It is supposed that Government of Angola, under advice from TAAG-Angola Airlines, may put in place the so-called “principle of reciprocity” against the bilateral air traffic agreements with EU countries.
The majority of Angolans across the world, including motherland, are against this EU measure. People are wondering about the “true” reason that EU used to ban TAAG-Angola Airlines in flying to EU. Some recognise that TAAG has critical problems yet to resolve, but are sceptic in relation to the EU ban. Others, for example, like myself, are more favourable to a EU ban under conditions of its List/Annex B, which is a partial ban in relation to some operational procedures. But, the true of the facto is that TAAG is now banned effective as of tomorrow, 6th July 2007, and that Angola Government may come up with some retaliation, through banning also the EU airlines’ flights to Luanda. Those are TAP-Portugal, Air France, Brussels and British Airways. In doing so, Angolan authorities have now prohibited the landing rights at Luanda of the weekly BA flight, scheduled to arrive last Saturday, 1st July, following an unilateral ban from UK for TAAG flights to London Gatwick.
I have been of opinion that any measure of principle of reciprocity that Angola may put in place should be directed to all EU airlines and not just selecting ones. This position is due Angolan deputy minister for Transport, Mr. Preza, said, according to RNA News, that the country could use such a principle against concerned EU airlines but TAP-Portugal. It is not fair, since it was not individual EU countries but the EU as a whole. Let's see!!!
Gov't of Angola may use the "Principle of Reciprocity&q
Moderator: Latest news team
Gov't of Angola may use the "Principle of Reciprocity&q
If you want to know more about TAAG's businesses, pls go to: http://www.taag.com.br / http://www.taag.pt or just contact-me at: airconsult@supernet.ao .
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b-west
I think banning all EU-airlines flying to Angola might hurt Angola more than it will those airlines...
I don't think the EU would keep themselves busy with banning non-EU airlines just because they might challenge a EU airline on one or two routes. I have the fullest faith in the neutrality and the objectiveness of the so-called blacklist.
Angola should have its safety regulations and those of its airline investigated by a neutral company. Based on the findings of this investigation, Angola should act by either putting the maintenance up to par with international standards, or, if the investigation indicates this is already the case, confront the EU with the findings and demand the removal of the blacklist.
But this action? I can't help but find the move of the Angolan government a bit childish.[/u]
I don't think the EU would keep themselves busy with banning non-EU airlines just because they might challenge a EU airline on one or two routes. I have the fullest faith in the neutrality and the objectiveness of the so-called blacklist.
Angola should have its safety regulations and those of its airline investigated by a neutral company. Based on the findings of this investigation, Angola should act by either putting the maintenance up to par with international standards, or, if the investigation indicates this is already the case, confront the EU with the findings and demand the removal of the blacklist.
But this action? I can't help but find the move of the Angolan government a bit childish.[/u]
Indeed if the Angolans execute their threats they will harm their own national interests. Keeping in mind though that the EU has been warning the Angolan authorities about the impending ban for over a year now. The Angolans did nothing (or not enough). If they reciprocate i guess that the only links with europe would be with namibian airlines, ethiopian, and south african.
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airazurxtror
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Re: Government of Angola may use the "Principle of Reci
Would harm mostly the Angolan people. Who else want to go to that God forsaken country ?TAAG wrote: Angola Government may come up with some retaliation, through banning also the EU airlines’ flights to Luanda.
Without saying where I work in Angola, I do know that people there are not happy about the Taag ban but they recognise that something must be wrong for it to have happened.
Angola has good relationships with the EU and is an important trading partner and source of income for many EU companies - the one I work for included. The EU had no political motive to do this so there is another reason. Whatever checklist the EU has for airline operations, Taag didn't manage to check all the boxes - for whatever reason. What is clear from government people i spoke to is that it is probably NOT safety issues - particularly with the new fleet. It seems it is something else.....
As for the ban - everyone I have spoken to (and it is not a representative sample as I dont have time to talk to a million people) hopes the reciprocal ban does not happen. In other words most of the population doesnt care 'cos it never has and never will with all likelihood fly. Those that do rely on airlines are concerned. It will damage the Angolan economy - and quite quickly with all the offshore workers, expensive hotel rooms and restaurants faring the worst. The oil companies will struggle on of course but production will be affected and as a result so will income. At worst you could start to see the decommissioning of smaller producing fields and delays in development of new fields. A financial disaster for budget holders in government. Major oil companies banned employees from Taag on company business long before now so they are left with no options other than SAA, Namibian or Taag to JNB with which to rotate offshore staff that number thousands.
