TAP Portugal to Be First A330neo Operator and to Launch Airspace Cabin

Aircraft Airlines Travel Technology April 6, 2016 Staff 0

TAP Portugal has signed an agreement with Airbus to be the first operator of the new A330neo widebody. As a result, TAP Portugal also...

TAP Portugal has signed an agreement with Airbus to be the first operator of the new A330neo widebody.

As a result, TAP Portugal also will be the launch carrier for the Airspace by Airbus cabin brand in the A330neo.

On November 13, 2015, Airbus announced TAP Portugal had signed a purchase agreement for 14 A330-900neo widebodies. However, the new order replaced TAP’s previous order for 12 A350-900s, which the carrier canceled

In 2015, the airline placed a 53-aircraft fleet renewal contract with Airbus which included an order for 14 A330-900neos to replace TAP’s previous order for 12 A350-900s.

Passengers will experience the Airspace by Airbus cabin for the first time when TAP Portugal’s first A330-900neo enters service at the end of 2017.

TAP’s A330-900neo Airspace cabin will include a new welcome area; a new mood LED-based lighting system with 16.7 million possible lighting-color variations; larger overhead bins; new contemporary lavatories; and latest-generation IFE and connectivity.

The ‘Airspace by Airbus’ cabin-interior design brand encompasses four design elements: comfort, ambience, service and design

The relationship between Airbus and Portugal dates back to 1987 when TAP, then Air Portugal, ordered three Airbus A310s.

Today TAP is an all-Airbus operator and the largest operator of Airbus aircraft in Portugal, with 61 aircraft now in service.

These include 43 A320-family jets, 14 A330-200s and four A340-300s. TAP Portugal also has two additional A330-200s on order and due to enter service this June to support the expansion of the carrier’s long-haul operations.

All ‘Airspace by Airbus’ cabins will have consistently recognizable design elements, such as clean, straight lines; clear surfaces; and ambient lighting

TAP Portugal also has placed orders for 15 A320neos and 24 A321neos.

Airbus launched the A330neo program in July 2014, offering two versions, the A330-800neo and the A330-900neo.

Deliveries of A330neos are scheduled to start at the end of 2017.