In a statement sent to VerAngola, the company explains that the new aircraft will support the expansion and modernization of its fleet.
"As part of its 2024-2029 strategic plan, in particular, the fleet expansion and modernization program, TAAG Linhas Aéreas de Angola received in Luanda the first of four aircraft, model 787 Dreamliner, ordered from the manufacturer Boeing", the note reads.
The presentation ceremony of the new aircraft took place against the backdrop of Agostinho Neto airport, and was attended by "institutional guests, diplomatic representations, entities from the civil aviation ecosystem, partners, corporate clients, among other guests".
Already decorated with the new branding of the national airline, the new aircraft "will ensure the company's intercontinental connections, bringing greater versatility and availability of aircraft to the company's operations, and responding to the dynamics of traffic growth and demand indicators from passengers and customers".
On the occasion, Nelson Rodrigues de Oliveira, CEO of TAAG, considered the delivery of this aircraft as "a fundamental step" in the company's strategy to modernize its fleet.
"The delivery of the Boeing 787-9 is a fundamental step in our strategy to modernize TAAG's fleet," he said, adding: "This aircraft brings the efficiency and versatility we need to meet the growing demands of the market, replace our aging wide-body fleet and provide a world-class onboard experience for our passengers."
Anbessie Yitbarek, vice president of Boeing Commercial Sales for Africa, considered that this aircraft will complement TAAG's fleet.
"The B787 Dreamliner will complement TAAG's fleet of Boeing 737 and 777 aircraft, as we continue to support the airline in its mission to connect people and places around the world," said Anbessie Yitbarek.
"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," he added.
TAAG's Boeing 787-9 is capable of carrying more than 300 passengers. According to TAAG, the aircraft "has a total capacity of 313 passengers, 16 in business class and 297 passengers divided into economy and premium economy class, offering a series of advantages in terms of fuel efficiency, greater comfort and cabin space for passengers, 70 cubic meters of total cargo volume, and reduced noise pollution and harmful emissions to the environment".
The flag carrier believes that the aircraft received this Thursday, as well as the "expected deliveries for this year of widebody aircraft (wide fuselage) ordered in the meantime, will advance the modernization plans" of its fleet "and capitalize on its long-haul international operation, bringing more travelers, investors and attractiveness of trade to Angola".