Of the airlines of course BA, AF and SN will lose a little profit but ultimately not much in the great scheme of things. The one with most to lose with is TAP with its daily flights and I think they will escape the ban one way or another.....not sure how mind you.
Angola has good relationships with the EU and is an important trading partner and source of income for many EU companies - the one I work for included. The EU had no political motive to do this so there is another reason. Whatever checklist the EU has for airline operations, Taag didn't manage to check all the boxes - for whatever reason. What is clear from government people i spoke to is that it is probably NOT safety issues - particularly with the new fleet. It seems it is something else.....
As for the ban - everyone I have spoken to (and it is not a representative sample as I dont have time to talk to a million people) hopes the reciprocal ban does not happen. In other words most of the population doesnt care 'cos it never has and never will with all likelihood fly. Those that do rely on airlines are concerned. It will damage the Angolan economy - and quite quickly with all the offshore workers, expensive hotel rooms and restaurants faring the worst. The oil companies will struggle on of course but production will be affected and as a result so will income. At worst you could start to see the decommissioning of smaller producing fields and delays in development of new fields. A financial disaster for budget holders in government. Major oil companies banned employees from Taag on company business long before now so they are left with no options other than SAA, Namibian or Taag to JNB with which to rotate offshore staff that number thousands.
Of the airlines of course BA, AF and SN will lose a little profit but ultimately not much in the great scheme of things. The one with most to lose with is TAP with its daily flights and I think they will escape the ban one way or another.....not sure how mind you.
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TCAS_climb
- Posts: 413
- Joined: 04 Jan 2004, 00:00
EU's decision is partly based on regular SAFA checks performed on Angolan-registered aircraft flying to Europe. Those checks are entered into a database that SAFA inspectors can use before the next "random" inspection (i.e. they know in advance the weaknesses of an airline).
Those SAFA checks are really really really BASIC (just 50 points or so). If you can't manage to stay out of trouble with the SAFA guys, that means a lot. However, to the best of my knowledge no TAAG plane has been grounded in Europe recently following a very poor SAFA check.
The other point is that if Angola doesn't perform its duties of safety oversight (because of lack of funds and/or competent inspectors, etc.), there is every reason to believe that the operators are doing anything they want. And that's not a good news either, is it ?
Those SAFA checks are really really really BASIC (just 50 points or so). If you can't manage to stay out of trouble with the SAFA guys, that means a lot. However, to the best of my knowledge no TAAG plane has been grounded in Europe recently following a very poor SAFA check.
The other point is that if Angola doesn't perform its duties of safety oversight (because of lack of funds and/or competent inspectors, etc.), there is every reason to believe that the operators are doing anything they want. And that's not a good news either, is it ?
Fair or not? A matter of tap or TAP
I can easily understand, that being blacklisted, can hurt the ego of the Angolans.
Who wants to retaliate, must be able to afford it.
Retaliations against all, but TAP, European airlines might be considered as an alarm.
No flights, means no revenue for Angolan Civil Aviation.
And no money means no improvements.
Now turning that reasoning around: would a minister not ask where the revenue money went during past years. (Unless he knows it, himself 8) )
Of course TAAG cannot accuse others for things that were not done by the Angolan Republic. Isn't EU not putting money into Angola? Imagine EU retaliates by reducing that tap.
Who wants to retaliate, must be able to afford it.
Retaliations against all, but TAP, European airlines might be considered as an alarm.
No flights, means no revenue for Angolan Civil Aviation.
And no money means no improvements.
Now turning that reasoning around: would a minister not ask where the revenue money went during past years. (Unless he knows it, himself 8) )
Of course TAAG cannot accuse others for things that were not done by the Angolan Republic. Isn't EU not putting money into Angola? Imagine EU retaliates by reducing that tap.
I also had, but I've lost it.b-west wrote:
I have the fullest faith in the neutrality and the objectiveness of the so-called blacklist.
