US aerospace giant Boeing announced (at the Paris Airshow) that it has signed a Memorandum of Strategic Cooperation with Angola’s Ministry of Transport on Wednesday. The purpose of the agreement is to identify initiatives, in partnership with the African country’s national flag carrier, TAAG Angola Airlines, to develop Angola’s aviation sector.

“This partnership underscores Boeing's commitment to supporting the growth of the aviation sector in Angola and continued expansion of TAAG Angola Airlines’ capabilities,” affirmed Boeing senior VP of commercial sales and marketing Brad McMullen. “We look forward to building on nearly eight decades of supporting commercial aviation in Africa.”

The development of the country’s aviation sector is a priority for the Angolan government. This will encourage tourism and promote economic growth and development.

“TAAG Angola Airlines, the national airline of Angola, has been a cornerstone of the African aviation landscape since its inception in 1938,” highlighted Angolan Transport Minister Ricardo Viegas D’Abreu. “As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving global market, it is essential for the airline to not only maintain its competitive edge, but also to embrace innovation and modernization.”

The agreement identified a number of areas for collaboration between Boeing and TAAG. These included using digital transformation to increase operational efficiency, the strengthening of maintenance and technical capabilities, the modernisation and increase of the airline’s fleet, and the enlargement of its market and route network.

“This partnership with Boeing represents a significant step forward in our commitment to enhancing operational capabilities, improving technical and maintenance capacity, and expanding our reach,” stated Viegas d’Abreu. “By investing in modern technologies and practices, we aim to position TAAG Angola Airlines as a leading airline in Africa, capable of meeting the demands of today’s travellers while contributing to the economic diversification and growth of Angola. Together, along with the significant investment in our new international airport, we are laying the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous future for our aviation sector.”

Almost 70% of Africa’s commercial airliner fleet is composed of Boeing types. These are operated by more than 60 airlines. Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook 2025 forecast that, to meet the growing demand, the continent will need more than 1 200 new aircraft over the next 20 years.