Small carrier Cabo Verde Airlines is the new operator of the 737 MAX 8. Boeing delivered an aircraft to the airline this week, which joins the only 737-700 in service.
Cabo Verde once had four Boeing 757s in its fleet, but during the pandemic it withdrew the aircraft from operation.
According to Boeing, the new customer intends to expand flights to Africa, Europe, North 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.”
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Cabo Verde Airlines operates flights to Portugal and France, according to Flight Radar 24, although Boeing reports that the company serves four continents from the hubs of Praia and Sal.
“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.”
The plane received by Cabo Verde Airlines, however, is not new. The leased aircraft was originally delivered in 2019 to Comair of South Africa. The South African company ended activities last year and the aircraft returned to Boeing.