The reason why all 51 Indonesian carriers are banned is unbelievable. It's European bureaucracy at his best. Jean Breteche, EU-Ambassador in Indonesia, in The Jakarta Post tried to explain the ban: "... Breteche added that the Commission had monitored the Indonesian airlines’ safety since the beginning of this year following a series of flight accidents in the country. He said that prior to the banning, the European Airplane Safety Committee and flight experts had carried out a discussion about the issue, which later suggested the Commission to consult with the Indonesian government about the matter. Breteche said that the Commission had sent letters to the Indonesian Transportation Ministry about the matter, but it did not respond them until the Commission finally issue the flying ban last week.”
The Indonesian Transport Minister has not replied to two EU-letters dated 2 april 2007 and 21 May 2007, and oeps: all Indonesian carriers are banned.
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2 July 2007: press release from ICAO: Indonesian aviation safety will improve.
http://www.icao.int/icao/en/nr/2007/pio200704_e.pdf
4th July 2007: the EU bans all 51 Indonesian carriers.
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So back to the topic: why shouldn't Angola hit back? The EU Commission itself has approved the list, knowing for sure it will hurt the airline - and thus also the country (Angola is a communist country, thus TAAG is state owned). Who will now pay the lease for the 777's? The EU?
The EU hasn't explained why TAAG is on the black list (except for some blablabla). So if Angola forbits some European carriers to fly to Luanda, they also don't have to give a reason. Let them fly to JNB or WDH, with only option afterwards a TAAG 777 to LAD.
(I will post this also in the "ban" topic)
Ok first thing is that the ban will damage Angola a hell of a lot more than the EU. There are not enough flights here as it is to satisfy demand with or without TAAG. The whole allocation of landing rights revolves around protecting Taag's interests which is why they are restricted.LX-LGX wrote:b-west wrote: So back to the topic: why shouldn't Angola hit back? The EU Commission itself has approved the list, knowing for sure it will hurt the airline - and thus also the country (Angola is a communist country, thus TAAG is state owned). Who will now pay the lease for the 777's? The EU?
The EU hasn't explained why TAAG is on the black list (except for some blablabla). So if Angola forbits some European carriers to fly to Luanda, they also don't have to give a reason. Let them fly to JNB or WDH, with only option afterwards a TAAG 777 to LAD.
(I will post this also in the "ban" topic)
Second I believe that they have explained why there is a ban even if it is a high level explanation. Good enough for me or would you go on a carrier who dont even handle the basics properly? I wouldn't.
It is only notionally a communist country now - elections are due in 18 months are so and proably will happen. There is a huge campaign for people in the provinces to register.
Actually the choice of many is to take a Air Namibia 732 to Windhoek rather than a 73G of Taag. And that is the locals. Not 777's go there as far as i know.
I got some info yesterday from someone in the know. Tap were not banned because they require landing rights from Portugal still for the Cabo Verde airline operated flights on behalf of Taag. They couldnt operate if that didnt happen (Cabo Verde didnt have enough to satisfy the requirements) so banning Tap would have caused that plan to collapse. As for the others I dont know the situation.....
Chunk, allow me to disagree. I know you are a regular visitor to Angola, but I know the region also (SA, Zim, Botswana, Namibia).
Ok first thing is that the ban will damage Angola a hell of a lot more than the EU. There are not enough flights here as it is to satisfy demand with or without TAAG. The whole allocation of landing rights revolves around protecting Taag's interests which is why they are restricted.
My reply: the blacklist is going to cost TAAG and Angola a lot of money. No revenue, crew to be paid, lease to be paid. Who's going to pay the lease? The EU? TAP+BA+b-air? Angola can hurt the EU: not financially, but with certain other moves. Diplomats and politicians are much more vulnerable to these things. Example: if a ban of a particular carrier is announced direct to the carrier, the EU doesn't care. But it the Ambassador is called in to Luanda, and he has to send out the message, they won't like it at all. Western countries are interested in Angola's oil. That's a weak point.
Second I believe that they have explained why there is a ban even if it is a high level explanation. Good enough for me or would you go on a carrier who dont even handle the basics properly? I wouldn't.
