By Jean-Michel Guhl
13 November 2015, Toulouse, France — TAP Portugal has signed a firm order with Airbus for 53 widebody and single aisle aircraft including 14 A330-900neo, and 39 A320neo Family aircraft (15 A320neos and 24 A321neos). The aircraft will join TAP Portugal’s fleet as part of its fleet renewal announced by the airline’s new majority owner Atlantic Gateway. As part of the agreement, TAP Portugal is replacing its previous order of 12 A350-900s with the A330-900neo.
“Our latest order for 14 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft and 39 A320neo Family aircraft reflects our ongoing commitment to provide our customers with the next generation of fuel efficient aircraft,” said Fernando Pinto, TAP Portugal CEO. “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,” he added.
“With this order for 53 brand new aircraft TAP is reborn. This order today shows Airbus’ confidence in TAP’s future and TAP’s commitment to having the best products for its customers. These aircraft are the right aircraft for TAP’s current missions and growth markets. Furthermore, Airbus is proud of the strength and depth of its relationship with TAP and TAP’s new shareholders. The A330neo Family is the world’s most cost-efficient, medium-range Widebody and the A320neo Family is simply the single aisle aircraft of choice,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers. “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.”
The European airline TAP Portugal is an all Airbus customer, currently operating 43 A320 Family aircraft and 18 widebody Family aircraft.
The A330-800neo and the A330-900neo are two new members of the “Airbus Widebody Family” launched in July 2014 with first deliveries scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2017. The A330neo incorporates latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features. Benefitting from the unbeatable economics, versatility and high reliability of the A330, the A330neo reduces fuel consumption by 14% per seat, making it the most cost efficient, medium range Widebody aircraft on the market. In addition to greater fuel savings, A330neo operators will also benefit from a range increase of around 400 nautical miles and of course all the operational commonality advantages of the Airbus Family.
The A320neo Family incorporates latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklet wing tip devices, which together deliver more than 15% in fuel savings from day one and 20% by 2020 with further cabin innovations. With more than 4,300 orders received from over 75 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60% share of the global market. ♦
