Angolan flag-carrier TAAG has announced an order two Boeing 777-300ERs in a deal that includes purchase rights for two additional 777-300ERs.

The two aircraft are valued at about $544 million at list prices, says Boeing, which did not say when the aircraft will be delivered.

TAAG's order was originally posted as unidentified on the airframer's orders and deliveries website in 2009.

The airline will operate the aircraft on new routes to additional European destinations, says Boeing. "TAAG currently flies Boeing 777-200ERs 10 times weekly from Luanda, Angola, to Lisbon, twice weekly to Beijing via Dubai and four times weekly to Rio de Janeiro," it adds.

TAAG is allowed to use only 777 and 737-700 aircraft in Europe due to safety regulations set down in the European Union's airline blacklist.

"The efficiency, reliability and popularity of the 777 family will contribute to TAAG re-establishing itself as one of Africa's premier airlines," says Marlin Dailey, VP of sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news