The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) has announced the incorporation of TAAG Angola Airlines. Angola’s state-owned airline, officially known as TAAG – Linhas Aéreas de Angola, plays a crucial role in connecting key destinations in Africa, Europe and the Americas. From its headquarters in Luanda, TAAG operates domestic and international flights, including strategic routes to Havana (Cuba) and Brazil, fostering connectivity between Africa and the Americas, and promoting economic, cultural and family exchanges between the two continents.
“We are very pleased to welcome TAAG Angola Airlines as a member of our association. Its role in connecting Latin America, Africa and Europe, taking advantage of the growing flow of transatlantic traffic, is key to the development of this essential service that is air transport,” José Ricardo Botelho, Executive Director and CEO of ALTA, said.
“Joining ALTA strengthens the company’s reputation within the industry and is a strong statement about the growth of TAAG Angola Airlines, as, in the long term, we intend to capture and facilitate traffic between the Americas and Africa, providing passengers from those regions with a value-added alternative to connect with Europe, and vice versa, through the Luanda Hub,” Nelson de Oliveira, CEO of TAAG, said.
According to Botelho, connectivity between the African and Latin American markets has shown great dynamism in 2024. Between January and July, 1,268 flights were operated between Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean, with a total capacity of 378,000 seats. This represents a 108% increase in seat supply and a 97% increase in total flights operated compared to the same period in 2023. In addition, the total routes between the two regions have increased by 50% compared to 2023; Four direct routes are currently in operation, up from three in 2023. Over the next two decades, this dynamism is expected to continue, with an average projected annual growth rate of 5.5% between Africa and South America, 3.8% between Africa and Central America, and 3.8% between Africa and the Caribbean.
TAAG Angola Airlines is modernising its fleet, having taken delivery of 1 of the 15 A220 aircraft on order from Airbus, and with 4 B787s in negotiation with Boeing, which will showcase the airline’s new corporate image. TAAG currently operates a diversified fleet that allows it to offer transportation solutions for both passengers and cargo, reinforcing its commitment to global connectivity and economic development.
