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TAAG Angola Airlines

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TAAG Angola Airlines E.P.
Company typeState-owned enterprise
IndustryAirline
Founded1938
Headquarters
Luanda
,
Angola
Area served
Domestic Angola, Africa, Brazil, Cuba, Portugal
ProductsPassenger and cargo air transport services
Number of employees
~5,770 (1990)

TAAG Angola Airlines E.P. () serves as Angola's government-owned national airline. Headquartered in Luanda, the carrier offers domestic flights throughout Angola, medium-haul services within Africa, and long-haul connections to destinations such as Brazil, Cuba, and Portugal. Founded by the government in 1938 under the name DTA – Divisão dos Transportes Aéreos, it was rebranded as TAAG Angola Airlines in 1973 and officially became the flag carrier of Angola in 1975. TAAG holds membership in both the International Air Transport Association and the African Airlines Association. Its main operational base is currently Quatro de Fevereiro Airport, with a gradual shift underway to Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport. The inaugural flight from this new hub took place on November 10, 2024, and a complete transition is anticipated by early 2025.

DTATemplate:Spaced ndashDivisão dos Transportes Aéreos (1938–1973)

The airline traces its beginnings back to 1937 when Joaquim de Almeida Baltazar was commissioned by Portugal's president Óscar Carmona to establish an airline in Angola. Subsequently, in September 1938, DTATemplate:Spaced ndashDivisão dos Transportes Aéreos was created as a state-run division under the Administration of Railways, Harbours, and Air Transport of Portuguese West Africa. Initial fleet plans included three Dragon aircraft and two Junkers Ju 52 planes; however, deliveries of the Junkers were halted due to World War II. Operations commenced on 17 July 1940 utilizing De Havilland Dragon Rapide biplanes. Early flight routes connected Luanda with Pointe Noire, facilitating links to European flights, as well as a route from Luanda to Benguela–Lobito, which was later extended to Moçâmedes. Although wartime shortages caused occasional service interruptions, the acquisition of two Stinson Reliant aircraft in 1944 allowed coastal flights to resume. The fleet grew further in 1946 with additions of DC-3s and Beechcraft Model 18s, and in March of that year a new route to Leopoldville was inaugurated.

In 1951, DTA became a member of the International Air Transport Association. That same year saw the extension of the Leopoldville route to Lourenço Marques, though this destination was later discontinued due to unprofitable operations. Between 1951 and 1952, a Luanda–Lourenço Marques service via Livingstone was operated but ceased for similar financial reasons. The introduction of a route to São Tomé occurred in 1956.

By April 1960, the airline's fleet comprised four Beech 18s, seven DC-3s, and three DH.89s. In 1961, DTA became one of the first African carriers to place an order for the Fokker F-27, acquiring two units. At that time, its network extended over . The F-27 aircraft entered operational service in 1962, with Windhoek added to its destinations that year.

TAAG Angola Airlines (1973–)

On 1 October 1973, the airline was renamed TAAGTemplate:Spaced ndashTransportes Aéreos de Angola and underwent restructuring involving shareholders such as the Angolan government (51%), TAP Air Portugal (29%), and former DTA employees (20%). In 1974, four Boeing 737-200 aircraft were ordered alongside a new livery featuring the distinctive Palança Negra. By 1975, the fleet consisted of three F-27s and six DC-3s. After Angola gained independence that year and experienced a communist takeover, TAAG was designated as the national flag carrier. The first Boeing 737-200 was delivered in November 1975.

In early 1976, delivery of two Boeing 737-200Cs valued at approximately million USD faced initial restriction from the US State Department but resumed two months later following cessation of civil conflict. That same year, TAAG incorporated several confiscated aircraft including a Fairchild FH-227, a Sud Aviation Caravelle, and two F-27s into its fleet. The airline expanded further in 1977 with acquisitions of three Yak-40s and other Soviet-made models, plus a secondhand Boeing 707-320C added late that year. Additional Fokker F27s were introduced in 1978 and 1979 along with another Boeing 737 order. A Lockheed L-100-20 experienced an accident at São Tomé during this period.

By March 1980, TAAG operated a diverse fleet comprising three Boeing 707-320Cs, three Boeing 737-200Cs, six Fokker F27 variants, three Lockheed L-100 Hercules (two -20s and one -30), and four Yakovlev Yak-40s. Its route network included domestic destinations plus Brazzaville, São Tomé, Lagos, Maputo, Lisbon, Moscow, Paris, and Rome. That year also saw another corporate restructuring.

