EMIRATES has embarked
on the first step of its
plans to aggressively
expand operations in Africa by
over 40%, by signing a 10-year
management contract with
TAAG Angola Airlines.
The Gulf carrier will work
closely with the Angolan
government and TAAG to
formulate and implement
a business plan, provide
management support and
devise fleet and route network
strategies to strengthen the
airline’s position.
Both airlines will also
co-operate through bilateral
codesharing and participation
of customers in both airlines’
frequent flyer programmes.
Emirates will not contribute
equity under this agreement
but appoint four senior
managers to work for TAAG.
“Through this partnership,
Emirates aims to provide
deeper reach and better
connectivity for our passengers
in Central and South Africa,”
said H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin
Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman
and ce of Emirates. He said
Emirates would continue to
grow its presence in Africa by
opening new routes, increasing
flight frequencies, and
upgrading aircraft to meet the
increasing demand.
H.E. Augusto da Silva
Tomás, Angola’s minister of
transport, said staff would
be retained. He added that
TAAG would remain an Angolan
company operated primarily
by Angolans. “The signing of
this agreement today marks a
very decisive step towards the
restructuring of TAAG.
