TAAG Angola Airlines E.P. and Lufthansa Technik AG have recently signed a long-term agreement on aircraft component services for the Angolan flag carrier’s brand-new fleet of Boeing 787 long-range aircraft. Starting with the arrival of the first aircraft in January and spanning a dozen years, both the airline’s Boeing 787-9s and -10s will receive the MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) specialist’s proven Total Component Support (TCS). In addition, Lufthansa Technik will support Angola Airlines with an Aircraft Production Inspection Program (APIP), which does not only cover the newly built 787s, but also the Airbus A220 fleet the carrier is currently building up.

The TCS will grant the Luanda-based airline access to the worldwide spare parts pool of Lufthansa Technik, through which it will increase the availability of components for its Dreamliner fleet and leverage significant cost-benefits. The respective contract does not only cover classic component MRO services, but also an AOG (Aircraft On Ground) support as well as various parts-pooling and logistics work scopes. The close cooperation between the two companies will enable the airline to maximize efficiency in its technical operations.

Knowing the technical characteristics of latest-generation aircraft types inside out, experts from Lufthansa Technik are moreover contracted to ensure the quality of Angola Airlines’ most-modern flying assets right from the start – even before they are handed over. In line with an APIP, they will scrutinize the entire production process directly at the aircraft manufacturing site, right through to the acceptance of the aircraft. Lufthansa Technik conducts this service not only for the aforementioned 787s, but also for Angola Airlines’ new Airbus A220 fleet, of which the first aircraft was received in September.

“With no less than two modern aircraft types joining our fleet at nearly the same time, we are happy to rely on the renowned engineering expertise and the wealth of experience only Lufthansa Technik’s experts can provide,” said Nelson Oliveira, CEO and Accountable Manager at TAAG Angola Airlines. “With their strong support, we are looking forward to a quick ramp-up of our new 787 and A220 operations. Our partners’ reliable component support will moreover ensure a smooth 787 Dreamliner operation from day one.”

“The new contract with Angola Airlines marks one of our biggest contracts for Dreamliner component services in subsaharan Africa. Hence, I congratulate everyone involved on reaching this significant milestone,” said Kai-Stefan Roepke, Vice President Corporate Sales Europe, Middle East and Africa at Lufthansa Technik. “My sincere thanks go out to the entire team of our valued customer for entrusting us with these important work packages, which are crucial for a smooth entry-into-service and seamless operation of their brand-new fleets. With our enormous experience in new aircraft types we look forward to supporting Angola Airlines in the best possible way.”

About TAAG Angola Airlines:
TAAG Angola Airlines E.P. is a state-owned airline and the flag carrier of Angola. Based in Luanda, the airline operates domestic services within Angola, medium-haul services in Africa and long-haul services to Brazil, Cuba, and Portugal. The airline was originally set up by the government as DTA – Divisão dos Transportes Aéreos in 1938, rechristened TAAG Angola Airlines in 1973, and gained flag carrier status in 1975. It is now a member of both the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the African Airlines Association.

Image copyright: TAAG Angola Airlines