TAP Portugal has invested $75 million in a fleet renewal program to retrofit new onboard cabins for its Airbus A330 fleet. The first refurbished aircraft, named Joao Goncalves Zarco, began operating on routes between the United States and Lisbon in early March.
The airline says the upgraded seats and cabin finishes are intended to align the current A330 interior with the standards of the A330neo, which will join the fleet later this year. TAP will also be the launch customer for the new Airspace by Airbus cabin, with the first neo deliveries expected at the end of the year.
TAP’s Portuguese identity is reflected throughout the cabin thanks to collaborations with local companies. Almadesign selected materials and developed the interior finishes, while Couro Azul supplied the leather used in Executive Class seats, reinforcing a distinctly Portuguese aesthetic.
The economy cabin has been reconfigured into two tiers: Economy and Economy Plus. The redesign creates a more comfortable atmosphere with increased legroom, deeper seat recline and new seat coverings. Economy features green and grey upholstery, while Economy Plus uses green and red tones for a slightly more premium feel.
Executive Class receives a more dramatic upgrade, with 25 new fully flat seats that extend to more than six feet when reclined. These seats are equipped with individual reading lights, table surfaces with storage, cup holders, headphone jacks, USB ports and power sockets to improve passenger comfort and connectivity on long-haul flights.
The retrofit program focuses on passenger comfort and a modern aesthetic while maintaining operational efficiency across TAP’s long-haul fleet. By blending upgraded cabin hardware with Portuguese design elements, the airline aims to deliver a consistent experience between its current A330s and the incoming A330neo aircraft.
The overall cabin refresh is part of TAP’s continued effort to enhance the travel experience, offering improved ergonomics, better in-seat amenities and a cohesive look that mirrors the carrier’s national identity. Passengers on routes served by the refurbished A330s can expect a noticeably improved environment, particularly in Executive Class where the flatbed seats and onboard conveniences elevate long-haul comfort.