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Cabo Verde Airlines

About

Cabo Verde Airlines (IATA: VR) is the national flag carrier of the Republic of Cabo Verde, playing a pivotal role in the country's transportation system. Founded over half a century ago, the company is now a modern international operator connecting the archipelago's islands with major cities around the world. The airline's primary strategic hub is located at Amílcar Cabral International Airport in the city of Sal Rei.

Holding the status of national carrier, the airline is 90% state-owned, highlighting its significance for the development of the region's economy and tourism. Cabo Verde Airlines is not a member of any global aviation alliances; however, it actively expands its own route network, positioning itself as a bridge between three continents. The carrier specializes in both scheduled and charter flights, providing reliable connections across the Atlantic.

IATA codeVR
Fleet size3
Passenger traffic375,000
Destinations4
HubSal Rei

One of the airline's key advantages is its unique geographical location. Using the hub on Sal Island, Cabo Verde Airlines offers convenient connections for travelers flying from Europe to South America and Africa. Despite its compact fleet, the carrier strives to maintain high standards of safety and service quality characteristic of international airlines.

The benefits of flying with Cabo Verde Airlines include genuine island hospitality and the opportunity to experience the archipelago's culture while on board. The airline regularly updates its service offerings to meet the needs of modern travelers. For those planning a trip to Praia or the resort islands, the national carrier's flights are often the most direct and convenient travel option.

Contacts

You can contact representatives of Cabo Verde Airlines through the following communication channels:

  • Official website: caboverdeairlines.com
  • Customer support phone: +238 350 01 50
  • General corporate contact: +238 260 8200
  • Support email: customer.service@caboverdeairlines.com
  • Social media: official LinkedIn profile — Cabo Verde Airlines
  • Head office address: Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Praia, Cabo Verde

Please note that no official mobile booking application is available at this time. For urgent matters related to flight delays or lost baggage, it is recommended to call the specified hotline. It is always best to check the official website for the latest contact information and regional office addresses.

Baggage

Baggage rules at Cabo Verde Airlines depend on the selected fare and flight destination. The airline recommends checking specific weight and size allowances directly during the booking process on the official website, as detailed tables available publicly may not always reflect current changes in fare policy.

For carry-on baggage, passengers are usually allowed to take one piece into the cabin, with dimensions and weight that must comply with flight safety standards. In addition to the main piece, a small personal item, such as a handbag or laptop, can be brought into the cabin. All liquids in carry-on baggage must be packed in containers no larger than 100 ml each.

For checked baggage, allowances vary: economy class passengers are typically entitled to one or two pieces of baggage of a specific weight. If your suitcase exceeds the established limits, an excess baggage fee will be required. The airline provides the option to arrange for extra baggage through customer support, which is often cheaper than paying for overweight luggage at the airport check-in counter.

The transportation of special items, such as sports equipment (surfboards, diving gear), musical instruments, or strollers, requires prior arrangement. It is recommended to contact the call center in advance to clarify conditions and potential additional fees. Remember that flammable substances, toxic materials, and other dangerous goods are strictly prohibited for transport.

Pet Rules

Transportation of Animals in the Cabin and Cargo Hold

Cabo Verde Airlines allows the transportation of pets; however, detailed regulations are not published publicly as a single table. All requests for pet transport are considered on an individual basis through the support service.

  • In-cabin transport: Generally, only small animals (cats and dogs) are allowed in the cabin in special soft or hard-sided carriers. The total weight of the animal together with the container is limited.
  • Transport in the cargo hold: Larger animals are transported in a heated cargo compartment in certified containers that meet IATA standards.
  • Required documents: The passenger is required to provide an international veterinary passport, vaccination certificates (including rabies), and a microchip if required by the destination country.

Costs and Restrictions

Pet transportation is always a paid service and is not included in the free baggage allowance. Fares depend on the pet's weight and the flight route.

  • Preparation: It is recommended not to feed the animal for several hours before departure and to ensure there is absorbent bedding in the container.
  • Restrictions: Seasonal restrictions on transporting animals in the cargo hold may apply due to extreme temperatures, and there may also be bans on transporting brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds due to health risks during the flight.

To arrange the service and clarify current requirements, be sure to contact the airline by phone at +238 350 01 50 or by email no later than 48-72 hours before departure.