It's not because the EU has told us 100 times that their black list is a product of long studies and excellent work by specialists, that we have to believe this. There was no decent explanation given fur such dramatic measure. Somebody else told here that there was no spot check done on the 777's who are now banned. That should say enough, I think.
It is only notionally a communist country now - elections are due in 18 months are so and proably will happen. There is a huge campaign for people in the provinces to register.
Nice to hear about the forthcoming elections: last ones were 15 years ago, isn't it? Let's hope that other political parties then the MPLA will also be allowed, although that's not that obvious for elections in communism countries ("all political parties are allowed, as long as they're communist parties").
Actually the choice of many is to take a Air Namibia 732 to Windhoek rather than a 73G of Taag. And that is the locals. Not 777's go there as far as i know.
I think SW is preferred more because of their punctuallity and friendly service on board. Off course I know the 777's don't fly WDH-LAD or JNB-LAD, but I've only said it would be a nice message to the EU if European pax have to fly the TAAG 777 as add on.
Ok first thing is that the ban will damage Angola a hell of a lot more than the EU. There are not enough flights here as it is to satisfy demand with or without TAAG. The whole allocation of landing rights revolves around protecting Taag's interests which is why they are restricted.
My reply: the blacklist is going to cost TAAG and Angola a lot of money. No revenue, crew to be paid, lease to be paid. Who's going to pay the lease? The EU? TAP+BA+b-air? Angola can hurt the EU: not financially, but with certain other moves. Diplomats and politicians are much more vulnerable to these things. Example: if a ban of a particular carrier is announced direct to the carrier, the EU doesn't care. But it the Ambassador is called in to Luanda, and he has to send out the message, they won't like it at all. Western countries are interested in Angola's oil. That's a weak point.
Second I believe that they have explained why there is a ban even if it is a high level explanation. Good enough for me or would you go on a carrier who dont even handle the basics properly? I wouldn't.
It's not because the EU has told us 100 times that their black list is a product of long studies and excellent work by specialists, that we have to believe this. There was no decent explanation given fur such dramatic measure. Somebody else told here that there was no spot check done on the 777's who are now banned. That should say enough, I think.
It is only notionally a communist country now - elections are due in 18 months are so and proably will happen. There is a huge campaign for people in the provinces to register.
Nice to hear about the forthcoming elections: last ones were 15 years ago, isn't it? Let's hope that other political parties then the MPLA will also be allowed, although that's not that obvious for elections in communism countries ("all political parties are allowed, as long as they're communist parties").
Actually the choice of many is to take a Air Namibia 732 to Windhoek rather than a 73G of Taag. And that is the locals. Not 777's go there as far as i know.
I think SW is preferred more because of their punctuallity and friendly service on board. Off course I know the 777's don't fly WDH-LAD or JNB-LAD, but I've only said it would be a nice message to the EU if European pax have to fly the TAAG 777 as add on.
LX-LGX,
Fair enough, I have only visited SA and Angola but from what I have seen the workings of Namibia, SA, Botswana are by reputation way more advanced than here in Luanda in everything they do.
Yes EU governments are interested in Angola's oil - but you have to bear in mind that Angola has to sell this oil. I work in the oil sector but not for an oil company - the amount of revenue that is coming into government in Angola is staggering and they cannot afford to do without it for any length of time. They also cannot afford to by too beholdent on individual countries. Sure, the US, China and Japan would take all of the production if they could but that would make Angola too dependent on those nations...hence they spread it about a bit whether by design or by accident. Yes the EU wants its mits on ANgolan oil but as long as they can buy from elsewhere their world keeps turning - and that is certainly the case now.
The fact is - you remove the opporunity for rotational staff to go production falls sharply as they exceed contracted hours. The local skills are still not here to make up the shortfall in foreign offshore staff. The EU can still get oil elsewhere....the Angolans cannot keep producing without the thousands of foreign workers flying on TAP, BA, AF and even Taag.
It seems that the government of Angola has recognised this and announced that operations for all EU airlines can return to normal this week. This is according to my contact in any case and BA and AF are selling tickets to LUanda so it seems reasonable.
The same source tells me that the TAAG 777's are very tight in the back as well by the way!
Fair enough, I have only visited SA and Angola but from what I have seen the workings of Namibia, SA, Botswana are by reputation way more advanced than here in Luanda in everything they do.
