VIDEO: With Airbus Inside TAAG Angola's Airbus A220-300

As part of a massive 2024-2029 strategic fleet overhaul, TAAG Angola Airlines is aggressively modernizing its fleet, with the main focus being its regional operations. While the airline's veteran Boeing 737-700s have served as the regional backbone for nearly 20 years, the airline is finally upgrading to the Airbus A220-300.

Unprecedented Efficiency

The transition is a calculated move by the airline towards regional dominance. The A220-300 offers a nearly 25% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft. For an airline looking to pivot away from government subsidies and towards a self-sufficient business model, those savings can decide whether a flight breaks even or turns a profit.

As of January 2026, TAAG has already integrated several A220s into its rotation, with a total of 15 aircraft expected to join the fleet by late 2027. These aircraft are currently connecting Luanda's new Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport (NBJ) to key regional hubs like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Windhoek.

Redefined Comfort

TAAG Angola has configured its cabin with 137 seats: 12 in Business Class and 125 in Economy. The aircraft is widely praised for its spacious cabin despite its relatively smaller size.

The Economy Class seats offer 30 inches of pitch, 18 inches of width, and three inches of recline, while the Business Class seats offer 39 inches of pitch, 20.5 inches of width, and five inches of recline, per Seatmaps.com.

Inside, the aircraft features a 2-3 seating layout, significantly reducing the number of middle seats.

At 11x16 inches, the aircraft has some of the largest windows in the single-aisle market, allowing for more natural light to enter the cabin.

The livery can even be argued to serve as a cultural statement. The tail features the iconic Palanca, while the winglets and interiors incorporate patterns inspired by Samakaka, Angola's traditional fabric.

What's Next?

TAAG plans to use its A220-300's regional capabilities to support its Boeing 787 and 777 operations in long-haul routes. According to Ecofin Agency, the airline plans to triple its passenger numbers over the next six years. The A220 serves as a key player in the airline's hub-and-spoke model, providing a newfound ability to serve growing markets without the prohibitive costs of flying half-empty widebody aircraft.