Loyalty Program

Cabo Verde Airlines Loyalty Program

As of today, Cabo Verde Airlines does not have a publicly announced loyalty program for frequent flyers. Information regarding the ability to earn miles or achieve elite status is unavailable in open sources or official directories.

Service Features

  • Membership Levels: The traditional tier system (Silver, Gold, Platinum) is currently not in use.
  • Earning and Using Miles: Since there is no proprietary program, earning points for flights or using them for award tickets and cabin upgrades is not available.
  • Partnerships: The airline is not a member of any major alliances, so miles from other carriers are typically not recognized on VR flights.

Despite the lack of a bonus program, Cabo Verde Airlines focuses on providing competitive fares and quality service for all categories of travelers. For information on potential future passenger program launches, it is recommended to monitor the news section on the carrier's official website.

Services

On board Cabo Verde Airlines, passengers are offered a standard range of services consistent with its status as a national carrier. The primary offering is Economy Class, which features ergonomic seats and basic amenities. Depending on the aircraft type and flight duration, travelers may be offered food and drinks. On scheduled international flights, in-flight meals are usually included in the ticket price; however, menu details and the option to order special meals (such as vegetarian or halal menus) should be confirmed at the time of booking.

In-flight entertainment systems and Wi-Fi on VR aircraft are not guaranteed on all flights, as equipment depends on the specific aircraft within the company's small fleet. For a comfortable flight with children, the airline provides the option to use bassinets (by prior request) and offers crew assistance with basic needs.

Special services include support for passengers with reduced mobility and escort services for unaccompanied minors. These services require mandatory prior notification to the airline via the support service. Any additional booking changes or orders for paid services are handled through the official website caboverdeairlines.com or the carrier's service center.

Destinations

The flight geography of Cabo Verde Airlines covers important routes connecting the archipelago with the rest of the world. The main connection point and transit hub for all routes is the facility in Sal Rei on Sal Island.

The airline operates scheduled flights to key destinations such as Paris, ensuring reliable connections with Europe. Another vital destination is the republic's capital, the city of Praia, with flights operating from the international hub.

Booking Tips

To purchase Cabo Verde Airlines tickets at the best price, it is recommended to plan your trip in advance. The best time to book is 2-3 months before departure, especially if your travel coincides with peak tourist seasons. The most affordable fares are often found when purchasing tickets in the middle of the week.

It is easiest to track discounts and special offers on the homepage of the official website caboverdeairlines.com. The airline occasionally runs promotions that may not be mirrored on search aggregators. Before paying, be sure to check the conditions of the selected fare, as refund and exchange rules can vary significantly.

The online check-in feature allows you to save time at the airport; however, its availability depends on the specific departure airport. When choosing a seat on board, keep in mind that some options may carry a fee. Since there is no official mobile app, all booking management operations should be conducted via the browser version of the site or by contacting support at +238 350 01 50. Also, do not forget to take out travel insurance for extra peace of mind in case of unforeseen schedule changes.

History

The history of Cabo Verde Airlines (IATA: VR) began back in 1958. It was originally founded under the name TACV (Transportes Aéreos de Cabo Verde) as a state-owned enterprise designed to provide reliable mail and passenger connections between the islands of the archipelago and the mainland. Over the decades, the company grew alongside the young nation, becoming a symbol of its connection to the outside world.

A significant milestone in the carrier's development was its entry into the transatlantic flight market. The airline began developing routes to Europe, South America, and North America, utilizing the islands' strategically advantageous position. Over time, the operational focus shifted toward creating a powerful international hub at Amílcar Cabral Airport in the city of Sal Rei, which allowed for more efficient links between three continents.

In the 2010s, the company underwent a major rebranding, receiving its modern name — Cabo Verde Airlines. This change marked a new stage of development aimed at attracting international tourists and modernizing service. Despite the transformations, the Republic of Cabo Verde retains control over 90% of the company's capital, confirming its status as a national asset.

Today, the airline's fleet consists of a small number of aircraft, yet the route network continues to cover such important cities as Paris and Praia. The evolution from an inter-island mail carrier to a modern international operator demonstrates the resilience and ambition of Cabo Verde Airlines to thrive in the global aviation market while preserving the hospitality traditions of its homeland.

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