TAP Air Portugal takes delivery of first A321 Long Range

Management of TAP Air Portugal has taken delivery of its first A321 Long Range, becoming the first airline in the world to operate the A330neo and the A321 Long Range simultaneously.

A statement issued in Accra by the Airline said the A321 Long Range, was the first TAP narrow body aircraft operating transatlantic routes, offering the premium comfort of a long-haul aircraft.

It said it had 16 executive seats, four of which were single seats, and offers more space in economy class, equivalent to that available on the A330neo.

The statement quoted Mr Antonoaldo Neves, TAP’s CEO as saying: “This model is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including modern full-size executive seats, more ergonomic and spacious economy-class seats, on-board entertainment and connectivity system that allows free and unlimited written messages."

The new aircraft, which is named after the Portuguese philosopher and poet, Agostinho da Silva, has the capacity of 168 passengers and expands the airline's medium and long-haul operation in combination with the A330neo.

“The A321 Long Range is essential for TAP’s expansion, and its range is enough to explore the markets of North America, South America and Africa, which results in a perfect match with the A330neo.

In North America, it allows, for example, to explore markets on the east coast, such as New York, Boston, Montreal or Washington. In Brazil, this aircraft helps us to explore new markets in the Northeast and can complement our services in several cities, such as Recife, Natal, Fortaleza or Salvador,” he added.

He said this was the first of 14 aircrafts of this model, committed to Airbus, to arrive at the Airline.

TAP will receive a total of 37 aircrafts by the end of this year and 71 by 2025, thus, becoming one of the most modern fleets in the world.

This renewal and growth of the fleet has allowed TAP to announce new destinations and more frequencies.