TAAG Angola Airlines has announced the launch of a new Luanda–Nairobi route, with commercial passenger services set to begin on September 1. The airline will operate three weekly flights using its modern Airbus A220-300 aircraft, further enhancing connectivity between Southern and Eastern Africa.
In a statement cited by Portuguese news outlet Publituris, TAAG described Nairobi as “a vibrant African capital where wild nature meets modern culture.” The Kenyan capital is widely regarded as a key regional hub and a critical transit point linking Africa to Asia and Europe. Kenya itself is one of the continent’s most dynamic economies, making this new route a strategic addition to TAAG’s growing network.
The airline emphasized that this expansion will boost mobility options for travelers, support bilateral trade, and strengthen diplomatic ties between Angola and East Africa.
This development follows the successful launch of TAAG’s weekly cargo service between Luanda and Nairobi, which began on April 30, 2025. Operated every Wednesday, the freighter route primarily handles flowers and perishables, capitalizing on Kenya’s position as one of the world’s largest flower exporters. With a cargo capacity of up to 18,000 kilograms per flight, the route is expected to transport as much as two million kilograms annually.
Beyond Nairobi, TAAG is also expanding its regional footprint with plans to introduce passenger flights to Pointe-Noire in the Republic of Congo and Libreville, Gabon. This follows a successful technical audit by Gabon’s civil aviation authority (ANAC Gabon), conducted in Luanda from June 9 to 13, 2025. As part of the audit, a TAAG Boeing 737 (registration D2-TBW) underwent a comprehensive review to ensure compliance with safety and performance standards.
TAAG has identified Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, as another potential destination, although a formal launch date has not yet been announced.
A220 Fleet Expansion
Meanwhile, TAAG’s fleet modernization strategy continues to gain momentum. In June 2025, the airline welcomed its third Airbus A220-300, registered D2-TAI. The aircraft arrived in Luanda from Montreal, with a technical stop in Faro, Portugal. This delivery is part of TAAG’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, which aims to enhance regional connectivity and improve operational efficiency.
Earlier aircraft deliveries include D2-TAF (MSN 55334) received in March 2025, and D2-TAA delivered in September 2024. All aircraft are configured with 137 seats—12 in business class and 125 in economy—and are powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines. These engines deliver a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions per seat compared to older models.
TAAG’s A220s are being sourced through leasing agreements with four major lessors: Air Lease Corporation (6 aircraft), Aviation Capital Group (4), Azorra (3), and Nordic Aviation Capital (2). While initial deliveries were scheduled for early 2024, the timeline was adjusted, with ongoing deliveries continuing through 2027.
Source: Airlinegeeks.com
