Cabo Verde Airlines Adds Brazil Route Amid Restructuring
State-owned airline Transportes Aéreos de Cabo Verde (TACV) is expanding its footprint in South America with the launch of a new direct flight connecting Sal Island to Recife, Brazil, beginning December 12.
The new route marks a significant boost for the carrier, also known as Cabo Verde Airlines, which will now offer two weekly connections between the archipelago and Brazil. The expansion is designed not only to serve the Brazilian market but also to position Cape Verde as a strategic transit point for travelers flying between South America and Europe.
Strengthening the Sal Island Hub
The new Sal–Recife service will operate alongside the existing Praia–Recife route, which has been in service since May. According to TACV President Armindo Sousa, the expansion is a key step in the airline’s broader strategy.
“The launch strengthens the island of Sal as an international hub for the Cabo Verde Airlines brand,” Sousa stated, emphasizing the island’s role as a gateway for transatlantic travel.
Financial Turbulence Ahead
Despite the operational expansion, the airline faces a challenging financial landscape. The announcement comes just months after Cape Verde’s new Minister of Transport, João do Carmo, signaled an urgent need for restructuring.
In July, Minister do Carmo described the airline’s fiscal health as “very critical,” noting that the state cannot continue to sustain the carrier’s current monthly losses. “We are talking about a company that lives permanently in a negative financial situation,” the minister said. “We are going to put all scenarios on the table.”
As TACV looks to grow its international network, the government remains under pressure to stabilize the airline’s finances and ensure the long-term viability of the national carrier.
Image: Pexels – Matheus Figueiredo
