TAAG Angola Airlines has launched a new freighter route from Luanda in Angola to Nairobi in Kenya in a bid to capitalise on demand for flowers.
The first flight on the new Luanda (LAD) to Nairobi (NBO) cargo route took place on 30 April and the service will now continue to operate once a week on Wednesdays.
Air Cargo News has requested confirmation from TAAG of what aircraft will be used on the route.
TAAG said the service "will prioritise the transport of flowers, taking advantage of Kenya’s potential as one of the world’s largest flower exporters, with an estimated cargo capacity of 18,000 kg per flight, which could reach between 1m and 2m kg per year".
David Ambridge, TAAG’s director of cargo and mail, said: “From Nairobi, we hope to transport a large quantity of flowers and other perishables to Angola and the destinations served by TAAG. This route will create new trade opportunities and strengthen our cargo network on the continent."
The company aims to offer another logistical alternative for Kenyan flower exporters, facilitating access to the European market via TAAG’s hub in Luanda.
To support its new route, TAAG has entered strategic partnerships with international cargo companies focused on the Kenyan market, namely Aerospeed Express, Mitchell Cotts, and Tradewinds, which have modern cargo infrastructure at Jomo Kenyatta Airport and vast networks of agents.
TAAG has also organised meetings between Kenyan flower exporters and Angolan buyers to facilitate an effective trade bridge and promote the participation of national entrepreneurs.
The airline said the introduction of the new route will make a significant contribution to increasing trade between Angola and Kenya, benefiting both Kenyan exporters and Angolan importers.
The company also has plans to expand its cargo operations in 2025 to other strategic African cities, including Libreville (LBV), Kinshasa (FIH), Harare (HRE), Lusaka (LUN), and Accra (ACC).
TAAG and Avianca Airlines recently established a Special Prorate Agreement (SPA) to collaborate on air cargo.
