Transportes Aereos de Cabo Verde (TACV Airlines) is to introduce transatlantic flights between the Cabo Verde Islands and Providence, Rhode Island this summer, where there is a strong Cabo Verde diaspora. The airline will introduce a twice weekly link to Theodore Francis Green Memorial State Airport from June 2, 2015 with a third frequency being added during the peak travel season from July through to early September.

The route will operate from the city of Praia on the island of Santiago and will provide connection opportunities for inbound and outbound travel from/to other Cabo Verdean islands: Fogo, Sao Vicente, Sal and Boa Vista. The link will be flown by a Boeing 757-200 configured with 210-seats.

The Cabo Verdean community has a strong presence throughout New England, particularly in Rhode Island and communities surrounding TF Green Airport which the carrier considers a “New Gateway to New England.”

Until this year, TACV Airlines has been serving this demand with flights to Boston Logan International, but this long-standing route will close when the new TF Green link opens this summer. The service has traditionally been geared towards linking family and friends; however, there is a new emphasis on growing Cabo Verde as a tourist destination by promoting the islands’ beauty, climate, hiking, surfing and other water sports.

Located about 300 miles off the coast of Senegal, Cabo Verde is renowned for its natural beauty, picturesque beaches, and Creole hospitality. The islands that make up the arrow-shaped archipelago today were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century.

Cabo Verde gained independence in 1975 and remains one of Africa’s most stable democratic governments. Both Portuguese and Creole are spoken by many of the 450,000 Cabo Verdeans who call the island nation home.

“TACV’s strategy to grow its Praia hub and international presence takes a bold step with these flights to Providence, where we have a strong diaspora and a shared vision for a resurgent future,” said João Pereira Silva, president and chief executive officer, TACV AIrlines. “This service will seamlessly connect the Ocean State to the islands of Cabo Verde and promises to play a leading role in strengthening historic cultural ties while facilitating trade and tourism.”

The confirmation of the new route in the days leading up to Routes Americas has been a major coup for TF Green Airport as it is the facility’s first year-round scheduled international service. The airport will also welcome German leisure carrier Condor during the coming year with the start of a seasonal schedule to Europe, operating to Frankfurt from June 18, 2015.

“This expansion of international service is good news for consumers, particularly our great Cabo Verdean-American community here in Rhode Island and across New England. This airport is a catalyst for economic development throughout the state. I will continue working to help modernise T. F. Green Airport and extend the runway to attract new tourism, jobs, and business to Rhode Island,” said US Senator Jack Reed, the Ranking Democrat on the Senate.