TransVerde Airlines aims to bridge the transportation gap within the 10-island archipelago and is actively exploring a $15 million investment to establish a streamlined, digitally-enabled air service. The airline, led by aviation veteran Rui Lima, intends to make Cabo Verde’s transport network more resilient and accessible. Lima highlights the need for efficient infrastructure, not just for tourism but also for the movement of local produce and workforce across islands.

The rapid growth of tourism in Cabo Verde—up 7% in 2021 and 17.4% in 2022—calls for a reliable transportation network to support and spread the economic benefits across the islands. Currently, many visitors are limited to single-island stays, missing out on the opportunity to explore Cabo Verde’s full cultural and geographic diversity. TransVerde Airlines’ mission includes enhancing inter-island connectivity, enabling tourists to explore multiple destinations and bringing direct economic benefits to more local communities.

In terms of route expansion, TransVerde Airlines is focused initially on connecting the key islands of Santiago, Sal, and São Vicente. With plans to add other West African destinations, the airline aims to support both passenger and cargo services, with projected demand growth in cargo transport rising by 37.6% as of July 2024.

With a seasoned management team and partnerships with key industry players like Brookfield Aviation Finance, TransVerde is well-positioned to fulfill its mission. The airline’s co-founder, Vishal Narayanaswamy, emphasizes the strategic role of digital tools and advanced aviation technology in achieving operational success.

For Cabo Verde, this initiative not only meets the rising demand but also lays a foundation for sustainable tourism growth, enabling the archipelago to thrive as a multi-island destination with fair economic distribution.