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.