During the early 1980s, TAAG utilized Antonov An-26 aircraft before phasing them out later. This era was marked by several fatal accidents involving Yak-40s, Lockheed L-100s, Antonov An-26s, and a Boeing 737-200 resulting in significant loss of life. Financial challenges emerged by mid-decade. New additions included two Ilyushin Il-62Ms for routes to Cuba; their first deployment occurred in 1988. In July of that year, a Boeing 707 freighter crashed near Lagos causing six crew fatalities.

As of March 1990, TAAG maintained subsidiaries TAAG-Air Charter and TAAG Aviacao Ligeira with a total workforce numbering approximately 5,770 employees. Its fleet then consisted of six Boeing 707-320 models, five Boeing 737-200 series aircraft, one Lockheed L100-200 Hercules, six Fokker F27 variants across four models, and two Yakovlev Yak-40s. The airline’s network covered eighteen domestic locations from Luanda alongside international destinations including Berlin-Schonefeld, Brazzaville, Havana, Kinshasa, Lisbon, Lusaka, Maputo, Moscow, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Sal (Cape Verde), and São Tomé.

On January 31st, 1995 a Boeing 727-200 encountered a runway incident at Huambo that fortunately resulted in no serious injuries. In 1997 TAAG acquired a Boeing 747-300 Combi previously operated by Singapore Airlines.

In July 2005 TAAG placed orders for three Boeing 777-200ER aircraft plus four Boeing 737-700 jets with options for further units. Deliveries commenced in November 2006 with two Boeing 777-200ERs and three Boeing 737-700s replacing older Boeing models such as the aging Boeing 747-300s and earlier-generation Boeing 737s. One delivery set a record flying roughly nonstop from Seattle to Luanda in under seventeen hours.

The Boeing 747-300 fleet was fully retired by March of 2011. In June that year TAAG received its first newly acquired Boeing 777-300ER—becoming the first African airline to operate this model—following an order placed in October 2009. In April of 2012 TAAG expanded its fleet further by ordering three additional Boeing 777-300ER aircraft valued at million USD.

European Union prohibition (2007) and ensuing reorganization

TAAG Angola Airlines EU ban timeline since October 2006
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In July 2007, the European Union imposed a ban on TAAG Angola Airlines from entering European airspace due to safety issues, coinciding with the United Kingdom's prohibition of TAAG flights to London-Gatwick. In response, Angola banned British Airways operations. This restriction resulted in an estimated monthly revenue loss of around US$5 million for TAAG. To continue serving European destinations, TAAG arranged a wet lease for a Boeing 747-400 from South African Airways. By November 2008, the airline undertook a complete board overhaul aimed at lifting the EU ban and enhancing financial outcomes, following losses nearing US$70 million over a 14-month span. The restructuring also involved reducing the workforce from approximately 5,000 staff members. Concurrently, TAAG inaugurated a new service route to Beijing.

By May 2009, TAAG successfully cleared IATA safety audits, and in July 2009, it regained limited authorization to operate flights to Europe—restricted to Portugal and utilizing only its trio of Boeing 777 aircraft—making it the only Angolan carrier permitted within the EU airspace. Subsequently, TAAG discontinued the leased Boeing 747-400 and in November 2009 expanded its European flight rights to include operations with its four Boeing 737-700s. That same month marked the resumption of flights to Havana, catering to the Angolan diaspora in Cuba. Restrictions were further relaxed in March 2010, allowing all Boeing 777-200ER and 737-700 models to serve European destinations.

In December 2010, two engine-related incidents led to a temporary grounding of TAAG’s Boeing 777-200ER fleet. By April 2012, the EU partially eased its ban, permitting five Boeing 777s and four Boeing 737-700s to access European airspace while some aircraft remained restricted. Subsequent EU safety assessments from 2013 through mid-2018 maintained similar limitations with slight modifications.

On 17 April 2019, the EU fully lifted all operational bans on TAAG, granting unrestricted access for all its aircraft across European nations.

Emirates management contract, 2014–2017

At the end of 2014, a decade-long management concession was formalized between Emirates and Angola’s government, encompassing airline management oversight, flight codesharing arrangements, and alignment of frequent flyer programs. During the first complete year under this partnership, audited financial statements by Ernst & Young revealed a significant reduction in annual losses—from $175 million down to $5 million by 2016. Nevertheless, Emirates terminated the agreement unilaterally in 2017 due to difficulties repatriating close to million dollars in revenue from Angola.

