TAP Air Portugal, the Portuguese carrier based at Lisbon Airport, has achieved impressive growth and recovery in the first half of 2023
The carrier has surpassed its pre-pandemic performance on intercontinental routes and experiencing substantial increases in customer numbers.
With a strong focus on intercontinental flights, particularly to Brazil, North America, and Africa, TAP has experienced a significant increase in the number of customers carried.
Impressive customer numbers
In the first half of 2023, TAP carried a total of 7.58 million customers, representing a substantial increase of 30.2% compared to the same period last year.
Notably, intercontinental flights have been a major contributor to this growth, with TAP carrying 2.17 million customers on routes to Brazil, North America, and Africa, a remarkable increase of 31.1%.
Furthermore, TAP has managed to surpass its pre-pandemic performance on intercontinental routes, carrying 14.7% more customers than the first half of 2019. This achievement comes in the face of challenging economic and geopolitical circumstances in Europe.
Continental European routes
TAP Air Portugal also experienced growth on its continental European routes, including mainland Portugal. In the first half of 2023, the airline carried a total of 5.41 million passengers, marking a significant increase of 29.8% compared to the same period in 2022.
However, it is important to note that these numbers are still 10% below the first half of 2019, indicating the ongoing impact of the pandemic on travel demand.
Positive traffic projections
Looking ahead, TAP has revealed positive traffic projections for the first half of the year. The airline anticipates average load factors of 80.2%, a 5.5% increase compared to 2022, and already 0.5% higher than the pre-pandemic period in the first half of 2019.
These projections demonstrate the growing confidence in air travel and highlight TAP’s commitment to meeting the needs of its customers.
Increased capacity and revenue
TAP has also expanded its capacity in the first half of 2023. The airline recorded a total of 25,015,746 Available Seat per Kilometres (ASKs), representing a notable increase of 21.4% compared to the same period last year and 4.3% above the first half of 2019.
Additionally, TAP achieved impressive revenue growth in the first half of 2023. Revenue per Kilometres (RPKs) reached a total of 20,067,216, a remarkable increase of 30.4% compared to the same period in the previous year and 5% above the pre-pandemic period in the first half of 2019.
These revenue figures are perhaps testament to a rather effective business strategy by the airline.
Developing a modern fleet
TAP Air Portugal, as a member of the Star Alliance since 2005, now offers a wide network of over 90 destinations across three continents.
The airline also serves three destinations in the United Kingdom, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Manchester, further expanding its reach.
The carrier boasts one of the youngest fleets in Europe, prioritizing passenger comfort and safety. It operates a diverse range of aircraft, including the wide-bodied A330neo and the single-aisle A321neoLR for long-haul flights, as well as a fleet of Embraer aircraft through its regional arm, TAP Express, for short hops.
