Angolan airline TAAG has launched a new freight route to Nairobi, Kenya, to strengthen its cargo network on the African continent, the company's management announced today.

TAAG – Linhas Aéreas de Angola – said in a statement that the first flight on this new freight transport route took place on Wednesday and is part of the consolidation of the company's presence in the international air cargo sector.

The new Luanda-Nairobi cargo service will have a weekly frequency, operating on Wednesdays, with priority given to the transport of flowers, taking advantage of Kenya's potential as one of the largest exporters in the floriculture segment in the world, with an estimated cargo capacity of 18.000 kilos per flight, potentially reaching between 1 and 2 million kilos per year, the statement said.

According to TAAG's Cargo and Mail Director, David Ambridge, quoted in the note, from Nairobi the company expects to transport a large quantity of flowers and other perishables to Angola and other destinations served by TAAG.

"This route will create new trade opportunities and strengthen our cargo network on the African continent," he emphasized.

The Angolan state-owned carrier also emphasizes that the new operation is part of TAAG's expansion plan, capitalizing on the Nairobi hub in East Africa to establish strategic connections with the United Arab Emirates and India.

In addition, the company seeks to offer “another logistical alternative” for Kenyan flower exporters, facilitating access to the European market through the Luanda hub, powered by the Angolan company.

To ensure efficient and integrated operations, TAAG has established strategic partnerships with international partners specializing in the cargo segment and focused on the Kenyan market, namely Aerospeed Express, Mitchell Cotts, and Tradewinds.

The expansion of TAAG’s cargo operation “is aligned with efforts to transform Luanda/Icolo and Bengo into a regional air transport hub, maximizing the potential of airport infrastructure” from Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport.

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