Route between Terceira and San Francisco "serves the Azorean diaspora and the Region," stresses Artur Lima - Communication

Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional

The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, welcomed the launch of the newly established air link between Terceira and San Francisco, operated by TAP, starting today.

For the Vice-President of the Government, this transatlantic route  "serves the Azorean diaspora and the Region from a cultural, economic, political and strategic standpoint."

"In 2023, during an official visit to California, I reiterated my commitment to reducing distances and geographical barriers between the Azores and their communities," recalled Artur Lima.

"This air link brings us even closer to that goal," he stressed.

With this new TAP route, the "connection with Azoreans living in the United States is deeply valued," the Vice-President of the Government emphasised, mentioning the "clear advantages for the tourism sector of the Central Group islands, in particular, and the Azores in general," concluded Artur Lima.

In August 2024, in Lisbon, the Vice-President of the Government held a meeting with Luís Rodrigues, Chairman of the Board of Directors of TAP, to discuss issues relevant to the mobility of Azoreans and the reinforcement of air links between the Region and North America.

The direct air link between Terceira Island and San Francisco operates weekly from June 3 to September 17, departing on Tuesdays and arriving on Wednesdays, with a capacity for approximately 298 passengers.

In addition to the operation in the United States, this new flight connection also increases the number of passenger seats available and cargo capacity to Lisbon.

"This flight also represents an effort on the part of the Regional Government to promote and increase the export capacity of our products, both to our communities on the West Coast of the United States and to Mainland Portugal," stated the Vice-President of the Regional Government.

Operated on TAP's new A330neo aircraft, this flight offers the highest levels of comfort, efficiency and reliability.