Angola signs deal with Emirates to develop "world class airline"

The Dubai airline today signed a Management Concession Agreement* which will see Emirates take a role in the management of TAAG which has the Angolan government as a majority shareholder.

The agreement lays the foundation for both airlines to jointly leverage commercial opportunities in Africa and beyond.
The ten year deal was signed this morning by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and CEO of Emirates and Augusto da Silva Tomás, Angola’s Minister of Transport.
This initiative is to further the Republic of Angola’s vision to create a world class Angolan carrier with the support of Emirates.
Analyst Saj Ahmad said: “TAAG Angolan Airlines has been one of the quiet success stories as an airline in Africa and Emirates deal with them boosts their presence in a market that is underserved.
“By taking on a managerial role, Emirates will assist TAAG's expansion plans while allowing them to harness Emirates' disciplined financial management to drive efficiency into the business while revamping their network and fleet.’”
‘This is a great move for both carriers and its likely that this deal will spur development of greater routes in and out of Africa, especially for Emirates.”
As part of the agreement*, Emirates will work closely with the Angolan government and TAAG Linhas Aéreas De Angola to formulate and implement a business plan, provide management support and devise fleet and route network strategies, whilst bringing synergy through the complementary networks. Emirates will not contribute equity under this agreement but appoint four senior managers to work for TAAG Linhas Aéreas De Angola.
Both airlines will also cooperate across a wide range of areas including bilateral code-sharing on cargo and passenger services, participation of customers in both airlines’ frequent flyer programmes and passenger and cargo handling. Emirates has also committed to allocate its resources to staff and crew training on best-in-class business and operational processes and systems.
TAAG Linhas Aéreas De Angola will additionally explore business opportunities with dnata, in particular its passenger and cargo handling, flight catering and travel services. dnata, part of the Emirates Group, is the largest provider of air travel services in the Middle East and employs about 23,000 staff in 38 countries.
Tomás, the Minister of Transport for Government of Angola said: "The signing of this agreement today marks a very decisive step towards the restructuring of TAAG. With Emirates, our new partner and a leader in the world of civil aviation, equipped with know-how, technology and experience, TAAG is starting a new era of growth and progress which will also positively impact the development of Angola."
Sheikh Ahmed said: We see huge potential in Africa, and are keen to continue playing an active role in contributing to its economies. Emirates will continue growing our presence in Africa by opening new routes, increasing flight frequencies, and upgrading aircraft to meet the increasing demand. Exploring mutually beneficial agreements with established carriers such as TAAG Linhas Aéreas De Angola is another key strategy. We believe this new partnership will build on the success that we have seen on our Dubai-Luanda service, and also deliver operational and business synergies for both airlines.”

Emirates operates over 160 flights across the continent each week, connecting African economies and markets with Dubai and beyond to a global network of over 140 major cities.
Emirates currently flies daily to Luanda, Angola’s capitol. EK 793 leaves Dubai at 1005hrs and arrives in Luanda at 1500hrs. The return flight, EK 794, departs Luanda at 1800hrs, touching down in Dubai eight hours later at 0510hrs.