Tapping Into a New Aviation Era With TAP Air Portugal

TAP Air Portugal has been rolling back the clock to celebrate the airline's forthcoming new fleet - 53 new planes, which include the much-anticipated Airbus A330neo featuring Airspace by Airbus cabin. The airline is the first in the world to showcase the cabin. Highlights include ample overhead storage, variable LED lighting features and a new bathroom design. (Mood lighting, anyone?)

Passengers fortunate enough to recently book on a fabulously retrofitted A330 experienced a 1970s throwback flight that featured flight attendants donning Louis Feraud uniforms, recreations of period flight bags, historically referenced meals and enough retro films ("Rocky," "Annie Hall," "Star Wars" and more) to stay entertained for the transatlantic flight. And to toast TAP Air Portugal's growing international presence and forthcoming fleet, Graham's single harvest 1972 port was poured in celebration.

While the retro flights have been creating plenty of industry buzz, what's gaining even more traction is TAP Air Portugal's emerging presence as the go-to airline not only to Portugal but also as a gateway to the rest of Europe and beyond.

Founded in 1945, TAP's current fleet is comprised of 80 aircrafts and has planted firm stakes in the American market thanks, in part, to JetBlue founder David Neelman's $391 million purchase for 61 percent of the airline. To keep things in the family, the previously government-owned airline sold 5 percent to employees.

TAP Air Portugal has been on a growth spurt ever since and now boasts a network of 84 destinations in 34 countries worldwide and approximately 2,500 flights per week. Accolades continue to roll in as well, including being named the Best Airline in Europe for the seventh consecutive year by the readers of Global Traveler magazine.

In addition, the airline won three World Travel Awards this past fall, being named Europe's Leading Airline to Africa, Europe's Leading Airline to South America, and Leading Inflight Magazine for "UP."

Lisbon as One of EDGE's Seven Gay Wonders of the World

EDGE has also had its eye on Portugal, naming Lisbon as one of its Seven Gay Wonders of the World for 2018. With this year's list focusing on culinary travel, Portugal ranks high for its gastronomic prowess from chefs like José Avillez and the always-packed TimeOut Market.

TAP now also offers codeshare flights from 38 JetBlue locales to TAP's New York City (JFK), Boston (BOS), and Newark (EWR) flights to Lisbon.

"With growth in multiple U.S. markets in just the first year, JetBlue and TAP are bringing valuable connectivity to customers both in the U.S. and abroad," said Tracy Bink, Director of Alliances and Airline Partnerships for JetBlue. "JetBlue's successful relationship with TAP underscores the importance of our airline partnerships and our commitment to provide award-winning service to travelers around the world."

For example, want to head to land-locked Brussels but hit the beach first? Using TAP's easy-to-follow web portal or mobile app, customers can book a two-part vacation for one price with a Portugal layover on either end of the trip. The program also collaborates with more than 150 partners to offer discounts on hotels, free experiences, museum entries, food tastings and more.

A Taste of Portugal

For those who want to fully embrace their Portuguese experience before the wheels touch down, TAP's in-flight meal service now offers collaborations with five celebrated chefs whose restaurants have been awarded Michelin stars. The "Taste the Stars" project "will allow more people to discover the excellence of our cuisine and fall in love with Portugal, its aromas and scents, its sunshine and sea, its wines and cuisine and, of course, its culture," said Fernando Pinto, TAP Portugal's Chairman, at the official launch in Lisbon.

A recent retro flight experience hosted by the airline included a menu of lobster canapé, tuna tataki, Portuguese beef, and plenty of locally sourced wines. Beyond its namesake port (which has a 300-year history), Portugal produces more than 250 native grape varieties. Once on the ground, imbibe a local favorite - white port and tonic - as a refreshing aperitif, or a sweet glass of Ginja, a cherry liqueur.

From its 1945 founding to today's position at the forefront of the airline industry, TAP Air Portugal is flying high, with innovative offers and a sharp sensibility as to how travelers want to fly in the 21st century.