Emirates Signs 10-Year Management Deal With Angola Flag Carrier

Emirates is strengthening its connectivity in Central & South Africa after signing a 10-year management concession agreement with TAAG Linha Aéreas De Angola.

The Dubai airline will not contribute equity under the agreement but has appointed four senior managers to work for Angola’s state-owned flag carrier. Emirates will formulate and implement a business plan, provide management support and devise fleet and route network strategies.

Raising safety standards will also be a key objective as the Angolan airline, which operates 14 all-Boeing aircraft, has been heavily scrutinised by the European Union during the last seven years, and remains on the list of airlines whose operations are restricted in the EU.

Both airlines will also co-operate across a wide range of areas including bilateral code-sharing on cargo and passenger services and frequent flyer programmes. Emirates is also committing staff and crew training.

TAAG Linhas Aéreas De Angola will additionally explore business opportunities with dnata, in particular its passenger and cargo handling, flight catering and travel services.

The deal, subject to government and regulatory approvals, was signed this morning by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group and HE Augusto da Silva Tomás, the Minister of Transport for the Government of Angola.

The agreement lays the foundation for both airlines to jointly leverage commercial opportunities in Africa and beyond. Fast-growing Angola is Africa’s second largest oil producer and boasts a strong mining sector.

HH Sheikh Ahmed said the new partnership builds on the success it has seen with its Dubai-Luanda service.