Cabo Verde Airlines Gears Up to Fill Domestic Service Gap, Considers Fleet Expansion

Post originally Published May 19, 2024 || Last Updated May 19, 2024

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Cabo Verde Airlines Gears Up to Fill Domestic Service Gap, Considers Fleet Expansion - Leasing Additional Aircraft to Bolster Domestic Routes


Cabo Verde Airlines is taking proactive steps to strengthen its domestic operations by leasing an additional aircraft to bolster its fleet.

The airline, which has been renationalized, is expecting to receive a second Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in July, further expanding its capabilities.

This fleet expansion is an important part of the airline's rebranding strategy, as it aims to revitalize its services and restart discontinued domestic routes.

The addition of the new, more modern aircraft is seen as a suitable move to cater to the country's air travel needs.

Cabo Verde Airlines is looking to lease an additional aircraft to boost its current fleet of just one 737-700, a strategic move to expand its domestic route network.

The airline has already secured a second aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, which was delivered in July 2023 and will soon enter service, marking an important step in the airline's fleet expansion and rebranding strategy.

The addition of the 737 MAX 8 has been identified as a suitable choice for Cabo Verde Airlines' needs, as the aircraft's capabilities align well with the airline's requirements for its domestic operations.

Interestingly, Cabo Verde Airlines has launched a competition with its customers to name the future 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with "Cidade Velha", "Morabeza", and "Esperança" currently leading the suggested names.

Contrary to the industry trend of an average fleet age of over 10 years, Cabo Verde Airlines' fleet now has an average age of 53 years, indicating a more modern and efficient aircraft composition.

Surprisingly, the Prime Minister of Cabo Verde has announced plans to set up a new domestic carrier, further signaling the government's commitment to boosting air travel connectivity within the country, which could potentially create opportunities for Cabo Verde Airlines' expansion.

What else is in this post?

  1. Cabo Verde Airlines Gears Up to Fill Domestic Service Gap, Considers Fleet Expansion - Leasing Additional Aircraft to Bolster Domestic Routes
  2. Cabo Verde Airlines Gears Up to Fill Domestic Service Gap, Considers Fleet Expansion - Welcoming a Second Boeing 737 MAX to Expand Capacity
  3. Cabo Verde Airlines Gears Up to Fill Domestic Service Gap, Considers Fleet Expansion - Exploring Lease Options for Supplementary Aircraft
  4. Cabo Verde Airlines Gears Up to Fill Domestic Service Gap, Considers Fleet Expansion - Revamping Fleet with Newer, More Efficient Models
  5. Cabo Verde Airlines Gears Up to Fill Domestic Service Gap, Considers Fleet Expansion - Government Support Through State-Guaranteed Loans
  6. Cabo Verde Airlines Gears Up to Fill Domestic Service Gap, Considers Fleet Expansion - Resuming Cape Verde-Paris Flights After Three-Year Hiatus

Cabo Verde Airlines Gears Up to Fill Domestic Service Gap, Considers Fleet Expansion - Welcoming a Second Boeing 737 MAX to Expand Capacity


Cabo Verde Airlines has taken delivery of its second Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which will allow the carrier to meet growing travel demand and reinforce its current routes while also exploring new markets.

The addition of the more fuel-efficient 737 MAX 8 is part of the airline's fleet expansion strategy as it aims to revitalize its domestic operations and potentially consider international route expansion.

The newly leased Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft was previously operated by Comair, a South African airline that ceased operations in 2022, allowing Cabo Verde Airlines to acquire a relatively young and efficient aircraft for its fleet.

With an average fleet age of just 3 years, Cabo Verde Airlines now has one of the youngest aircraft fleets among regional African carriers, defying the industry trend of an average fleet age over 10 years.

The 737 MAX 8's advanced aerodynamic design and fuel-efficient LEAP-1B engines are expected to reduce Cabo Verde Airlines' fuel consumption by up to 15% compared to the older 737-700 aircraft previously used on domestic routes.

Cabo Verde Airlines has launched a contest among its passengers to name the new 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with "Cidade Velha", "Morabeza", and "Esperança" currently leading the suggested names, highlighting the airline's efforts to engage its customers.

Interestingly, the Prime Minister of Cabo Verde has announced plans to establish a new domestic carrier, which could potentially create opportunities for Cabo Verde Airlines to expand its network and solidify its position as the leading airline in the country.

The addition of the second 737 MAX 8 is expected to increase Cabo Verde Airlines' seat capacity by over 25%, allowing the carrier to better meet the growing travel demand and reinforce its current routes, as well as explore new international markets.

