Angola's state airline TAAG announced on Thursday, 8 October, that it has activated its operational continuity plan in response to a fresh strike notice from its aircraft maintenance technicians.

In a statement cited by Lusa, Linhas Aéreas de Angola said it had taken the measure "with the objective of reducing the possible impacts of the work stoppage and preserving as much of the planned schedule as possible".

TAAG said it had received formal notice from the Aircraft Maintenance Technicians' Union (STMA) of planned strike periods between 11 and 15 October, 6 and 10 November, 5 and 10 December, and 19 and 23 December.

The airline said it would "release, with as much advance notice as possible, information on any changes to the flight schedule". It added that "affected passengers will be contacted directly through the details associated with their respective bookings and informed of the options available for managing their travel".

According to TAAG, the strike notice follows an ongoing negotiation process between the carrier and the STMA, in which the two parties have so far been unable to reach agreement on the union's demands.

TAAG has tabled a 20% salary increase, while the STMA is holding out for a cumulative pay rise of 100% by December 2027. "We value our technicians and want to reach an agreement that recognises their contribution while, at the same time, being sustainable and balanced for the company as a whole," TAAG said.

Clóvis Rosa, president of Linhas Aéreas de Angola, is quoted in the statement as saying that, while dialogue continues, the airline's priority is "to protect passengers, ensure the greatest possible continuity of operations, and maintain safety as a non-negotiable principle".

"The safety of passengers, crews, and aircraft remains a non-negotiable priority. The operation of any flight will always depend on full compliance with the applicable technical, operational, and safety requirements," he said.

TAAG said it "remains fully available to continue dialogue with the Aircraft Maintenance Technicians' Union, with a view to reaching a balanced and sustainable solution that simultaneously preserves the interests of workers, passengers, and the company".