TAAG Angola Airlines (DT, Luanda 4 De Fevereiro) is set to enhance its partnership with Emirates (EK, Dubai International) following the signing of a ten-year Management Concession Agreement between the airline's sole shareholder, the Angolan government, and the Emirati carrier.
Under the terms of the agreement, signed on September 30 by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates, and Augusto da Silva Tomás, the Angolan Minister of Transport, Emirates will play an active role in the management of TAAG.
"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," a statement said.
Emirates will not acquire equity in TAAG.
In terms of the managerial aspect of the deal, TAAG will be governed by a nine-member management board, of which Emirates will appoint the CEO and four executive directors - commercial, operations, finance and administrative departments - while the Angolan government will appoint a deputy CEO and non-executive directors.
The Dubai-based carrier will also allocate its resources to staff and crew training on best-in-class business and operational processes and systems.
In addition, both airlines will also cooperate in the areas of bilateral code-sharing on cargo and passenger services, participation of customers in both airlines’ frequent flyer programmes, and passenger and cargo handling.
TAAG will additionally explore business opportunities with dnata, the largest provider of air travel services in the Middle East, in particular its passenger and cargo handling, flight catering and travel services.
The agreement, however, will only take effect once a number of conditions have been satisfied, including the receipt of various government and regulatory approvals.
Last month, the Emirati carrier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Arik Air (W3, Lagos) aimed at developing and expanding their existing commercial relationship while exploring additional areas of co-operation.
