Cabo Verde Airlines has successfully secured its second aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX, as part of its expansion plans. According to information obtained from planespotters.net, the aircraft with registration D4-CCJ was delivered on July 18, 2023, and will soon be entering into service.
The aircraft was leased from Boeing Capital Corporation (BCC), a subsidiary of Boeing that focuses on aircraft leasing and financing solutions. This arrangement allows Cabo Verde Airlines to efficiently access the state-of-the-art Boeing 737-8 MAX without incurring the full upfront cost of purchasing a new aircraft outright.
The addition of the Boeing 737 MAX is a significant milestone for Cabo Verde Airlines as it continues to rebuild and strengthen its operations after a challenging period marked by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Equipped with two CFMI LEAP-1B engines, the Boeing 737 MAX offers improved fuel efficiency, enhanced performance, and advanced technology, ensuring a comfortable and modern travel experience for passengers.
However, the story of D4-CCJ began several years ago. Originally delivered to Comair, the defunct South African franchisee for British Airways, the aircraft was registered as ZS-ZCA and entered into service on March 4, 2019. It had the distinction of being the first Boeing 737-8 MAX operated by Comair.
After serving under British Airways’ colors, ZS-ZCA was later operated by Boeing Capital Corporation (BCC) under registration N862BC, beginning on February 16, 2022. The aircraft continued to operate with BCC until it was stored at VCV (Southern California Logistics Airport) from February 8, 2023, until July 18, 2023.
Now, this storied aircraft has found a new home with Cabo Verde Airlines. The Boeing 737 MAX, with its new registration D4-CCJ, is set to play a pivotal role in the airline’s expansion strategy and will join its current fleet that consists of a 737-700.
The country, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant culture, has been attracting an increasing number of visitors, and the airline aims to capitalize on this tourism potential.
With the new aircraft in its fleet, Cabo Verde Airlines plans to resume and expand routes that were previously operated, offering more options for travelers. Destinations such as Paris, Recife, and Boston are among the potential routes that the airline intends to serve, contributing to increased connectivity between Cape Verde and key international destinations.
As earlier reported, the government of the Republic of Cabo Verde granted the national airline another state guarantee of 650 million escudos or 5.8 million dollars. With the money, TACV – Cabo Verde Airlines would be able to lease the Boeing 737 Max.
