Angola’s national carrier, TAAG Angola Airlines
, has received its first Airbus A220
from the historic order placed at the 2022 Farnborough Airshow. The aircraft arrived from Mirabel, Canada, in TAAG’s new livery, showcasing the airline’s recent transformation.
Arrival of the first A220
The new Airbus A220-300
, registered D2-TAA, is on lease from Air Lease Corporation (ALC). The single-aisle jet will help TAAG modernize its fleet in line with its long-term growth plan. The aircraft features TAAG’s new livery, with a visual identity and paint scheme that accommodates the Angola vibe.
Photo: Airbus
The livery reinforces the visibility of the PALANCA (black antelope considered a national symbol) on the aircraft’s tail and winglets while maintaining the color pattern inspired by the Samakaka, a traditional Angolan fabric. TAAG joins a small group of African carriers operating the A220,
which is considered to be a suitable aircraft for regional flights on the continent
.
Purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market, the A220 family allows operators to right-size their regional fleet or complement their larger single-aisle jet. TAAG’s new A220 will have up to 37 seats, including 125 in economy and 12 in business class. It features wide seats, large windows, high ceilings, and other innovative cabin features, offering a unique single-aisle flying experience.
Airbus A220 operations in Africa
With a range of up to 3,600 NM (6,700 km), the A220 is ideal for supporting TAAG’s gradual expansion. The aircraft will support the airline’s ambition of making Luanda a key north-south and south-south hub on the African continent.
Speaking to Simple Flying last year
, TAAG Angola’s former CEO Eduardo Farein Soria said that the airline had initially planned for the Boeing 737 MAX 7 but, due to its delayed entry into the market, went for the A220.
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As a new-generation aircraft, the Mirabel-built jet will help the Angolan national carrier achieve its sustainability goals, providing at least 25% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat than older models. The A220 can operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel, as Airbus aims to achieve 100% SAF compatibility for all its aircraft by 2030.
Photo: Airbus
As of the end of August 2024, Airbus has received over 910 orders for the A220 from about 30 customers. TAAG Angola joins the likes of Ibom Air, Egyptair, and Air Tanzania in operating the A220 in Africa. Nigeria’s Ibom Air
took delivery of its first A220 in December 2023
. It received the second in August 2024 and has eight more on order.
TAAG Angola Airlines ordered six A220s from Air Lease Corporation at the 2022 Farnborough Air Show. The first aircraft was expected to be delivered in April 2024.
The carrier then ordered nine more A220s at the 2023 Paris Airshow
, highlighting its confidence in the aircraft. The deal included four aircraft from ACG, three from Azorra, and two from NAC.
Modernization of TAAG’s operations
According to ch-aviation, TAAG Angola Airlines currently has a fleet of 14 active aircraft, comprising six passenger and cargo Boeing 737s, four 777s, and four DHC-8-Q400s. In addition to its 14 A220s, the airline has two Boeing 777-300s, two 787-9s, and two 787-10s on order.
Photo: Thiago B Trevisan | Shutterstock
It placed another historic order for up to four Dreamliners last year
as part of its fleet modernization strategy. Delivery was expected to start as early as August 2024, but there were always doubts about whether the widebodies would be delivered within such a short timeframe.
Last year also saw the opening of a new $3 billion airport in Luanda
, which will be the airline’s new home.