Vice-President of the Government met with TAP CEO to discuss increasing air links - Communication

Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional

The Vice-President of the Regional Government of the Azores, Artur Lima, met in Lisbon with the CEO of TAP, Luís Rodrigues, to "discuss matters relevant to the mobility of Azoreans and the increase of air links" with our Region.

"As head of the Lajes Civil Airport, I highlighted the importance of attracting new routes that would be advantageous both for the Azores and TAP, the main operator connecting Terceira Island to the outside world. I was very pleased to note that TAP is satisfied with the Azores operation, particularly with the Terceira Island routes, which register a high occupancy rate," noted Artur Lima.

The government official pointed out that TAP has been "innovative by keeping an aircraft overnight at Lajes Airport every day during the summer and two nights a week during the winter."

He explained: "From this standpoint, we intend to improve the current scenario by increasing overnight stays during the winter and the number of passengers. This can be achieved by increasing the number of flights or changing aircraft."

The Vice-President of the Government also noted that TAP has a large European connectivity network, "which has led to a considerable increase in foreign tourists and opens up good prospects for the future."

"In this regard, we suggested an international route to North America, during the summer or winter, depending on TAP's availability. There was a high degree of receptivity and TAP committed to studying this possibility,’ he emphasised.

Increased connectivity to other islands would also be significant and positive in terms of meeting the current needs of the Azores, Artur Lima noted, stressing that "providing more flights and diversifying connections between the Azores and Mainland Portugal is essential to ensure an adequate response to the growing demand from tourists and residents."

"I also urged the CEO of TAP, Luís Rodrigues, who knows our island reality well, not to forget the Azores in his current duties," he said.