TAAG Angola signs 787-9 sale and leaseback agreement with AerCap

December 28, 2024 in Business, Companies, Foreign News, Transport, Travel & Tourism by Editor

Angola’s flag carrier TAAG has concluded a sale and lease back agreement for one Boeing 787-9, with American-Irish lessor AerCap. The deal, announced on December 27, covers a single B787-9 that is scheduled for delivery to TAAG in February 2025.

TAAG chief executive officer Nelson de Oliveira, described the agreement as representing an “important milestone” in the carrier’s fleet modernization program.

“The introduction of the Boeing 787-9 reinforces our commitment to efficiency and leading sustainability standards, while leveraging our ability to connect Angola with key international destinations,” he added.

According to de Oliveira, TAAG is also looking to the new widebody to offer its customers a competitive onboard product while optimising operational costs and a reduced carbon footprint provided by the fuel-efficient powerplants on the jet.

TAAG has four Boeing Dreamliners on order, split between two -9 and -10. The carrier will be the first operator of the 787-10 in Africa. The first delivery, initially scheduled for August 2024 was pushed back to 2025 after Boeing paused all deliveries amidst a review of its processes. The 787s, which join an existing fleet of eight B777s will support TAAG expansion plans.

The 787 order was announced in October 2023 with the carrier saying it had chosen the Dreamliner for its cutting-edge technology and fuel efficiency.

Although TAAG has one of the few connections from Africa to CUBA, it is yet to fly into East Africa/

“We are pleased to welcome TAAG Angola Airlines as a new customer to AerCap and particularly pleased to be the first lessor to introduce the 787 to the airline,” said Aengus Kelly, the CEO of AerCap. “As part of their fleet modernization program, the 787 will enable TAAG expand their network across Africa, Europe and Asia with one of the most fuel-efficient widebody aircraft on the market and support them in meeting customer demand. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the TAAG team.”