Yes EU governments are interested in Angola's oil - but you have to bear in mind that Angola has to sell this oil. I work in the oil sector but not for an oil company - the amount of revenue that is coming into government in Angola is staggering and they cannot afford to do without it for any length of time. They also cannot afford to by too beholdent on individual countries. Sure, the US, China and Japan would take all of the production if they could but that would make Angola too dependent on those nations...hence they spread it about a bit whether by design or by accident. Yes the EU wants its mits on ANgolan oil but as long as they can buy from elsewhere their world keeps turning - and that is certainly the case now.
The fact is - you remove the opporunity for rotational staff to go production falls sharply as they exceed contracted hours. The local skills are still not here to make up the shortfall in foreign offshore staff. The EU can still get oil elsewhere....the Angolans cannot keep producing without the thousands of foreign workers flying on TAP, BA, AF and even Taag.
It seems that the government of Angola has recognised this and announced that operations for all EU airlines can return to normal this week. This is according to my contact in any case and BA and AF are selling tickets to LUanda so it seems reasonable.
The same source tells me that the TAAG 777's are very tight in the back as well by the way!
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sn-remember
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It is in the best interest of TAAG to get compliant with the international safety standards.
Otherwise, they will lose their customer base, or rather they will fail gaining one.
They should take example of the (few) black african carriers that managed to succeed, mainly KQ (and even them lost a brand new 737 with all human load in an ill clarified crash making no good to their reputation).
In my view, taag should try similarly to build a tie with a sophisticated carrier willing to invest in the angolan market.
But up to now no one is pushing at the Luanda gates.
This brings me back to the much controversial SN-Camair (still open?) deal. I am convinced there still is a true opportunity for sn there, putting in shape a sophisticated carrier in that part of Africa which lacks that so much.
Come on where is the fighting spirit within and for the sake of the african continent which made SABENA their glory during most of the past century?
Don't tell me this spirit cannot be revived
Otherwise, they will lose their customer base, or rather they will fail gaining one.
They should take example of the (few) black african carriers that managed to succeed, mainly KQ (and even them lost a brand new 737 with all human load in an ill clarified crash making no good to their reputation).
In my view, taag should try similarly to build a tie with a sophisticated carrier willing to invest in the angolan market.
But up to now no one is pushing at the Luanda gates.
This brings me back to the much controversial SN-Camair (still open?) deal. I am convinced there still is a true opportunity for sn there, putting in shape a sophisticated carrier in that part of Africa which lacks that so much.
Come on where is the fighting spirit within and for the sake of the african continent which made SABENA their glory during most of the past century?
Don't tell me this spirit cannot be revived
sophisticated carrier? You mean with that little bit 'je ne sais pas quoi' and 'with know how'? sn-remember?sn-remember wrote:This brings me back to the much controversial SN-Camair (still open?) deal. I am convinced there still is a true opportunity for sn there, putting in shape a sophisticated carrier in that part of Africa which lacks that so much.
Come on where is the fighting spirit within and for the sake of the African continent which made SABENA their glory during most of the past century?
Don't tell me this spirit cannot be revived
And to answer your, where is the fighting spirit?
I think it retired. :cheers:
That 'je ne sais pas quoi' is what makes eating Belgian fries so different IN Belgium, nothing tastes like that outside Belgium, except when Belgian fries were served in the Sabena hotels in ..... Africa, IMHO.
What Sabena or TAP did IN Africa, no others did it like that there.
You know, Juan Trippe, Pan Am's president, offered during WWII to help the British Imperial Airways, they even created PAA-Africa, Ltd. - a Pan American subdivision. The famous 1203rd Routes. How long did the numero uno of aviation stay in Africa. Although they had the sophistication, and were top until the 747, of which they were the launching carrier.
Meanwhile we, the little Belgians kept on operating our B707's in Africa into the 1980's with that 'je ne sais pas quoi'.
I have seen the migrations in Africa from the 707's to the DC10's, from the DC10's to the B747's and Airbus. While we had a DC10 on the tarmac, we operated a telex on car batteries back ups. The leaps Sabena took, were short but long pondered.
I trained staff in Africa, I guarantee they can compare with the best.
That 'je ne sais pas quoi' was also that we worked like we owned the company....
