Launches New Route from Los Angeles to Lisbon: A Long-Term Commitment by TAP
Flying Across the Pond: TAP Air Portugal's Long-Awaited New Route
In a bold move to serve the burgeoning demand for direct connections between California and Europe, TAP Air Portugal kicked off its latest venture—a non-stop flight route between Los Angeles (LAX) and Lisbon (LIS) starting on May 16, 2025. Here's the lowdown on this exciting new service and what TAP has in store for this long-haul connection.
Boosting Frequencies and Capacities- TAP's ambitious plans include upgrading the operating frequency from three to four weekly flights, adding Saturdays to the schedule after May 25.- The airline will rely on the state-of-the-art Airbus A330-900 neo aircraft, ensuring an efficient and comfortable ride for passengers during their 11-hour journey from LAX to LIS.- For the summer season through October 2025, TAP anticipates catering to about 55,000 seats, anticipated to surge during peak travel months and leveraging the wide connections available over Lisbon.
Cashing in on Tourism and Sporting Events- As Los Angeles is gearing up to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Olympic Games in 2028, this route may witness a boost in tourism and travel, given increased demand during the sporting events and cultural festivals.- Though specific data on the impact of these upcoming events is yet to be seen, the convenience of this flight is undoubtedly a jackpot for travelers seeking a direct connection between the two bustling cities.
Tapping into the Market Opportunity- The market between LA and Lisbon saw approximately 79,000 point-to-point passengers in the year ending July 2024, signals a promising demand for this direct route.- TAP's expansion into North America, including this new route, is a significant element of their broader strategy to magnify their U.S. market presence, offering more than 100 weekly flights from North America during the summer.
Connecting Cultures and Cultivating Community- TAP anticipates that the Portuguese-American community in Los Angeles and surrounding areas will be a target market, with the potential to attract them back to their roots.- Besides, famed for its hospitality, Portugal is high on the list of destinations for Americans seeking an authentic European experience, which likely accelerates the demand for this new route.
Unlocking the Atlantic with TAP's Stopover Program- TAP's innovative Stopover program allows travelers to stay up to 10 days in Portugal, at no additional cost, and explore other European destinations that the airline connects to via Lisbon.
The California-Portuguese connection is forging ahead, with this direct link symbolizing a revitalized and prosperous relationship between the two regions. As the airline gears up to unveil this long-anticipated route, passengers can look forward to an unparalleled flying experience across the Atlantic.
Additional Reading:- TAP contests the launch of a process interposed by the former CEO in the Civil Court
Embracing French Influences - Given Portugal's close proximity to France, travelers on TAP's LA-Lisbon route may find themselves drawn to the charming French lifestyle that permeates Lisbon, providing a unique blend of culture and cuisine.
Discovering European Destinations - With TAP's Stopover program, passengers can easily incorporate a visit to France into their travel plans, expanding their European adventure and enjoying the rich diversity that the continent has to offer.