Bluegrass Airlines, January 2010

Cape Verde Islands Tour

By Allan Lowson

Cabo Verde Airlines

Cape Verde Air Transportation Company, S.A. (TACV) is the national flag airline of the Republic of Cape Verde. Better known as TACV – Cape Verde Airlines, this public company was established and recognized by the Capeverdean legislation and provides air transportation to passengers, cargo and mail in the domestic and international markets.

The history of commercial aviation in Cape Verde dates back to 1955, when a group of Capeverdeans decided to open the Cape Verde Air Club. The first flight between Praia/Sal/São Vicente/Praia used a twin-engined de Havilland Rapide in 1955, then in 1956 a 9-seat twin-engine Dove was added to the fleet and, finally, two Grumman Widgeon completed the Air Club’s fleet in 1958.

In 1958, the Air Club was transformed into Cape Verde Air Transportation Company (TACV), with the mission to ensure air transportation of passengers, cargo and mail within the archipelago. With the years, TACV expanded its air services to provide international routes as well.

Visitors to the islands can purchase a Cabo Verde Tour Pass to cover services within the island group. With the GAAR coming up, what could be a better preparation than going island hopping off the West African coast?

Island Tour

Heading	Distance	Airport (City Name)	ICAO	Heading	Distance
121	0	Sao Pedro	GVSV		47.1
096	47.1	Preguica	GVSN	301	77.2
187	77.2	Amilcar Cabral (Espargos)	GVAC	276	36.5
211	36.5	Rabil (Sal Rei)	GVBA	007	61.7
243	61.7	Maio	GVMA	031	21.3
281	21.3	Francisco Mendes (Praia)	GVFM	063	57.0
	57.0	Sao Felipe	GVSF	101	0

Flight Simulator Files

Aircraft for the original Air Club fleet are available from www.flightsim.com.

The de Havilland Dove is available in dh104_v2.zip, with a Cabo Verde scheme in dh104_cv.zip, and the DH-89 Rapide is available in FS9_DH89.zip or dh89fsx.zip. The Grumman Widgeon is available in G44_20.zip and an update G44upd.zip.