Remarkably, the 737 MAX 8's advanced navigation systems and enhanced communication capabilities are anticipated to improve the airline's on-time performance and reliability, providing a more seamless travel experience for passengers.

Cabo Verde Airlines Gears Up to Fill Domestic Service Gap, Considers Fleet Expansion - Exploring Lease Options for Supplementary Aircraft


Cabo Verde Airlines is actively expanding its fleet to address the domestic service gap in the country.

The airline recently leased a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from Boeing Capital Corporation and is expecting to receive a second Boeing 737 MAX 8 in July 2023.

These leased aircraft are part of Cabo Verde Airlines' plan to compete in the market and reconnect with the diaspora.

The airline's fleet expansion and fleet modernization efforts are seen as a strategic move to improve connectivity and services within the Cabo Verde archipelago.

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft leased by Cabo Verde Airlines is equipped with advanced aerodynamic design and fuel-efficient LEAP-1B engines, which are expected to reduce the airline's fuel consumption by up to 15% compared to the older 737-700 aircraft.

With an average fleet age of just 3 years, Cabo Verde Airlines now has one of the youngest aircraft fleets among regional African carriers, defying the industry trend of an average fleet age over 10 years.

The newly leased 737 MAX 8 aircraft was previously operated by the now-defunct South African airline Comair, allowing Cabo Verde Airlines to acquire a relatively young and efficient aircraft for its fleet expansion.

Cabo Verde Airlines has launched a contest among its passengers to name the new 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with "Cidade Velha", "Morabeza", and "Esperança" currently leading the suggested names, highlighting the airline's efforts to engage its customers.

The addition of the second 737 MAX 8 is expected to increase Cabo Verde Airlines' seat capacity by over 25%, allowing the carrier to better meet the growing travel demand and reinforce its current routes, as well as explore new international markets.

The 737 MAX 8's advanced navigation systems and enhanced communication capabilities are anticipated to improve the airline's on-time performance and reliability, providing a more seamless travel experience for passengers.

Interestingly, the Prime Minister of Cabo Verde has announced plans to establish a new domestic carrier, which could potentially create opportunities for Cabo Verde Airlines to expand its network and solidify its position as the leading airline in the country.

Contrary to the industry trend, Cabo Verde Airlines' fleet now has an average age of just 3 years, indicating a more modern and efficient aircraft composition, which could contribute to the airline's operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Cabo Verde Airlines Gears Up to Fill Domestic Service Gap, Considers Fleet Expansion - Revamping Fleet with Newer, More Efficient Models


Cabo Verde Airlines is modernizing its fleet by adding newer and more fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

The introduction of the 737 MAX 8 planes, with their advanced aerodynamics and engines, is expected to significantly improve the airline's operational efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.

This fleet revamp is a strategic move by Cabo Verde Airlines as it aims to expand its domestic and international network, providing better connectivity and a more seamless travel experience for passengers.

The new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft added to Cabo Verde Airlines' fleet is equipped with advanced aerodynamic design and fuel-efficient LEAP-1B engines, which are expected to reduce the airline's fuel consumption by up to 15% compared to the older 737-700 aircraft.

With an average fleet age of just 3 years, Cabo Verde Airlines now has one of the youngest aircraft fleets among regional African carriers, defying the industry trend of an average fleet age over 10 years.

The newly leased Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft was previously operated by the now-defunct South African airline Comair, allowing Cabo Verde Airlines to acquire a relatively young and efficient aircraft for its fleet expansion.

Cabo Verde Airlines has launched a contest among its passengers to name the new 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with "Cidade Velha", "Morabeza", and "Esperança" currently leading the suggested names, highlighting the airline's efforts to engage its customers.

The addition of the second 737 MAX 8 is expected to increase Cabo Verde Airlines' seat capacity by over 25%, allowing the carrier to better meet the growing travel demand and reinforce its current routes, as well as explore new international markets.

The 737 MAX 8's advanced navigation systems and enhanced communication capabilities are anticipated to improve the airline's on-time performance and reliability, providing a more seamless travel experience for passengers.

Interestingly, the Prime Minister of Cabo Verde has announced plans to establish a new domestic carrier, which could potentially create opportunities for Cabo Verde Airlines to expand its network and solidify its position as the leading airline in the country.

Contrary to the industry trend, Cabo Verde Airlines' fleet now has an average age of just 3 years, indicating a more modern and efficient aircraft composition, which could contribute to the airline's operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The addition of the more fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX 8 is part of Cabo Verde Airlines' fleet expansion strategy as it aims to revitalize its domestic operations and potentially consider international route expansion.

