TAAG Angola Airlines takes delivery of its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner has a new customer today – with TAAG Angola Airlines taking delivery of their first of the type.

TAAG Angola Airlines First Boeing 787-9 being welcomed with a traditional water arch. Image, The Boeing Company

The aircraft is the first of four aircraft to be delivered to TAAG as part of its fleet modernisation. TAAG has opted for the middle child of the 787 family – the Boeng 787-9 for its fleet

The airline’s first 787 Dreamliner, which is on lease from AerCap, arrived in Luanda just ahead of Angola’s Liberation Day on February 4, marking nearly 50 years since the delivery of TAAG Angola’s first airplane, a Boeing 737-200.

TAAG Angola Airlines currently operates five 777-300ER (Extended Range), three 777-200ERs, and seven Next-Generation 737s, connecting Angola to 12 destinations across Africa, Europe, South America and China.

The introduction of the 787 Dreamliner will enable the carrier to expand its long-haul network, with plans to launch new routes to Europe and explore opportunities in Asia and North America.

Celebrating 50 years of independence

On November 11, 2025, Angola will mark the 50th anniversary of its national independence. As part of the celebrations, TAAG has named its new aircraft D2-TEQ and named ‘Namibe’.

The company’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft features a rebranded livery that embodies Angola’s heritage, with the visibility of the Palanca displayed on the aircraft’s tail and engine fuselage, as well as a 50-year aniverssy logo.

In Quotes

TAAG Angola Airlines First Boeing 787-9 landing at Luanda Airport – Image, The Boeing Company

Nelson Pedro Rodrigues de Oliveira, CEO of TAAG Angola Airlines said:

“The delivery of the 787-9 is a pivotal step in our strategy to modernize TAAG Angola Airlines’ fleet,” 

“This airplane brings the efficiency and versatility we need to meet growing market demands, replace our aging widebody fleet, and deliver a world-class experience to our passengers.”

Anbessie Yitbarek, vice president of Boeing Commercial Sales for Africa.

“The 787 Dreamliner will complement TAAG Angola Airlines’ fleet of Boeing 737 and 777 jets, as we continue to support the airline in its mission to connect people and places across the globe,” 

“Our 50-year relationship with TAAG Angola Airlines has been built on trust and shared goals, and we look forward to many more years of successful collaboration and innovation together.”

Modernisation continues

TAAG Angola Airlines has been working through parts of its fleet, as it renews it. The airline has taken delivery of the Airbus A220-300 recently (with a total 0f 15 aircraft expected, financed through various sources and arrangements), whilst it adds to its long-haul fleet of aircraft with the Boeing 787-9

For TAAG, as it seeks to extend its reach, these modernisation and expansion efforts will be important as it opens up Angloa to the world, whilst it celebrates with the country its 50 years of independence.