Post-COVID growth and profitability

TAAG recommenced its domestic and international flight services in September 2020 following interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial operations made use of newly acquired De Havilland Canada Dash 8 turboprop aircraft—part of a six-plane procurement—while long-distance flights continued to be operated by Boeing 777s. In 2023, TAAG further enhanced its fleet by ordering 15 Airbus A220s, intended to phase out the Boeing 737-700s and support expansion within regional markets. The airline also upgraded its long-haul segment with an order for four Boeing 787 Dreamliners (comprising two -9 and two -10 variants), positioning TAAG as the first African carrier to deploy the 787-10 model.

In April 2023, TAAG entered into a codeshare partnership with Brazilian budget airline Gol Linhas Aéreas, improving travel connections between Angola and Brazil. By May 2023, the airline announced a net profit of 460 million kwanzas (approximately US$800,000) for the preceding fiscal year.

The year 2024 marked a significant milestone as TAAG began operations from the newly constructed Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport in February, initially concentrating on cargo services to Lagos, Brazzaville, and Johannesburg. This facility is set to become the central hub for both passenger and freight operations. Passenger flights commenced in November 2024 with Dash 8-Q400 aircraft servicing routes to Cabinda, accompanied by plans to introduce additional domestic destinations.

TAAG bolstered its cargo capabilities with the delivery of a Boeing 737-800BCF in December 2023 and the lease of a Boeing 747-400F freighter capable of transporting up to 120,000 kilograms. The cargo division has played a pivotal role in recent financial gains, generating revenue of US$67 million in 2022. CEO Eduardo Fairen Soria highlighted strategic intentions to expand cargo operations using larger aircraft, capitalizing on the new airport’s annual handling capacity of up to 50,000 tons.

The airline took delivery of its first Airbus A220 with 137 seats in September 2024, initiating a fleet expansion strategy aimed at doubling the total number of aircraft to more than 40. This growth is expected to enhance foreign currency earnings given TAAG’s reliance on international revenue streams.

Ownership, management and structure

TAAG Angola Airlines remains fully owned by the government, having been originally formed within a governmental agency. It holds complete ownership of Angola Air Charter, which operates cargo charter flights throughout Africa from its base in Luanda.

As of October 2023, Eduardo Fairen holds the position of CEO, while Vipula Gunatilleka has served as CFO since August 2017.

Business trends

TAAG does not release formal annual reports; therefore, available financial and operational information is derived from press releases and industry sources, which may not entirely represent the active fleet. Key performance indicators (for years ending December 31) include:

} This information reveals variable passenger numbers alongside ongoing operational deficits despite revenue increases, indicating challenges related to market dynamics and fleet deployment efficiency.

Headquarters

The main corporate office of TAAG is situated in Luanda, Angola. The airline has established offices throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, notably inaugurating a significant branch in 2010 within Beijing's Chaoyang District.

Destinations

As of , TAAG Angola Airlines serves a total of 31 destinations: 13 within Angola, 11 across various African countries, three in Latin America, two in the Schengen Europe, and three spanning the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.

Codeshare partnerships

To broaden its network, TAAG Angola Airlines has formed codeshare agreements with numerous prominent airlines:

Active fleet

, the TAAG fleet consists of the following aircraft:

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Turnover (US$ m) 585 530 650 700
Profit (US$ m)
Number of employees (year end) 4,124 3,281 3,589 3,559 3,268 3,112 3,064 2,914 2,743 2,742 2,742
Passengers (m) 1.1 0.8 1.1 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.4 1.5 1.5 0.4 0.3 0.9
Load factor (%) 57.0 49.0 50 46 50 38 53 67
Aircraft (year end) 14 11 11 12 12 11 14 13 13 13 13 16 9 18 16
TAAG Angola Airlines fleet
Aircraft In service Orders Passenger capacity Remarks
F J W Y Total
Airbus A220-300 3 12 — 12 — 125 137 Phasing out the Boeing 737-700.
Boeing 737-700 7 — — 12 — 108 120 Scheduled for retirement and replacement by the Airbus A220-300.
Boeing 777-200ER 3 — 14 51 — 170 235
Boeing 777-300ER 5 — 12 56 — 225 293
Boeing 787-9 1 1 — 16 21 276 313
Boeing 787-10 — 2 TBA
De Havilland Dash 8-400 6 — — 10 — 64 74
TAAG Angola Airlines Cargo aircraft
Boeing 737-700QC 1 — Cargo
Boeing 737-800BCF 1 — Cargo
Total 27 15


Former fleet

The airline has operated the following aircraft models in the past:


Onboard services

TAAG Angola Airlines was the inaugural Sub-Saharan client for OnAir, aiming to provide inflight internet connectivity on its Boeing 777-300ER fleet beginning in May 2014.

