The history of civil aviation in Cabo Verde was built through the contribution of different aircraft which, over the decades, helped overcome the distances between the islands, supported economic and social development, and brought communities closer together.

Among the aircraft models that marked this journey, the Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander stands out for its robustness and its ability to operate from short runways, features that were particularly suited to the island reality of Cabo Verde.

The de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, popularly known in Cabo Verde as “Djô Canela”, distinguished itself through its versatility and reliability, playing an important role in inter-island air connections, thanks to its ability to adapt to different operational conditions.

The Hawker Siddeley HS748-200 represented an important stage in the evolution of regional air transport, allowing for greater passenger and cargo capacity. The de Havilland DH.104 Dove, meanwhile, belonged to an early generation of aircraft used in air connections between the islands.

Other models, such as the OGMA Auster D5/160 Husky and the de Havilland DH.89A Dragon Rapide, are also part of this legacy, representing the early beginnings of aviation and the establishment of air connections in a territory characterised by geographical dispersion.

More than just means of transport, these aircraft represent important milestones in Cape Verdean aviation, reflecting technological evolution, the commitment of aviation professionals, and the strategic role of air transport in connecting the islands.

This legacy was also perpetuated through philately. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), celebrated in 1984, the Cabo Verde Post Office issued a stamp series dedicated to some of the aircraft that shaped the country´s aviation history.

Today, this philatelic issue stands as a valuable historical testimony, contributing to the appreciation of the legacy of civil aviation in Cabo Verde.

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