TAP Portugal has been in operation since 1945 and has been a member of Star Alliance – the first established global airline alliance in the world – since 2005. This unparalleled experience, combined with the company’s trademark customer service, sees it set to rule as the leading airline in the country. The company’s main hub in Lisbon is a key European gateway at the crossroads of Africa, North America and South America. Here, TAP stands out as the leading international carrier in operation to Brazil, serving ten different gateways with 74 direct flights on average each week.
The TAP network comprises of 76 destinations in 34 countries worldwide. Its top strategic priority is to respond to and anticipate customers’ expectations, by working hard to provide them with the best options and the easiest travel solutions. The company has established partnerships, both on the ground and in the air, which allow TAP to offer customers a product of ever-increasing value, not only serving a wider range of destinations in code-share with other airlines, but also providing them with a considerable variety of associated advantages and benefits.
One such partnership sees TAP team up with OnAir wi-fi, allowing passengers on the A330 Pedro Nunes to stay connected to the world while they fly, with access to the internet on their computer, tablet or smartphone. TAP is one of the first European airlines to offer these in-flight connectivity services, so that customers can make the most of their flight time.
Philosophy and brand
As Portugal’s premium airline, TAP’s main goal is to be the best airline to fly with, the best airline to invest in and the best airline to work for. In the pursuit of such a corporate vision, customer benefits and satisfaction come first, along with safe, reliable and trustworthy operations. To achieve these objectives, the company is strongly committed to quality, customer care, transparency, accountability and social responsibility. Altogether, this translates into on-going work across the entire organisation, supported by highly professional, skilled and motivated teams.
This is the philosophy that overrides TAP’s presence wherever it may be, symbolising its hospitality, role in connecting people, and uniting three continents in a single embrace. It can be simply expressed by the company motto – ‘There’s only one way to travel. With arms wide open’ – which sees the Portuguese airline extend a warm welcome to all people, broadly embracing the cultural diversity covered by its network across Europe, Africa and South America.
TAP strives to deliver safe, reliable and upgraded products and services, tailored to meet customers’ needs and live up to their expectations, while retaining the Portuguese character associated with the company and the brand. These high standards have seen it named Business Destinations’ Best Business Class Airline, South America, 2013.
New destinations have been added to TAP’s network to reinforce its reach, commitment to new technology and to further benefit every customer. Examples include the development of a new loyalty platform, its strong online and mobile strategy to respond to customers on the go and an ever-growing social media presence. According to socialbakers.com, the world’s most quoted source on global Facebook data use, TAP was ranked as having the best customer service in Portugal on the social network, with a wide advantage over other corporations.
An entertaining experience
The customer experience is enhanced further by a diverse range of entertainment on board. TAP planes have interactive audio and video on demand systems, with a selection of over 20 films, 20 hours of TV programmes, daily news, games and over 900 songs and audio books – as well as the chance for passengers to create their own customisable playlists, choosing their favourite tracks from 60 CDs and 12 radio stations.
The entire fleet also shows animated maps, illustrating the plane’s trajectory and giving information about flight conditions, temperature and the time at the departure and arrival cities. Some planes are also equipped with external cameras that show the take-off, approach and landing.
TAP has recently completed the interior cabin upgrade of its A340 fleet programme, including new seating with enhanced in-flight entertainment systems in economy class, granting more comfort and quality to passengers. On long-haul flights, large and soft quilts have replaced the traditional polar blankets, while new headphones with cutting-edge noise-cancelling technology will make your journey more comfortable. Meanwhile, the new recyclable and collectable comfort kits – decorated with art from respected Portuguese, Brazilian and African artists – contain items made from 100 percent natural materials.
Portuguese flavours
The company has also renovated its business class service, with new menus created by cuisine consultant Vítor Sobral. Sobral is an award-winning chef with a unique cooking style, based on celebrating Portuguese products by combining traditional ingredients with innovative techniques, in an ongoing search for new taste experiences. When passengers travel in TAP Executive Class, the goal is to make their trip a unique, exclusive and memorable experience. The new menus put the spotlight on Portuguese gastronomy, flavours and traditions. Dessert offerings highlight traditional Portuguese sweets and pastries, as well as an optional cheese plate and fresh fruit of the season.
A large selection of sparkling wines are also on offer, with the three Portuguese wines served on-board having been acclaimed by Global Traveler magazine as among the best wines served by airlines across the world. A range of ports and spirits are also available, as well as tropical fruit juices,
coffee and a variety of teas.
Before and between flights, TAP’s business class customers are treated to the airy, spacious Premium Lounge at Lisbon Airport. Screens offer constantly updated flight information, while free wi-fi, fax, telephones, computers and mobile chargers ensure business doesn’t have to stop. Shower facilities and a luxurious restaurant area allow passengers to fully rejuvenate. TAP continues to introduce new items and revamped in-flight services to make each flight a unique, exclusive and memorable experience.
Further information
www.flytap.com
