Paulo Teixeira Jorge Airport, in Catumbela, receives certification

Catumbela, Benguela, December 12, 2024 - Paulo Teixeira Jorge Airport, located in Catumbela, province of Benguela, today received official certification from the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC). This historic milestone reaffirms the status and importance of this infrastructure as an essential element of the Angolan airport system, promoting safety, efficiency and alignment with the highest international quality standards.
Opened on August 27, 2012, this airport was designed to develop international operations. In 2022, its name was changed in order to honor the illustrious anti-colonial leader and former governor of Benguela, Paulo Teixeira Jorge, who - interestingly - in January 1977, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, signed Angola's accession to the Convention of International Aviation, known as the Chicago Convention.
With the certification delivered today, the completion of a rigorous process, conducted in accordance with instruction Nº22C.105.001.B, from ANAC, in which Sociedade Gestora de Aeroportos, S.A. (SGA) actively participated, in technical and operational terms. , S.A.).
The impact of this certification extends beyond the aviation sector, strengthening air connectivity and boosting tourism, trade and investment. This milestone positions Angola, and Benguela in particular, as safer and more attractive destinations for business and leisure, contributing to the growth of national and regional economies.
The certification will allow the operation of longer-range international air routes and the reception of large aircraft - Air Force One, the North American presidential plane, landed in Catumbela on December 4th, with President Biden on board -, with significant benefits for the strategic sectors of the Angolan economy, which includes agribusiness.
Amélia Domingues Kuvíngua, President of ANAC, highlighted the relevance of this step for Angolan civil aviation: "The certification of Paulo Teixeira Jorge Airport demonstrates Angola's commitment to the highest international standards of safety and quality, positioning the country as a competitive actor in global aviation. This achievement is the result of hard work and close collaboration between ANAC, SGA, S.A. and other players in the sector."
In turn, Manuel Agostinho Filipe Júnior, President of SGA, S.A., highlighted the impact of this certification on economic development: "The certification is a historic milestone for Benguela and the country. This recognition not only reinforces confidence in our operations, but it also opens up new opportunities for the growth of tourism, commerce and agribusiness.
We will continue to work to ensure the quality and safety of our infrastructures and services."
The certification of Paulo Teixeira Jorge Airport represents the growing renewal of Angola's and its authorities' commitment to excellence in the airport sector. SGA, S.A. will continue to invest in the future of this infrastructure, maintaining the high standards now recognized, contributing to sustainable development and Angola's connectivity with the world.