TAAG Angola Airlines Targets Set to Launch Flight Operations to Houston in U.S. in 2027, With Boeing 787 Dreamliner

TAAG Angola Airlines, the national carrier of Angola, is gearing up to introduce non-stop flights to Houston by 2027, following the addition of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to its fleet. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in the airline’s long-haul network development.

As reported by Simple Flying, TAAG’s planned route will connect Luanda’s Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport (LAD) with Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Presently, no airline offers a direct connection between these two cities, making TAAG the first to pioneer this corridor. However, the launch of the service is contingent on Angola securing a Category 1 rating from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Achieving this status would allow Angolan carriers to initiate or maintain services to the United States without restrictions and engage in reciprocal codeshare agreements with U.S. airlines (FAA).

The non-stop journey will cover an estimated 6,636 nautical miles (12,289 km). TAAG is expected to deploy its recently acquired Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the route, enhancing its long-haul capabilities and supporting its fleet modernization efforts. The airline’s CEO, Nelson Rodrigues, emphasized the significance of this move, stating, “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” (Simple Flying).

TAAG’s newly acquired Boeing 787-9, registered as D2-TEQ, features a three-class cabin configuration with a seating capacity of 313 passengers: 16 in business class, 21 in premium economy, and 276 in economy class. The aircraft was procured under a sale and leaseback agreement with AerCap, marking the first time the leasing company has introduced the 787 to TAAG.

Currently, TAAG Angola Airlines operates a fleet of 26 aircraft with an average age of 13.2 years, according to ch-aviation data. The diverse fleet comprises nine Boeing 737 family aircraft, six De Havilland Dash 8s, five Boeing 777-300ERs, three Boeing 777-200ERs, two Airbus A220-300s, and a single Boeing 787-9 widebody aircraft.

Beyond its fleet expansion, TAAG continues to strengthen its global network. The airline serves key long-haul destinations across Latin America and Europe, including São Paulo, Brazil, and Havana, Cuba (TAAG Official Website). European connections include Lisbon, Portugal; Frankfurt, Germany; Madrid and Barcelona, Spain; and Brussels, Belgium. To operate these routes, TAAG primarily utilizes its Boeing 777 aircraft. The Boeing 777-200ER accommodates 235 passengers across three classes: 14 in first class, 51 in business class, and 170 in economy. Meanwhile, the larger Boeing 777-300ER version seats up to 293 passengers, configured as 12 in first class, 56 in business class, and 225 in economy.

As TAAG moves toward launching its Houston route, the introduction of the Boeing 787-9 represents a key step in its strategic growth. With an emphasis on efficiency, passenger experience, and market expansion, the Angolan flag carrier is set to enhance its competitive edge in the global aviation landscape.