TAP Air Portugal has launched its first route to the U.S. West Coast. Beginning June 2019, the carrier operates five weekly non-stop flights between San Francisco (SFO) and Lisbon (LIS), making San Francisco TAP’s eighth gateway in North America.
Flights run Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Departures from San Francisco are scheduled at 4:10 p.m., with arrivals in Lisbon at 11:25 a.m. the following day. The return service departs Lisbon at 10:00 a.m. and arrives in San Francisco at 2:40 p.m.
David Neeleman, founder of JetBlue Airways and a major shareholder in TAP Air Portugal, commented on the expansion: “We’re excited to keep adding new cities from the United States to Portugal. Despite being a 73-year old airline, this year TAP is one of the world’s top 10 fastest-growing airlines. As Portugal has become a more popular destination, U.S. travelers have not only found out about Portugal but also about flying TAP beyond Lisbon to our 70-plus destinations across Europe and Africa.”
TAP is the launch customer for the Airbus A330-900neo and will take delivery of 21 aircraft over the following 18 months. The A330-900neo features modern in-flight entertainment systems and complimentary in-flight messaging. Economy is offered in two variants: standard Economy and EconomyXtra, which provides an additional three inches of legroom for greater comfort.
In Executive business class, TAP provides 34 fully flat reclining seats. Each seat is equipped with USB ports, electrical outlets, audio connections, reading lights and enhanced storage to improve the onboard experience for long-haul travelers.
Economy fares for the San Francisco–Lisbon non-stop service start at approximately $800 round-trip, offering a direct option for travelers between California and Portugal.