TAAG Angola Airlines Shifts to Own Boeing 777s for Lisbon Route, Ends ACMI Lease with Hi Fly Malta

TAAG Angola Airlines has transitioned to using its own Boeing 777-300ERs for flights between Luanda 4 De Fevereiro and Lisbon, moving away from ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) leased Airbus A330s provided by Hi Fly Malta. This operational shift came into effect following the conclusion of a long-standing ACMI lease agreement with the Hi Fly Group, which has been confirmed by the lessor to ch-aviation.

The announcement of this strategic shift was made by TAAG CEO Nelson de Oliveira on May 10, coinciding with the inauguration of a new customer service center in Talatona, near Luanda. According to ADS-B flight tracking data, Hi Fly Malta last operated the route with its Airbus A330-200, registration 9H-TQP, and A330-300, registration 9H-HFA, on May 9 and May 4, respectively.

Starting May 10, TAAG began utilizing its own aircraft, specifically a Boeing 777-300ER with registration D2-TEJ, which had just completed maintenance in Luanda. A few days later, on May 12, another Boeing 777-300ER, registration D2-TEG, was also deployed on this key route.

The switch to TAAG’s own aircraft for the Lisbon route marks a significant step in the airline’s strategy to optimize its operations and leverage its fleet capabilities. TAAG’s initial engagement with Hi Fly began with a three-month wet-lease arrangement starting in June 2022, aimed at enhancing its service reliability and capacity during the contract period. This move to deploy its own larger, long-range aircraft is expected to offer both operational efficiencies and a more consistent service experience for passengers traveling between Angola and Portugal.