TAAG Angola Airlines is adding the fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner to its fleet of aircraft with an order for additional four of the jets.
A statement by the media consultant to TAAG Angola in Nigeria, quoted Eduardo Fairen, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), TAAG Angola Airlines as saying that the goal of the airline was to work with the best manufacturers in the world towards a multi-type fleet, in order to ensure it had appropriate airplanes for each flight typology, especially its intercontinental connections.
He said: “The 787 option suits our intent for modern, size-wise and efficient equipment, able to progressively replace our current widebody fleet, and provide our customers with an improved flight experience.”
Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing vice president, Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa said that the 787 Dreamliner would enable TAAG Angola Airlines to open new routes and expand their international network.
He explained that the Dreamliner’s market-leading efficiency and passenger comfort would advance the carrier’s fleet modernisation plans.
TAAG Angola Airlines currently flies five B777-300ER (Extended Range) jets, three 777-200ERs and seven 737-700s to 12 destinations across Africa, Europe, South America and China.
Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook for Africa projects that the continent will need 1,025 airplanes over the next two decades. Overall African air traffic growth is forecast at 7.4 per cent, the third highest among global regions and above the global average growth of 6.1 per cent.
Since revenue service began in 2011, the 787 family has launched more than 370 new nonstop routes around the world.
The 787 Dreamliner reduces fuel use and emissions by 25 per cent compared to the airplanes it replaces.
Passengers enjoy a better experience with the largest windows of any jet, air that is more humid and pressurised at a lower cabin altitude for greater comfort, large overhead bins, soothing LED lighting, and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.
Source: Independent
