TAP Air Portugal waved goodbye to the last of its A330-300s last week. The airline is now completing its ambitious project of overhauling its aircraft for long-haul operations.

Airbus A321LR
The introduction of the Airbus A321LR is part of TAP's wider mission to upgrade its fleet. Photo: Airbus

Young unit

The Lisbon-based carrier has been updating its fleet with new Airbus aircraft over the last year. The process was catalyzed when the company received its first A330neo widebody last November. Additionally, it gained its first A321LR in April of this year. This move made TAP the first airline to hold both of these aircraft within the same fleet.

One Mile at a Time reports that, with its overhaul, TAP now operates 17 new A330-900neos and four A321LRs. This has considerably brought down the age of its long-haul fleet. Before, the average age of the long-haul planes was 15 years. Within the last year, the average age is has dropped to just 3.9 years. The freshness of the fleet is further noticeable as the airline also has seven retrofitted A330-200s within its holdings.

TAP first A330neo
TAP Portugal was one of the first airlines to add the A330neo to its fleet. Photo: Airbus

Extra touches

Despite completing the process of retiring the A330-300 and the A340, TAP is determined to keep adding. The airline has a further six A330neos on order. Furthermore, it is expecting the delivery of eight more A321LRs.

TAP A330-900neo interior
The interior of the business cabin in a TAP A330-900neo interior. Photo: Paul Lucas / Simple Flying

TAP has been putting in the work to make sure that the interior of its modern carriers is up to scratch. All of its long-haul aircraft now feature flat beds for those seeking more comfort. In addition, WiFi and inflight entertainment are available on all of these services.

TAP A330neo Business Class
A TAP A330-900neo business class seat. Photo: Paul Lucas / Simple Flying

Portuguese pride

Last month, TAP introduced "Pêro da Covilhã", its A321LR named after a Portuguese explorer. This voyager played an important part in paving the way for Vasco da Gama’s venture to India. This is an appropriate name for the aircraft as it is being used for cross-continental trips from Portugal.

This month, the airline also ceremonially named one of its A330neo aircraft. "D. Fuas Roupinho" is named after a knight during the reign of King Afonso Henriques. The airline will be hoping that the aircraft can nobly provide services within the skies, much like its namesake did on the land.

TAP A330neo
TAP Air Portugal's A330-900 mainly flies transatlantic services. Photo: TAP Air Portugal

It is evident that TAP is very proud of its fleet upgrade. As the flag carrier of Portugal, it feels a sense of responsibility for upholding the country's spirit through its operations.

The firm is a representative of its nation to countries across the globe with its long-haul flights. Therefore, it has made sure to have the best-suited equipment available by holding an up-to-date fleet.

Simple Flying reached out to TAP for comment on its aircraft upgrades. We will update the article with any further information.

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