TAP Air Portugal is far from the heart of Europe, but its positioning makes it an essential player in the continent's air transport sector. On the margins of the EU, the Portuguese carrier has for several years positioned itself as the leading airline for South America, particularly Brazil.
" This is a strength that, in particular, is the reason for our roots in France, especially for business travellers. Brazil and Africa are in fact our two largest destinations on the French market beyond France-Portugal traffic.«, states Paloma Utrera, France Director.
Aside from Lisbon and Porto, the main destinations for French travellers using TAP flights are Cape Verde, Funchal on the island of Madeira, and Brazil.
Brazil still in the spotlight
The latter is the «business card» of TAP Air Portugal on the corporate market, claims Paloma Utrera. The airline has a Brazilian network comprising 15 cities.
And it continues to open new destinations. In July, TAP Air Portugal launched three flights a week between Lisbon and Curitiba using an Airbus A330-200. The capital of the state of Paraná is considered one of the most pleasant cities in Latin America and is the gateway to the south of Brazil. This will be followed on 26 October 2026 by the launch of two weekly flights to Airbus A321LR between Lisbon and São Luís in the state of Maranhão, in the north-east of the country. A destination that should arouse the interest of French travellers, as São Luís was thus named when it was founded in 1612 by French settlers wishing to honour Louis XIII!
Another advantage for business travellers choosing TAP Air Portugal flights. Since June, the airline has been offering its new Economy Prime class on its Airbus A330 and A321LR aircraft. This is an intermediate class between Business and standard Eco, offering more space and a blocked middle seat per row.
As for France, there is nothing new according to Paloma Utrera. In fact, the time is rather one of caution prior to the sale of the company, she explains.
" However, a very comprehensive flight schedule is offered. There are 8 daily frequencies between Paris Orly and Lisbon, which operates like a true shuttle. This allows business travellers to benefit from great flexibility in choosing their schedule, with the possibility of changing their flight if needed at no extra cost and subject to availability. There are also 5 daily flights to Porto, as well as daily flights from Lyon, Marseille, Nice and Toulouse to Lisbon.«, describes the boss of TAP France.
While waiting for future shareholders...
Stating that for the time being, while TAP continues to assess the potential of new destinations in France, no decision will be made before the arrival of the new shareholders.
The Portuguese government has specified that the privatisation procedure of the company has been extended until the end of December, with a decision expected before the close of 2026.
