TAAG Angola Airlines has launched a new dedicated cargo route connecting Luanda in Angola to Nairobi in Kenya, aiming to capitalize on the strong demand for Kenyan flowers and expand its footprint in the African air cargo market.
The inaugural flight on the Luanda (LAD) to Nairobi (NBO) route took place last week, with the service now scheduled to operate once a week, every Wednesday. With an estimated cargo capacity of 18,000 kilograms per flight, TAAG expects the route to handle between one and two million kilograms of freight per year.
The new service will prioritize the transport of cut flowers, taking advantage of Kenya’s position as one of the world’s largest flower exporters. TAAG aims to offer Kenyan growers an additional logistics option to reach European markets through Luanda, which it is steadily developing into a regional cargo hub.
“From Nairobi, we hope to transport a large quantity of flowers and other perishables to Angola and the destinations served by TAAG,” said David Ambridge, TAAG’s director of cargo and mail. “This route will create new trade opportunities and strengthen our cargo network across the continent.”
To support the new operation, TAAG has entered strategic partnerships with major international cargo players active in the Kenyan market, including Aerospeed Express, Mitchell Cotts, and Tradewinds. These companies operate advanced cargo facilities at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and maintain extensive agent networks to streamline logistics.
Additionally, TAAG has organized meetings between Kenyan flower exporters and Angolan buyers to foster stronger trade ties and encourage the participation of local entrepreneurs. The airline believes the route will significantly boost trade between Kenya and Angola, benefiting both Kenyan exporters and Angolan importers.
This launch forms part of TAAG’s broader cargo expansion strategy aimed at strengthening the company’s presence in Africa’s growing air freight market. The airline plans to introduce more freighter routes in 2025 to other key African cities, including Libreville, Kinshasa, Harare, Lusaka, and Accra.
TAAG’s cargo strategy also aligns with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by promoting greater intra-African trade and maximizing the potential of Angola’s new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, which boasts an annual cargo handling capacity of 120,000 tons. With this new route and its upcoming expansion plans, TAAG is positioning itself as a significant player in Africa’s air cargo sector, offering fresh opportunities for exporters and importers across the region.