The West African carrier, Cabo Verde Airlines, has received its first ever Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft as it looks to reconnect with the country’s diaspora.
In a statement by Boeing on July 20, 2023, the plane maker said the airline would be marking the special event at its home base Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) with officials and employees.
The MAX 8 aircraft, which has been leased by Boeing Capital Corporation, is just over four years old.
Previously the Boeing 737, registered N1786B, was part of Comair, a South African airline that ceased operations in June 2022.
Currently, Cabo Verde Airlines operates a single Boeing 737-700, although in the past its fleet has included five Boeing 757-200s and 737-800 aircraft.
As part of its new “take-off” rebranding, the airline hopes to boost tourism to the idyllic Cabo Verde from Africa, Europe, North America, and South America.
“This is a significant moment for Cabo Verde Airlines. With the addition of the Boeing 737-8, we continue to expand our fleet to pre-pandemic levels,” said Sara Pires, Cabo Verde Airlines’ CEO, and president. “The delivery of an airplane with the capabilities of the 737-8 allows us to meet the growing travel demand to our archipelago country at the crossroads of four continents.”
Cabo Verde Airlines connects four continents with nonstop flights from its hubs in Praia and Sal.
The carrier aims to renew its fleet and expand its network to previously operated routes following the pandemic.
“The 737 MAX family is perfectly suited for Cabo Verde Airlines to serve prominent markets in Africa, Europe and North and South America, providing it with enhanced capability and flexibility across its network,” said Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa. “The 737-8, with its versatility and fuel efficiency, will support Cabo Verde Airlines’ goal of competing to win back market share.”