TAP Air Portugal bets big on the A321LR with route expansion

It seems TAP Air Portugal is really going in big with the Airbus A321LR, as it announces new destinations for the type for Summer 2020.

TAP Air Portugal Airbus A321LR – Image, TAP Air Portugal  

The airline will use the long-range narrow-body for three new routes

• Maceió, North East Brazil – Operating three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
• Montreal, Canada, Six days a week (excluding Wednesdays)
• Lisbon-Ponta Delgada-Boston (Lisbon to Ponta Delugada goes up to five days a week, with Boston tagged on).

It’s the first time the airline has expanded to Brazil in five years, with the A321LR unlocking the route – and will be the 11th Brazilian destination operated by the airline.

For the North America network, it’s major growth as the airline focuses on its JetBlue partnership, as well as general passenger-carrying – with the airline reporting 250% growth between Portugal and the USA over the past few years

In quotes

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of TAP said

“This aircraft, the A321 “LR”, which I occasionally claim stands for “Lisbon Range”, is a true game changer. The way to travel between Brazil and Europe is now more modern, efficient and environmentally friendly. With the departure of old airplanes, flights to and from Brazil are now operated exclusively by new or modern cabin interiors, which allow passengers to enjoy high levels of comfort, ”

He added

“This is a historic moment in the Company’s journey. With the inauguration of these new routes, TAP goes from three routes in 2015 to 11 North American routes, the same number as Brazil. This is another important step in the Company’s network diversification and expansion plan, which strengthens its exposure to new and less volatile markets,”

Tactical Growth

With TAP’s new network growth, it is very targeted – and using the equipment to target that growth.

As we go beyond the Boeing 757 era – where it was possible to spin up a new long and thin route easily, airline are looking to continue growing their networks with known quantities, whilst controlling costs.

And like it or lump in – Boeing 757 aircraft aren’t getting any younger.

With airlines seeing efficiencies in having pilots being able to use the common type ratings – combined with the possibilities of the A321LR (and the upcoming XLR). expect a lot more interesting routes popping up with the type over the next few years.

And TAP Portugal must be eying up what it can do with the type, with a possible large route map.

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