The tyres 'belonged' to the station mechanic, he would almost the same care for them as for his children.
The steward on galley duty took care of his 'kitchen' like if it was his own.
The pilots made pre-flight-check as if they owned the aircraft.
Need I to tell more?
Some Africans see that ownership differently. Ownership and Africa is a cultural problem, as is maintenance as well.
And that 'je ne sais pas quoi' died when the company died. Resuscitations are tricks that work only in religions.
What I'm telling sn-remember, is that this spirit cannot be revived.
Africa needs other ways.
Well said. This is the region with probably the most plane crashes year after year so the EU must be tough.
Take LAD for example. I have to be at the airport 5 hours before the departure of the SAA flight on SAturday or I will be bumped depsite reconfirming ad-infinitum. It's nuts. Even then - you will find check in staff being bribed to bump people etc. I know it happens - seen it with my own eyes. If stuff like this goes on in the terminal what is happening with maintenance documents and things? Probably nothing but the fact is the EU (or anyone else) doesn't know this. Even the state oil company charters a foreign company to fly to Houston for them - says it all really.
I hope Taag gets their house in order and quickly as it would be a shame to waste the opportunity they have with new aircraft. By the way, I believe the one that crashed was a 732 and not a new 73G. There is apparently a problem with the 73G landing on certain rough strips in Angola from what I hear. In which case why buy them would be my next question......!?? There is no sign of the strips being upgraded in many locations...yet.
Take LAD for example. I have to be at the airport 5 hours before the departure of the SAA flight on SAturday or I will be bumped depsite reconfirming ad-infinitum. It's nuts. Even then - you will find check in staff being bribed to bump people etc. I know it happens - seen it with my own eyes. If stuff like this goes on in the terminal what is happening with maintenance documents and things? Probably nothing but the fact is the EU (or anyone else) doesn't know this. Even the state oil company charters a foreign company to fly to Houston for them - says it all really.
I hope Taag gets their house in order and quickly as it would be a shame to waste the opportunity they have with new aircraft. By the way, I believe the one that crashed was a 732 and not a new 73G. There is apparently a problem with the 73G landing on certain rough strips in Angola from what I hear. In which case why buy them would be my next question......!?? There is no sign of the strips being upgraded in many locations...yet.
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sn-remember
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Your pint made me thirsty SN30952 
But I cannot share your pessimism.
I hope (candidly?) that the fighting spirit has not retired.
And I like to believe that tiny Belgium has still a role to play in the skies of Africa.
But we must look to the future without forgetting the achievements of the past, draw the necessary lessons and adapt consequently, bearing in mind that the purposefulness comes from past experience's enrichments.
That's why sometimes I grumble seeing the apparent paralysis at sn's headquarters.
Right the context has changed, and not always in the good way as you mention again Chunk.
But Angola comes back from far, with so much atrocities and wars and violence that lasted for decades and ruined the country and much of its cultural traditions.
The natural resources are a blessing but it remains to be seen what is effectively being done with those god sent revenues. But this is another issue and probably OOT (out of topic).
Taag managers must understand that the airlines business is a very requiring one, and having some new a/c, pilots and some technical expertise, although a decisive step forward, is far from sufficient to make it work.
I sincerely hope they can find a way to solve this out maybe with the support of some 3d party contractors.
Indeed Chunk a disorganised airport in such a calamitous way is in no way an incentive to dare embarking the flag carrier
And their record tells it all.
Yes the EU must be tough on this but if I see the stick, I don't see the carrot ... yet
But I cannot share your pessimism.
I hope (candidly?) that the fighting spirit has not retired.
And I like to believe that tiny Belgium has still a role to play in the skies of Africa.
But we must look to the future without forgetting the achievements of the past, draw the necessary lessons and adapt consequently, bearing in mind that the purposefulness comes from past experience's enrichments.
That's why sometimes I grumble seeing the apparent paralysis at sn's headquarters.
Right the context has changed, and not always in the good way as you mention again Chunk.
But Angola comes back from far, with so much atrocities and wars and violence that lasted for decades and ruined the country and much of its cultural traditions.
The natural resources are a blessing but it remains to be seen what is effectively being done with those god sent revenues. But this is another issue and probably OOT (out of topic).
