The Angolan airline, TAAG – Linhas Aéreas de Angola, announced that its inaugural flight for a new cargo route was completed on Wednesday. This development is part of the company’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the international air cargo sector.
The Luanda-Nairobi cargo service will operate once a week, specifically on Wednesdays, with a focus on transporting flowers. Kenya is recognized as a major global exporter in the floriculture sector. The service is projected to have a cargo capacity of 18,000 kilograms per flight, with the potential to handle between 1 and 2 million kilograms annually, according to the statement provided by the company.
David Ambridge, Director of Cargo and Mail at TAAG, highlighted in the statement that the airline aims to transport a significant volume of flowers and other perishable items from Nairobi to Angola and other destinations served by TAAG.
“This route will open new commercial opportunities and strengthen our cargo network across the African continent,” Ambridge emphasized.
The Angolan state carrier also noted that the new operation is in line with TAAG’s expansion plan. It capitalizes on Nairobi’s position as a hub in East Africa, enabling strategic connections with the United Arab Emirates and India.
Additionally, the company seeks to provide another logistical option for Kenyan flower exporters, facilitating access to the European market through the Luanda hub, which is enhanced by the Angolan airline.
To ensure efficient and integrated operations, TAAG has established strategic partnerships with international partners specializing in cargo and the Kenyan market, specifically Aerospeed Express, Mitchell Cotts, and Tradewinds.
The expansion of TAAG’s cargo operations is “aligned with efforts to transform Luanda/Icolo and Bengo into a regional air transport hub, maximizing the potential of the airport infrastructure” at Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, as highlighted in the statement.
