On Friday, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada delivered the first of six Dash 8-400 aircraft to TAAG Angola Airlines (TAAG). This initial delivery to the state-owned Angolan airline is part of an agreement announced at the 2019 Paris Air Show.

The Dash 8-400 is well-suited to Africa

WIthin a press release seen by Simple Flying, TAAG chairman and CEO Rui Carreira said the following about the Dash 8-400 delivery:

"We selected the Dash 8-400 aircraft to support our development of a stronger domestic network and also to support our regional and international networks" 

Havilland Canada COO Todd Young added he is delighted that TAAG has taken delivery of its first Dash 8-400 aircraft. The transfer was completed through a delegated delivery process.

"Amidst the current health restrictions facing many countries and the need for efficient regional aircraft to restart air services, we have developed a remote delivery process to support our customers' recovery efforts," Young said.

"Regional aircraft are proving to be the most important tools to support market recovery, and De Havilland Canada's teams are standing ready to provide ongoing service solutions to support TAAG's success."

About TAAG Angola Airlines

First called Divisão dos Transportes Aéreos, when it was formed in Portuguese West Africa in 1937, the airline flew several domestic and limited African routes. In 1973 it was renamed TAAG – Transportes Aéreos de Angola and comprised four shareholders Angolan government (51%), TAP Air Portugal (29%), and ex-DTA employees (20%). Today the Angolan national flag carrier is 100% government-owned. It performs services within Angola, Africa, and select global destinations that include flights to Brazil, Cuba, and Portugal.

TAAG Dash 8-400
TAAG will use the Dash 8-400 for short-haul domestic and regional flights. Photo: De Haviland of Canada

Based in Luanda, TAAG operates a fleet made up of the following aircraft:

  • 5 Boeing 737-700s
  • 3 Boeing 777-200s
  • 5 Boeing 777-300s
  • 1 De Havilland Canada DHC-8-400

About the Dash 8-400

According to De Haviland of Canada, the Dash 8-400 is the world's most advanced turboprop, offering airlines a regional workhorse with short takeoff and landing capabilities. The Dash 8-400 can carry 90 passengers and has a range of 2,040 kilometers (1,267 miles) and has a maximum cruising speed of 667km/h (414mph).

Dash 8-400
The Dash 8-400 has a range of 2,040 kilometers (1,267 miles). Photo: Johnnyw3 via Wikimedia

Altogether, De Haviland of Canada claims that the Dash-8-400 offers airlines the ability to add more flights to scedules. This is due to the aircraft being 30% faster and having a more extended range than conventional turboprops. The Dash 8-400 allows airlines the option of slower flights with less fuel burn or faster flights with quicker turn arounds. Compared to the 76 seat ATR offering, the Dash 8-400 offers the same operating cost. However, it has an additional 14 seats. 

As a regional airliner, the Dash 8-400 has already proven itself in the harsh African environment. It has shown its versatility in the hot desert north of the continent and the mountains of Ethiopia. Additionally, the turboprop's ability to run out of smaller airports is a high selling point. Its jet-like speed and the ability to transport up to 90 passengers are also appealing factors. However, the bottom line always comes down to operating costs. This is the reason why TAAG Angola Airlines has chosen the Dash 8-400 for its fleet.

What do you think of the Dash 8-400? Have you flown on the plane? If so, please let us know what your thoughts are in the comment section.