With more than 230 aircraft delivered to 16 airlines operating on four continents, the Airbus A220 aircraft family is slowly cementing its position in the aviation industry. TAAG Angola Airlines agrees as the airline and Airbus showcased the A220-300 during a symbolic ceremony held at Luanda International Airport on December 6th.

Displaying the Airbus A220-300

The ceremony was attended by customers, shareholders, airline partners, government officials, and diplomatic representatives, and the aircraft on static display was from the airBaltic fleet, registered YL-ABL. After the presentation of the Airbus narrowbody, guests were invited to board the aircraft for a demo flight, which marks the first time Airbus is performing a demo flight in the Austral region of Africa.

Demo Flight
Photo: TAAG Angola Airlines

While onboard the demo flight, guests were presented to learn more about why it's considered the most efficient small single-aisle aircraft to date. Comprising the A220-100 and the A220-300 variants, the Airbus A220 family is a clean sheet design and is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100 to 150-seat market segment while offering a range of up to 3,450 nautical miles, the flexibility given to airlines is unbeatable.

Additionally, the A220 family is designed and built with state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials, and the latest-generation technologies and engines, bringing maximum operational efficiency with 25% less fuel burn per seat. The Airbus A220 family also brings a 25% cost advantage per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft, making it the ideal complement to any airline's existing Airbus A320 family fleet.

Airbus A220
Photo: TAAG Angola Airlines

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TAAG's commitment to continuous growth

While the display and demonstration of YL-ABL might have been a milestone for Airbus, it was also a demonstration of TAAG's ambition for modernization and growth. The flag carrier has been seeking to build a versatile fleet that can address multiple markets in its future expansion plans, primarily for intra-Africa routes and from/to Latin America. Chief Executive Officer of TAAG, Eduardo Fairen, confirms this by saying:

"Our goal is to work with the best manufacturers in the world towards a multi-brand fleet. This is the best way to assure we have the appropriate aircraft for each flight typology, namely our regional and intercontinental operations."

Currently, TAAG operates a fleet of one Airbus A330-300, four Boeing 737-700s, three Boeing 777-200s, five Boeing 777-300ERs, and six DHC Dash 8s. Concerning its route network, the flag carrier primarily offers domestic services within Angola, with some medium-haul services within Africa and long-haul services to Brazil, Cuba, and Portugal. Given its expansion plans for the future, it's easy to see why TAAG has long been considering the Airbus A220 instead.

By August 2023, TAAG will experience first-hand how the narrowbody aircraft works for its operations, as the airline's first Airbus A220-300 will be delivered as part of a lease agreement with Air Lease Corporation. The aircraft will be configured for 142 passengers in two cabin classes, with 12 seats in business class and 130 seats in economy class.

TAAG Angola A220
Photo: TAAG Angola

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Bottom line

The wrap-up of the A220-300 display in Angola summarizes what a busy year it has been for Airbus and its hot-selling narrowbody. For several years, the narrowbody market was predominantly dominated by the Airbus A320 and the Boeing 737 rival pattern.

Still, the subtle rise of the A220 could significantly disrupt this traditional rivalry given how over 30 customers ordered more than 780 of the aircraft at the end of last month, especially since Airbus is increasing production extensively to 14 aircraft per month - confirming its breakthrough on the small single-aisle market.

  • rsz_airbus_50th_years_anniversary_formation_flight_-_air_to_air
    Airbus
    Stock Code:
    AIR
    Date Founded:
    1970-12-18
    CEO:
    Guillaume Faury
    Headquarters Location:
    Toulouse, France
    Key Product Lines:
    Airbus A220, Airbus A320, Airbus A330, Airbus A340, Airbus A350, Airbus A380
    Business Type:
    Planemaker