Portugal flying for 80 years

With the friendliness, enthusiasm, initiative, and attention of all those who make each flight a fantastic journey through our country.

80 years ago, we took off for the first time, taking Portugal further and making each flight a true extension of our country. On board, the essence of Portugal is lived through the friendliness and hospitality that have always defined us. More than connecting destinations, we connect Portugal to the world. Together, we celebrate 80 years of memories, where each destination is a new discovery or a return home.

Watch the anniversary video here

80 years of history, 80 years of memories

Cronologia

A trip to the past

                                            80 years ago, TAP took off for the first time with one mission: to connect Portugal to the world and bring the world to Portugal. Over the years, we've grown, evolved and experienced some of the most remarkable moments in history alongside you. Embark on this trip back in time with us!
                                        

Let’s look through the window of history

                                            From the first flights to great innovations, every step TAP took has marked a unique story. We were pioneers, pushed boundaries and connected cultures, proving that the sky was never the limit. From the 1940s to the present day, relive some milestones that brought us here.
                                        

1945 – An airline is born

                                                                    TAP is created on 14 March 1945. More specifically the Secção de Transportes Aéreos (“Air Transport Section”), under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Office. The then Director, Humberto Delgado, is the mentor of the foundation. The first aircraft arrive this year: two Dakota DC-3, military equipment adapted to civil aviation.
                                                                

1946 – First stop: Madrid

                                                                    Neighboring Spain was TAP's first stop. On September 19, 1946, the Dakota DC-3 aircraft, with a capacity for 21 passengers, begins to operate. On board this inaugural flight were the first explorers: 11 passengers, along with the crew.
                                                                

1946 – The “Imperial Airline”

                                                                    The “Imperial Airline” is inaugurated on 31 December, serving the Lisbon-Luanda-Lourenço Marques route. With 24,540 kilometres and a 15 days duration (return flight), it includes 12 stopovers between Lisbon and Lourenço Marques and becomes the most extensive route in the world operated with the Dakota DC-3. The climate conditions demand special clothing: the tropical uniform with skirts, shorts and shirts in khaki.
                                                                

1949 – London in sight

                                                                    At the close of the decade, TAP offers a connection to the capital of the United Kingdom. The flight is operated by the DC-4 Skymaster.
                                                                

1955 – The Lockheed arrives

                                                                    The first four-engined aircraft is acquired to operate long distance flights, more specifically the line of Africa: the Lockheed L-1049G Super Constellation. With four engines fixed to the wings, the Lockheed brought a substantial reduction of flight time between Lisbon and Lourenço Marques.
                                                                

1955 – Crossing the Atlantic

                                                                    The first experimental TAP flight to Rio de Janeiro takes place. Aboard the DC-4 Skymaster flying to Brazil is one of the notable Portuguese navigators and historians: Admiral Gago Coutinho.
                                                                

1961 – Two brother countries

                                                                    The inauguration of “Voo da Amizade“ (“Flight of Friendship”) between Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro takes place. It’s a special service between Portugal and Brazil, with stopovers at Sal and Recife, made possible by an operational deal between TAP and Brazilian airlines Panair (1960-1965) and Varig (1965-67).
                                                                

1962 – The Caravelle VI-R

                                                                    In July 1962 we welcome the first Caravelle VI-R, which definitely transports TAP into the jet age. This same year begins the operation from Lisbon to Las Palmas (Spain) and Santa Maria (Azores, Portugal). 
                                                                

1965 – Hello, Boeing

                                                                    This is a special year for TAP. The first aircraft of the Boeing family, the B707, is added to the fleet. Two years later, it will be B727’s turn to take off with TAP colours and its unmistakable “T-Tail”.
                                                                

1972 – First "Jumbo" aircraft

                                                                    Arrival of the first Boeing 747-282B, the legendary large aircraft known as the "Jumbo." By the end of the 1970s, TAP would operate 32 technologically advanced airplanes to more than 40 destinations across 4 continents.
                                                                

1974 – Investing in maintenance

                                                                    This was a fruitful and innovative decade in terms of maintenance: we were first European airline to undergo major complete overhauls of the Pratt & Whitney JT9-D reactors on the 747 Boeing aircraft.
                                                                

1981 – The first female pilot

Teresa Carvalho, the first woman to join TAP's pilot team.

1983 – The fleet expands

                                                                    The first 737-200 Boeing start operating in medium-haul flights and the Lockheed L-1011-500 Tristar in long-haul trips.
                                                                

1993 – New Airbus aircraft

                                                                    The 1990s were marked by the renewal of the fleet, reflecting TAP's ambition to bring the best of Portugal to the world. The A320-200 arrived in 1993, and in the following years, the A340 and A319 joined – all of which were more economical and versatile aircraft models.
                                                                

1999 – “Blue Flights”

                                                                    The so called “Blue Flights” (non-smoking flights) are introduced in all European and Northern American lines.
                                                                

2011 – With arms wide open

                                                                    With the launch of dozens of routes in Europe, America, and Africa, TAP creates its new slogan: "With arms wide open."
                                                                

2018 - The year of the A330neo

                                                                    TAP was the first airline in the world to receive the new Airbus A330neo. D.João II, 'O Príncipe Perfeito', the jetliner made its first commercial flight on December 15, from Lisbon to São Paulo. By the end of 2018, TAP had three A330neo planes in its fleet.
                                                                

2022 – TAP is the safest airline in Europe

                                                                    In 2022, TAP is ranked as the safest airline in Europe and 5th in the world, with emphasis on the fleet, safety record, and COVID-19 protocols during the pandemic.
                                                                

2024 – Our numbers are a symbold of your trust

                                                                    15.9 million passengers | 99 aircraft | 1253 weekly flights | 31 countries | 87 destinations | 396 airports | + 95,000 tons of carried cargo.
                                                                

2025 – TAP means safety

                                                                    TAP is once again ranked as the safest airline in Europe. Based on criteria like incident history, fleet age and size, incident rate, fatalities, profitability, IOSA certification, and pilot training, the rank grants TAP a spot in the TOP 25 safest airlines in the world.
                                                                

Board with us on this celebration

Special Executive Class menu for TAP's 80 years.

Festive Menu in Business Class

We invite our Business Class customers traveling from Lisbon and Porto to savor our 80th-anniversary celebratory menu. Inspired by our history, it combines the sophistication of French cuisine with the richness of Portuguese ingredients.

Celebratory gifts of TAP's 80 years, available at TAP Store.

A collection full of history

Discover the exclusive products celebrating TAP's 80th anniversary: the Portugal Jewels necklace and earrings set, the new MUSA Beer collection, and the Porto Pearls Coffret, among others. Take a piece of our history with you.

Buy now

TAP has been flying Portugal for 80 years | TAP Air Portugal

Portugal flying for 80 years

80 years of history, 80 years of memories

Cronologia