On June 25, TAAG Angola Airlines held a ceremony in Guangzhou to mark the launch of its direct passenger service between Luanda and Guangzhou.
The inaugural flight, DT692, departed Luanda on June 23 and arrived at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport the following day at 7:50 a.m. Beijing time. The route currently operates once a week using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with plans to increase frequency to three flights per week in the near future.
Angolan Ambassador to China Dalva Ringote Allen described the new route as a practical outcome of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Cooperation signed by the two heads of state in March 2024. She noted that more than four decades of diplomatic ties have laid a solid foundation, and that the new flight is a concrete step forward.
She also highlighted the economic importance of Guangzhou, saying: “Guangdong is a highly dynamic economic province, with the highest GDP in China, projected to reach approximately $2.1 trillion by 2025. The city hosting the Canton Fair recorded a GDP of $422 billion in 2025.”
She also reiterated Angola’s ambition to develop into a regional aviation hub, with the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport in Luanda playing a key role in channeling travelers from southern Africa toward Asia.
He Rusheng, deputy director-general of the Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office, described the route as an “aerial Silk Road” that strengthens China-Africa ties, noting that 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African countries.
He noted that Guangzhou is a major trade gateway and that Guangdong’s GDP was projected to reach $2.1 trillion, while Guangzhou itself recorded $422 billion in 2025, figures that help explain why TAAG chose the city as its Chinese destination.
He added that the route would boost cooperation in infrastructure, trade, investment, and tourism, and said Guangdong is keen to explore cooperation in the digital economy, green industries, and vocational training under the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. He invited African partners to invest and travel in the province.
TAAG Chairman Clóvis Rosa emphasized that the airline has been modernizing its fleet and services, saying that deployment of the 787 Dreamliner reflects a push for greater efficiency and sustainability. “This route is designed not only for passengers but also for cargo and logistics,” he said, adding that it helps Angola integrate into global supply chains. He also noted: “We see Luanda as a future transit point for Chinese travelers heading to other African destinations, and equally as a gateway for African businesspeople entering Asian markets.”
Reporter: Guo Zedong
Photo: Guo Zedong