A lot has happened at TAP since the partial privatisation four years ago. The Portuguese national airline has initiated a comprehensive fleet renewal. On long-haul routes, it will soon fly only Airbus A330 and A330 Neo as well as A321 LR. On short- and medium-haul routes, the A320 Neo and A321 Neo will be its main future destinations.
In addition, TAP has revamped its route network, added new long-haul destinations in the USA and expanded its offering in Spain. The airline is now also initiating the renewal of its regional subsidiary's fleet. Between 2021 and 2023, Portugália Companhia Portuguesa de Transportes Aereos, which operates under the brand name Tap Express, plans to replace its nine Embraer E190s and four E195s lent by its Brazilian sister Azul.
Order shall be placed soon
TAP Express' CEO Valter Fernandes told the aviation database CH Aviation, fuel consumption and capacity restrictions at the Lisbon hub are the reason for the retirement of the E-jets. His airline is aiming to move up from the average seat count of its planes from 110 seats to 130 to 140.
Therefore the choice is not large, says Fernandes. It is a race with «two horses». The Embraer E195-E2 or the Airbus A220-300 are suitable for TAP Express. Soon the airline wants to decide and place an order, says the manager.