Taag managers must understand that the airlines business is a very requiring one, and having some new a/c, pilots and some technical expertise, although a decisive step forward, is far from sufficient to make it work.
I sincerely hope they can find a way to solve this out maybe with the support of some 3d party contractors.
Indeed Chunk a disorganised airport in such a calamitous way is in no way an incentive to dare embarking the flag carrier
And their record tells it all.
Yes the EU must be tough on this but if I see the stick, I don't see the carrot ... yet
I take your point sn-remember regarding the carrot and the stick and there are two issues as I see with that.
First - Angola does have a carrot in a sense that the oil industry would not be what it is and Angola's revenues what they are without the expertise of EU and US organisations. The war destroyed education for a couple of generations (except for the very wealthy who go tout) and only now are things recovering in terms of local staff abilities and qualifications. Angola is still dependent on a daily basis on this expertise so the airline issue would directly impact that.
Second - should there in fact be a carrot and stick approach when it comes to safety and security? Surely it should be a stick and stick approach. I mean....could you really say something like we'll give you extra landing slots if your engines are maintained properly!? Extreme example maybe but just an illustration!
First - Angola does have a carrot in a sense that the oil industry would not be what it is and Angola's revenues what they are without the expertise of EU and US organisations. The war destroyed education for a couple of generations (except for the very wealthy who go tout) and only now are things recovering in terms of local staff abilities and qualifications. Angola is still dependent on a daily basis on this expertise so the airline issue would directly impact that.
Second - should there in fact be a carrot and stick approach when it comes to safety and security? Surely it should be a stick and stick approach. I mean....could you really say something like we'll give you extra landing slots if your engines are maintained properly!? Extreme example maybe but just an illustration!
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sn-remember
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I understand your point Chunk.
But we are are not Texans aren't we?
I mean in such critical situations there must always be an offering for a way out.
EU and Angola (together) to find out ways and means.
Your 2nd point (in my view) is the most convincing.
Never forget that EU is a regulator and not a superpower.
I believe the EU should put concrete propositions forward.
And never cut the dialogue.
But it's late for me I cannot elaborate further today.
But we are are not Texans aren't we?
I mean in such critical situations there must always be an offering for a way out.
EU and Angola (together) to find out ways and means.
Your 2nd point (in my view) is the most convincing.
Never forget that EU is a regulator and not a superpower.
I believe the EU should put concrete propositions forward.
And never cut the dialogue.
But it's late for me I cannot elaborate further today.
We are not Texans....like that 
Anyway, the carrot that you are talking about could be something like....fix the problem and you get landing slots at Gatwick. You know, something they would have got anyway but helps TAAG explain themselves to the local media...
Speaking of which...
The Jornal De Angola yesterday printed a story about TAAG having direct flights to Lisbon again and the headline said 'using an Airbus 330'. Two things interesting about this.
First they made a point of saying Airbus 330 in the headline- mainly because one the insane theories floating around the public here last week was that the EU was taking revenge on TAAG for buying Boeing and not Airbus!!! I mean for gods sake....anyone would think they were reading airliners.net to come up with that crap. Journalists eh?
Second - who is doing the flying for them? I know MEA did some last year for them when their fleet was grounded by themselves as they didn't meet their own safety standards.....scary.
Anyway, the carrot that you are talking about could be something like....fix the problem and you get landing slots at Gatwick. You know, something they would have got anyway but helps TAAG explain themselves to the local media...
Speaking of which...
The Jornal De Angola yesterday printed a story about TAAG having direct flights to Lisbon again and the headline said 'using an Airbus 330'. Two things interesting about this.
First they made a point of saying Airbus 330 in the headline- mainly because one the insane theories floating around the public here last week was that the EU was taking revenge on TAAG for buying Boeing and not Airbus!!! I mean for gods sake....anyone would think they were reading airliners.net to come up with that crap. Journalists eh?
Second - who is doing the flying for them? I know MEA did some last year for them when their fleet was grounded by themselves as they didn't meet their own safety standards.....scary.
TAAG has restarted Luanda-Lisbon, its best route: with a 744, leased from neighboor SAA.
http://www.macauhub.com.mo/en/news.php?ID=3755
http://www.macauhub.com.mo/en/news.php?ID=3755