First Class

Diamond First Class is exclusively offered on TAAG's Boeing 777 aircraft, equipped with fully flat beds, AVOD entertainment systems, amenity kits, pillows, and blankets. Passengers enjoy priority check-in and access to the Welwitchia Lounge at Luanda Airport.

Business Class

Executiva Class is present across all TAAG planes. On the Boeing 777s, seats recline into angled lie-flat positions and include AVOD entertainment. Business travelers receive amenity kits, pillows, blankets, expedited check-in, and Welwitchia Lounge privileges.

Economy Class

HighFly Economic Class on long-distance routes offers AVOD entertainment, seating with footrests and winged headrests, along with pillows, blankets, and hot meals on international services.

In-flight Entertainment

All long-haul aircraft are fitted with AVOD systems branded as Palanca. The Boeing 777-200ERs utilize Rockwell Collins' dTES technology, whereas the newer Boeing 777-300ERs feature Thales TopSeries™ Audio Video On-demand. The Boeing 737-700 fleet provides drop-down LCD screens displaying films and flight maps. TAAG also distributes an inflight magazine and entertainment guide titled austral.

Fatal accidents

  • 29 November 1982: An Antonov 26, bearing registration D2-TAB and operating a non-scheduled passenger flight, crashed into mountainous terrain resulting in the deaths of all 15 onboard.
  • 14 April 1997: A Fokker F-27-600 with tail number D2-TFP, conducting a cargo flight from Brazzaville to Luanda, rolled sharply to the right after departing Maya-Maya Airport; it disintegrated and caught fire, causing three fatalities.
  • 28 June 2007: A Boeing 737-200 crashed during a landing attempt at M'banza-Kongo airport in northern Angola. Of the 78 passengers aboard, five lost their lives and 66 were injured. The accident took place after the aircraft missed the runway, punctured two tires upon touchdown, which led to a wing dipping and loss of control causing it to collide with a building. Among the deceased were M'banza-Kongo’s municipal administrator and a senior Italian Roman Catholic clergyman.

Incidents resulting in fatalities

  • 8 June 1980: A Yakovlev Yak-40K, registration D2-TYC, was downed by a MiG-19 near Matala, Angola, killing all 19 occupants.
  • 16 May 1981: A Lockheed L-100-20 Hercules, tail number D2-EAS, operating a cargo flight, was struck by a missile while approaching Menongue Airport, resulting in four fatalities.
  • 8 November 1983: A Boeing 737-2M2, registration D2-TBN, crashed shortly after takeoff from Lubango Airport en route to Quatro de Fevereiro Airport; all 130 passengers and crew perished. The attack was claimed by UNITA guerrillas.

Incidents without fatalities

  • On 26 December 2002, a Boeing 737-2M2 bearing registration D2-TBD, operating Flight 572 from Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport to Luanda, was involved in a mid-air collision within Namibian airspace with a Cessna 404, registration V5-WAA, which had departed from Windhoek Eros Airport. The Boeing incurred minor damage to its wing but was able to complete the journey, while the Cessna’s pilot executed a safe landing. All individuals on both aircraft escaped unharmed.

Non-fatal total losses

  • On 15 May 1979, a Lockheed L-100-20 Hercules (D2-FAF) crashed during landing at São Tomé International Airport.
  • On 4 November 1980, a Boeing 737-2M2C (D2-TAA) touched down short of the runway at Benguela Airport, slid approximately 900 meters following gear collapse, and caught fire on the right wing; there were no casualties. The aircraft was declared destroyed during recovery operations on 10 November.
  • On 9 February 1984, a Boeing 737-2M2 (D2-TBV) experienced hydraulic system failure after an onboard explosion and attempted an emergency landing at Albano Machado Airport, where it overran the runway.
  • On 8 January 1988, a Yakovlev Yak-40K (D2-TYD) veered off the runway upon landing at Quatro de Fevereiro Airport.
  • On 8 February 1988, a Boeing 707-349C (D2-TOI) suffered damage to hydraulics and control lines after striking an antenna during approach to Quatro de Fevereiro Airport; this resulted in nosegear collapse following a runway overrun.
  • On 20 February 1992, a Boeing 707-349C (D2-TOJ) experienced nosegear failure while taxiing at Quatro de Fevereiro Airport.

See also

Bibliography

  • Guttery, Ben R. Encyclopedia of African Airlines. McFarland & Company, 1998.

External links

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