Source: TAAG Angolan Airlines
TAAG Angolan Airlines and IBERIA have announced a codeshare and interline agreement that will reinforce connectivity between Europe and Africa through the new Luanda-Madrid-Luanda trunk route. Flights will begin on the 27th of June offering connectivity to dozens of markets between Africa and Europe. Following the pandemic that has unrecognizably affected the aviation industry worldwide is showing signs of recovery. Thus, becoming the perfect timing for resilient airlines to make a mark and the most of key opportunities and alliances.
The codeshare and interline agreement will allow passengers traveling from TAAG ́s network in Africa to connect, via Madrid, with IBERIA’s network in Europe, Latin American, and North America reaching more than 100 destinations in 43 countries. The agreement also enables passengers arriving from IBERIA ́s network to connect to TAAG ́s network in Africa. With the launch of this flight, Madrid becomes the 10th international destination served from Luanda ́s hub, joining Johannesburg, Cape Town, Windhoek, Maputo, Kinshasa, Lagos, Lisbon, São Paulo, and São Tomé.
This announcement is part of a shared objective between Spain and Angola to create new international commercial, economic, cultural and tourism opportunities. The visit of Pedro Sánchez, President of the Spanish Government, to Angola in April 2021 was the first by a Spanish President since 1992, making a strong mark of the bond between the two countries.
TAAG will offer two weekly flights between Madrid (MAD) and Luanda (LAD). The new route will be operated by Boeing 777-300ER with a capacity of 293 seats, with 12 lie flat seats in Business Plus (1-2-1 layout), 56 seats in Standard Business (2-3-2) and 225 seats in economy (3-3-3).
Eduardo Fairen Soria, CEO of TAAG, pointed out that “TAAG is pleased to announce this new codeshare and interline agreement with IBERIA. In addition to increasing connectivity between Europe and Africa it will allow us to expand our range of destinations and place Luanda as a relevant hub in the Austral African region.”
According to Javier Sánchez-Prieto, Chairman and CEO at Iberia: “We are delighted to announce this codeshare and interline agreement with TAAG which will bring Spain and Angola closer together and will boost tourism and business travel between the two countries. Iberia and TAAG Angola Airlines customers will benefit from each other international network. This agreement reinforces our commitment to expand our network in new markets, such as Africa, and improve the connectivity between Spain and the rest of the world. Currently, Iberia ́s network included over 134 destinations in 43 countries”.