Service from T.F. Green to Cape Verde Islands announced

GOV. GINA M. RAIMONDO announced the initiation of air service to the Cape Verde Islands by Transportas Aereos de Cabo Verde from T.F. Green Airport, starting June 2.  / COURTESY OFFICE OF THE R.I. SECRETARY OF STATE
GOV. GINA M. RAIMONDO announced the initiation of air service to the Cape Verde Islands by Transportas Aereos de Cabo Verde from T.F. Green Airport, starting June 2. / COURTESY OFFICE OF THE R.I. SECRETARY OF STATE

(Updated 11:11 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.) WARWICK – Transportes Aereos de Cabo Verde will begin service from T. F. Green Airport to the Cape Verde Islands starting June 2, officials announced Friday.

The airline will offer two weekly flights on 757 (210 seat) aircraft to the city of Praia on the island of Santiago on Tuesdays and Fridays through June 30, and will add a third weekly flight on Wednesdays during the peak travel season of July through early September. Additionally, connecting service will be available to other Cape Verdean islands: Fogo, Sao Vicente, Sal and Boa Vista, according to information from the company.
“The Cabo Verdean community has a strong presence throughout New England, particularly in Rhode Island and communities surrounding Green Airport. The service has traditionally been geared towards linking family and friends; however, there is a new emphasis on growing it as a tourist destination by promoting the islands’ beauty, climate, hiking, surfing and other water sports,” the company stated in a news release.
In prepared remarks, Gov. Gina M. Raimondo said, “Our Cabo Verdean community is strong and vibrant, and I want to welcome TACV Airlines to T. F. Green Airport as the first year-round scheduled international service. This will give our citizens a convenient way to travel to see their families and will offer a new, exciting tourist destination from Green. Today’s announcement is a true example of how we can work together to move Rhode Island forward and grow the economy through international trade and tourism.”
U.S. Sen. Jack Reed called the news a “positive sign” given recent declines in passenger traffic at the airport, which he said coincided with the recession and airline consolidation.
Cape Verde is located about 300 miles off the coast of Senegal. The islands that make up the arrow-shaped archipelago were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century. Cape Verde gained independence in 1975 and remains one of Africa’s most stable democratic governments, the company said.

Kelly Fredericks, R.I. Airport Corporation president and CEO, thanked João Pereira, TACV president and CEO.
“Our conversations with him and his staff began in earnest several months ago. We have illustrated a willingness and commitment to this service to make it successful as we serve our Cabo Verdean community and market the service to others as a new tourist destination,” Fredericks said.
The addition of the airline was featured at a news conference at the airport Friday afternoon, featuring Raimondo, Fredericks and other officials.

In September, the airport announced that Condor Airlines, a German airline, would begin offering service from Green to Frankfurt starting in June.

- Advertisement -

T.F. Green also is in the midst of a $110 million investment by the federal government to upgrade the airport, including extending the main runway to accommodate long-haul aircraft.

No posts to display

1 COMMENT