WARWICK, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Transportes Aereos de Cabo Verde (TACV), announced the start of service from T. F. Green Airport (PVD) to the Cabo Verde Islands beginning June 2, 2015. 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 30th 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 Cabo Verdean islands: Fogo, Sao Vicente, Sal and Boa Vista.
TACV is excited to fly to PVD, which it considers a “New Gateway to New England.” 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.
Governor Gina 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.”
“I am pleased Cabo Verde Airlines is planning to launch operations at T. F. Green Airport this summer with direct service between Rhode Island and Cabo Verde. This expansion of international service is good news for consumers, particularly our great Cabo Verdean-American community here in Rhode Island and across New England. After experiencing a recent decline in passenger traffic, which coincided with the recession and airline consolidation, it is a positive sign to see expanded service and international carriers coming to Rhode Island. We must continue to build on this progress and plan for the future. This airport is a catalyst for economic development throughout the state. I will continue working to help modernize T. F. Green Airport and extend the runway to attract new tourism, jobs, and business to Rhode Island,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Ranking Democrat on the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, who has led efforts and worked with RIAC, the FAA, and U.S. DOT to help direct an estimated $110 million in federal aviation funds to help make the T. F. Green Improvement Program possible.
Located about 300 miles off the coast of Senegal, Cabo Verde is renowned for its natural beauty, picturesque beaches, and “morabeza” (Creole for hospitality) of its people. The islands that make up the arrow-shaped archipelago today were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century. Cabo Verde gained independence in 1975 and remains one of Africa's most stable democratic governments. Both Portuguese and Creole are spoken by many of the 450,000 Cabo Verdeans who call the island nation home.
Kelly Fredericks, Rhode Island Airport Corporation President and CEO, said “I want to particularly thank 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.”
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TACV schedule between Providence and Praia: |
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| PVD to RAI (Praia) (Tuesdays and Fridays) | RAI to PVD |
| Depart – Arrive June 2 –June 30, 2015 | Depart – Arrive |
| 6:30 p.m. -- 4:30 a.m. (next day) | 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| *In July TACV will add a third weekly round trip on Wednesdays at the same flight times listed above. | |
“TACV’s strategy to grow its Praia hub and international presence takes a bold step today with flights to Providence, where we have a strong diaspora and a shared vision for a resurgent future,” said João Pereira Silva, TACV President and CEO. “This service will seamlessly connect the Ocean State to the islands of Cabo Verde and promises to play a leading role in strengthening historic cultural ties while facilitating trade and tourism,” said Mr. Pereira Silva.
Introductory fares are available for as low as USD$299 one-way including taxes and fees, based on round-trip travel and subject to availability. Flights (subject to government approval) are available for booking now through your favorite travel agent, by phone at 1-617-427-2431, or from February 1, 2015 at: www.flytacv.com.