus A220-300 in September 2024 to boost its regional operations. It has 14 more A220s on order from the multiple deals placed at the 2022 Farnborough Airshow and the 2023 Paris Airshow . The single-aisle jet was also delivered in TAAG’s new livery and features 125 economy and 12 business class seats.
Meanwhile, the airline has commenced passenger and cargo operations from the new Luanda Airport. The new $3 billion facility was opened in November and is set to become an important point for trade and the primary gateway into the country. TAAG is gradually moving all operations to the new airport, and eventually, all international airlines will operate from there.
