TAP Portugal has signed a firm order with Airbus for 53 widebody and single-aisle aircraft including 14 A330-900neo, and 15 A320neos and 24 A321neos.
The aircraft will join TAP Portugal’s fleet as part of the fleet renewal announced by the airline’s new majority owner Atlantic Gateway, which acquired 61 per cent of the carrier last week.
TAP reportedly has debts of more than one billion euros ($1.1 billion) and Atlantic Gateway has pledged to invest more than 800 million euros in the airline and return it to profitability next year.
As part of the agreement, TAP Portugal is replacing its previous order of 12 A350-900s with the A330-900neo. It will receive delivery the first of 14 A330 900neo in 2017, while the other 39 aircraft are due by 2020.
TAP Portugal chief executive officer, Fernando Pinto says: “Our latest order for 14 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft and 39 A320neo aircraft reflects our ongoing commitment to provide our customers with the next generation of fuel efficient aircraft.
“The A330neo, like the A320neo Family, will give us the flexibility to enter new markets and improve the frequency of existing ones due to its combination of high reliability, low operating costs and exceptional comfort.”
Airbus chief operating officer for customer, John Leahy says: “The combination of the A330neo and A320neo Families in TAP Portugal’s fleet will allow the airline to reap the benefits of Airbus’ unique aircraft commonality, offering unrivalled efficiencies, with the most modern, fuel efficient and streamlined fleet.”
