Article from BTNews 3 DECEMBER 2018
TAP greets first A330neo
An increase in its US network to bring in Chicago and Washington DC was announced by TAP Air Portugal last week within hours of it taking delivery of the world’s first new-generation widebody Airbus A330neo.
As launch customer, the airline has 20 more of the new aircraft, complete with Airbus’ new Airspace cabin, on order. Deliveries will be spread over the next few years.
The first is leased from Avolon and is fitted with 298 seats: 34 full-flat versions in Business Class, 96 in Economy Plus and 168 in Economy. TAP says it will be deployed to Africa as well as the Americas.
The first of the new routes, Lisbon – Chicago O’Hare, will begin on 1 June, with Lisbon – Washington Dulles starting on 16 June. Both will be served with five flights a week.
The airline’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, said: “I am delighted to welcome the first Airbus A330-900. Its economics and efficiency will power our business forward and offer operational flexibility thanks to its commonality with our other Airbus models.
Airbus Commercial Aircraft president Guillaume Faury added: “Handing over the first A330neo to a long-standing Airbus customer is an important milestone for Airbus and marks another step toward meeting our industry’s goal for sustainable aviation.”
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Simon Grigor, Harrow
Perhaps before they introduce new routes, TAP might consider putting their own aircraft on their current routes? In the last fortnight I have travelled on TP2 and TP5, Lisbon to Natal and back the other way. Both routes were operated by 'Hi-Fly' Airbus A340s. The first had just one working toilet in economy; the second didn't have seat back screens, nor any entertainment shown on 'old style' TVs. Poor.