TAAG expands East Africa reach with the new Luanda-Nairobi route

Taag Angola Airlines has announced the launch of the new Luanda-Nairobi route, which is set to launch commercial passenger services on September 1st. The airline will run three flights a week using the latest Airbus A220-300 aircraft, further increasing connectivity between South and East Africa.

In a statement cited by Portuguese news outlet Publicuris, Taag described Nairobi as “a vibrant African capital where wild nature meets modern culture.” Kenya's capital is a key regional hub that connects Africa with Europe and is considered an important transportation system. Kenya itself is one of the continent's most dynamic economies, and this new route has become a strategic addition to TAAG's growth network.

The airline emphasized that the expansion will increase traveller mobility options, support bilateral trade and strengthen diplomatic relations between Angola and East Africa.

The development follows the launch of TAAG's weekly cargo service between Luanda and Nairobi, which began on April 30, 2025, and operates every Wednesday, with the freighter route primarily taking advantage of Kenya's status as one of the world's largest flower exporters to deal with flowers and rot. With a cargo capacity of up to 18,000 kilograms per flight, the route is expected to transport 2 million kilograms per year.

Beyond Nairobi, TAAG is also expanding its regional footprint with plans to introduce passenger flights to Point Noir in the Republic of Congo and Ribbleville, Gabon. This follows the successful technical audit by Gabon's Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC Gabon) in Luanda from June 9-13, 2025. As part of the audit, the TAAG Boeing 737 (registered D2-TBW) received a comprehensive review to ensure compliance with safety and performance standards.

TAAG has identified another potential destination, Abidjan, as another potential destination, as yet, as a different potential destination.

Expanding the A220 Fleet

Meanwhile, TAAG's fleet modernization strategy continues to gain momentum. In June 2025, the airline welcomed the third Airbus A220-300 and registered the 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 and is intended to increase regional connectivity and improve operational efficiency.

Previous aircraft delivery includes the D2-TAF (MSN 55334) received in March 2025 and the D2-TAA delivered in September 2024. All aircraft consist of 137 seats (125 in business class and 125 in economics) and are powered by the Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engine. These engines reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per seat by 25% compared to older models.

TAAG's A220 is raised through lease agreements with four major lessors: Aviation Lease Corporation (6 aircraft), Aviation Capital Group (4), Azora (3), and Nordic Air Capital (2). Initial delivery was scheduled for early 2024, but the timeline was adjusted to continue deliveries in progress until 2027.

Victor Sharton's love for aviation can be traced when he was 11 years old. As an experienced aviation writer, he prides himself on providing the best aviation compensation in the world and is passionate about improving his skills in the aviation field. Plus, he loves travel, writing and art, and is proud to call Nairobi home while his talkable engagement takes him all over the world.

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Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Victor's love for aviation dates back to the age of 11. The living near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport recalls his love for planes and hopes to become a future airline executive for Kenya Airways. He also had a passion for the arts, loved writing, and had his own aviation blog before joining the airline. He currently holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Dekut and is aiming to pursue a career in more aviation-related courses.

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