Cabo Verde Airlines Gears Up to Fill Domestic Service Gap, Considers Fleet Expansion - Government Support Through State-Guaranteed Loans


The government of Cabo Verde has extended a guarantee for a loan worth 250 million escudos, approximately 24 million USD, to Cabo Verde Airlines.

This follows the airline's resurgence after its privatization process was halted, with the government still owning a 39% stake.

Additionally, the government has previously provided financial aid on several occasions, including a guarantee for a loan of USD 158 million in February and another for the rental of an aircraft in 2019.

The government's decision to provide financial support through state-guaranteed loans is expected to help Cabo Verde Airlines recover and expand its operations.

The airline is considering fleet expansion as part of its growth strategy, and the state-guaranteed loans will provide the necessary financial support for Cabo Verde Airlines to acquire new aircraft and increase its routes, both domestically and regionally.

The government has extended a guarantee for a loan worth 250 million escudos (approximately $24 million USD) to the airline, following the company's resurgence after its privatization process was halted.

The government still owns a 39% stake in Cabo Verde Airlines, while the employees hold 10% of the company.

Since November last year, the airline has received $244 million in state-guaranteed loans to support its operations.

The government has previously provided financial aid on several occasions, including a guarantee for a loan of $158 million in February and another for the rental of an aircraft in

The airline is now planning to expand its fleet with the acquisition of a second aircraft, for which it has received government approval for a state guarantee of $58 million.

The state-guaranteed loans will provide the necessary financial support for Cabo Verde Airlines to acquire new aircraft and increase its routes, both domestically and regionally.

The expansion is expected to create new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the country, as Cabo Verde Airlines aims to fill the domestic service gap.

The government's decision to provide financial support comes after the airline faced financial difficulties, which led to the suspension of its international flights.

The government's intervention is expected to help Cabo Verde Airlines recover and expand its operations, as the airline considers fleet expansion as part of its growth strategy.

The addition of the new, more modern aircraft is seen as a suitable move to cater to the country's air travel needs, as Cabo Verde Airlines looks to revitalize its services and restart discontinued domestic routes.

Cabo Verde Airlines Gears Up to Fill Domestic Service Gap, Considers Fleet Expansion - Resuming Cape Verde-Paris Flights After Three-Year Hiatus


Cabo Verde Airlines has announced the resumption of flights between Cape Verde and Paris, which had been on hold for over three years.

The new flights will operate twice a week between Praia-Nelson Mandela and Paris-CDG airport, using a Boeing 737-700 with 12 Business class and 108 Economy class seats.

This move by the national airline of Cape Verde aims to reconnect the country with the French capital and provide more travel options for passengers.

Cabo Verde Airlines will resume flights between Cape Verde and Paris on July 23, 2023, after a hiatus of over three years.

The flights will operate twice a week between Praia-Nelson Mandela and Paris-CDG airport, using a Boeing 737-700 with a capacity of 12 Business class and 108 Economy class seats.

Cabo Verde Airlines currently operates a fleet of three Boeing 757-200s and plans to expand its fleet in the future.

The airline will lease a second Boeing 737 MAX 8 in July 2023, adding to its current fleet and enhancing its domestic and regional operations.

Cabo Verde Airlines' fleet now has an average age of just 3 years, making it one of the youngest among regional African carriers, defying the industry trend of an average fleet age over 10 years.

The newly leased Boeing 737 MAX 8 was previously operated by the now-defunct South African airline Comair, allowing Cabo Verde Airlines to acquire a relatively young and efficient aircraft.

The 737 MAX 8's advanced aerodynamic design and fuel-efficient LEAP-1B engines are expected to reduce Cabo Verde Airlines' fuel consumption by up to 15% compared to the older 737-700 aircraft.

Cabo Verde Airlines has launched a contest among its passengers to name the new 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with "Cidade Velha", "Morabeza", and "Esperança" currently leading the suggested names.

The addition of the second 737 MAX 8 is expected to increase Cabo Verde Airlines' seat capacity by over 25%, allowing the carrier to better meet the growing travel demand and explore new international markets.

The 737 MAX 8's advanced navigation systems and enhanced communication capabilities are anticipated to improve the airline's on-time performance and reliability, providing a more seamless travel experience for passengers.

Interestingly, the Prime Minister of Cabo Verde has announced plans to establish a new domestic carrier, which could potentially create opportunities for Cabo Verde Airlines to expand its network and solidify its position as the leading airline in the country.
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