As Portugal was again named Best European Destination at the World Travel Awards, the country’s flag carrier, TAP Air Portugal, announced ambitious plans to significantly expand its North American footprint and add routes worldwide. By summer 2020, TAP planned to introduce 26 additional weekly flights from the United States and Canada, bringing the total to 82 weekly services between North America and Portugal.
This growth represented a dramatic increase compared with 2015, when TAP operated just 16 transatlantic departures from Newark (EWR) and Miami (MIA). The expansion included doubling daily services between New York (JFK) and Lisbon (LIS) and turning the Newark–Porto (OPO) connection into a daily flight. Miami services were set to rise to 10 weekly frequencies, while Washington, D.C. (IAD) and Chicago (ORD) were scheduled to receive daily links to Lisbon. Montréal (YUL) was slated for six weekly flights to Lisbon, and Boston (BOS) for five weekly flights to Ponta Delgada (PDL) in the Azores. Additional North American routes under consideration included Orlando (MCO) and Cancún (CUN).
These plans followed the 2019 summer additions when TAP launched new transatlantic flights from San Francisco (SFO), Chicago and Washington, D.C., alongside existing daily services from Boston (BOS) and Toronto (YYZ) to Lisbon.
TAP’s network growth extended well beyond North America. In Brazil, frequencies to Natal (NAT) and Belém (BEL) were increased from three to five weekly services and a fourth weekly Porto–São Paulo (GRU) rotation was added. The Tel Aviv (TLV) route, introduced in 2019, was doubled to two daily flights, leveraging the Airbus A321 Long Range to strengthen connections between Israel and TAP’s U.S. and Brazilian markets.
After launching six new European routes in 2019, TAP planned additional services to Santiago de Compostela (SCQ), increased frequencies to other Spanish cities and new service to Casablanca, Morocco (CMN). In Africa, TAP continued to expand its presence, adding Banjul, The Gambia (BJL) to reach 18 African destinations, reflecting the carrier’s role serving up to 134,000 customers monthly on the continent.
The network expansion produced clear results in passenger traffic. In July 2019, TAP carried a record 1.7 million passengers, an 11.6 percent increase year over year. The added North American routes played a major role in more than doubling TAP’s transatlantic passenger numbers.
To support the increased schedule, TAP invested heavily in fleet renewal. In summer 2019 the airline reached a fleet size of 100 aircraft for the first time in its 74-year history. Deliveries began on an order for 71 new Airbus jets, including A330neos, A320neos, A321neos and A321LRs. TAP became the launch carrier for the A330neo and, by the end of 2019, was operating Airbus’ latest-generation NEO family across its long- and medium-haul routes.
PHOTO: © TAP AIR PORTUGAL
In a single month TAP christened seven new aircraft, each named for notable figures in Portuguese history and culture. The cabin upgrades ensure consistent comfort across the network, with more spacious, ergonomic economy seats, full-flat seats in Executive Class, modern inflight entertainment and improved connectivity, including unlimited free messaging via Wi‑Fi on many flights. The A330-900neo features the Airspace by Airbus cabin, reduced noise levels and adaptive lighting, while the A321LR provides long-range capability with enhanced passenger comforts.
Across cabin classes TAP introduced Portuguese-designed Recaro seats and rolled out EconomyXtra on select long- and medium-haul routes. EconomyXtra places 56 reclining seats at the front of economy cabins, offering extra legroom, adjustable headrests, power and USB outlets and dedicated luggage space. On long-haul flights, EconomyXtra amenities can also include headsets and additional baggage allowance.
Passengers benefit from a broad entertainment offering, with more than 100 award-winning films and the ability to download newspapers and magazines through TAP apps after check-in, making it easy to access reading material during flights.
The new aircraft also improved fuel efficiency and lowered emissions. The A330-900neo is powered by Rolls‑Royce Trent engines that deliver roughly 17 percent lower fuel consumption compared with previous-generation models, reducing CO2 emissions and noise. The A321neo series offers fuel savings of up to about 15 percent over earlier variants and extends range capability. The A320neo family is positioned as one of the most advanced and fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft in service today.
Promoting Portuguese culture and products remains central to TAP’s identity. The airline highlights Portuguese wines on board, serving around 1.2 million bottles annually selected through partnerships with leading wineries. A panel of experts evaluates wines both on the ground and in the air to ensure the best choices for high-altitude service.
At Lisbon Airport, a redesigned service desk in the departures area near the Premium Customer Center enhances passenger convenience with a comfortable rest area and a ticketing system that allows travelers to receive call-ahead queue notifications via mobile. TAP’s Premium Lounge in the Schengen area at Lisbon Portela Airport emphasizes open, tranquil spaces and is available to Executive Class passengers as well as TAP Miles&Go Gold and Star Alliance Gold members. In other airports the airline provides access to partner and Star Alliance lounges.
Strategic partnerships and codeshares further extend TAP’s global reach. The airline expanded its codeshare with Etihad Airways to include additional European routes and broadened cooperation with Air China to add connections from Chinese cities to London Heathrow, Frankfurt (FRA) and Barcelona (BCN).
To encourage visitors to explore Portugal, TAP’s stopover initiative allows passengers to stay up to five nights in Lisbon or Porto without paying an extra stopover fee. Participating travelers can access hotel and museum discounts, half-price Lisboa Cards and complimentary wines at partner restaurants. The Stopover App supports visitors in planning and making the most of their short stays.