TAAG is the first African carrier to purchase, own and operate a B777-300ER, of which it took delivery of its first of two firm orders in Jun-2011. TAAG commenced operating the aircraft on routes to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo this week, enhancing its strategically important links to the South American continent. The carrier will also take this opportunity to enhance its cornerstone Lisbon service with the aircraft. Service into China (Beijing) will be relaunched in Aug-2011 using previously grounded B777-200 equipment while services to the US are also reportedly in the planning phase.