On July 20, 2023, Cabo Verde Airlines received a Boeing 737 MAX to add to its fleet. As part of its new “take-off” rebranding strategy, the airline intends to revamp some of its fleet and restart discontinued routes from the pandemic. 
 

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Cabo Verde Airlines celebrated the delivery of the airline’s first fuel-efficient 737 MAX jet with a special event taking place in Cape Verde, Praia, at its home base with officials and employees. The airline’s new 737-8 will reconnect the Cape Verdean diaspora and boost tourism for the island nation.

Cabo Verde Airlines connects four continents: Africa, Europe, North America, and South America. The routes are usually non-stop flights from its hubs in Praia and Sal. Due to the pandemic, certain routes were closed for travel, dropping tourism rates. 

Now, the carrier aims to renew its fleet and expand its network to previously operated routes following the pandemic under the airline’s new “take-off” relaunch strategy. The new routes will include The versatility of tourists and passengers from these areas should increase travel rates and aid Cabo Verde in rebounding from the pandemic. 

The 737-8 is also part of Cabo Verde’s take-off strategy. The airline plans to revamp its fleet with newer, more efficient plane models in order to accommodate all the possible passengers the airline may have.

“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.” 

The 737 MAX airplane family delivers enhanced efficiency, improved environmental performance, and increased passenger comfort to the single-aisle market. Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines and advanced technology winglets, the 737 MAX reduces fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes it replaces.

According to Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, “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.”

Yitbarek also stated that “The 737-8, with its versatility and fuel efficiency, will support Cabo Verde Airlines’ goal of competing to win back market share.” Hopefully with the addition of the new aircraft Cabo Verde can get back on its feet and retain its travelers again.