OREANDA-NEWS. Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2016 – TAP Portugal has signed an agreement with Airbus to be the first operator of the new A330neo airliner and therefore also become the launching carrier to fly the Airspace by Airbus cabin brand in the A330neo. In 2015, the airline placed a large fleet renewal contract with Airbus which included an order for 14 A330-900neos. Passengers will soon be able to experience the Airspace by Airbus cabin for the first time when these aircraft enter service around the end of 2017.

Trey Urbahn, Chief Commercial Officer at TAP Portugal said: “We are extremely proud to be the first airline to fly the Airspace by Airbus cabin in the new A330neo. Our passengers and flight-crews eagerly look forward to experiencing this innovative new cabin design. Furthermore, the Airspace cabin represents an exciting and flexible canvas onto which we can project the TAP brand.”

Francois Caudron, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Airbus said: “We are delighted to confirm that TAP will become the first airline to introduce the Airspace by Airbus cabin in the A330neo. Developed with passengers at heart and airlines in mind, Airspace encompasses four pillars: Comfort, Ambience, Services and Design and will ensure that Airbus cabins continue to be the benchmark in passenger experience and airline value.”

Highlights of TAP’s Airspace cabin will include: a new welcome area; the latest mood LED-based lighting system with 16.7 million possible colour variations; larger overhead bins; new contemporary lavatories and latest-generation IFE and connectivity. The Airspace cabin ambience ensures passengers’ wellbeing, while the signature details and iconic elements will be recognisable throughout the cabin.

The relationship between Airbus and Portugal dates back to 1987 when TAP, then Air Portugal, ordered three Airbus A310s. Today TAP is an all Airbus fleet customer and the largest in Portugal with 61 aircraft currently in service, including 43 from the A320 family and 18 of the widebody family, with two additional A330s to enter service this June to support the expansion of the company’s long haul operations. TAP has also placed orders for the latest generation of A320neo and A330neo Families.

The A330-800neo and the A330-900neo are two new members of the Airbus Widebody Family launched in July 2014 with first deliveries scheduled to start at the end of 2017. In addition to its new Airspace cabin interior, the A330neo also incorporates latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and aerodynamic enhancements. Benefitting from the unbeatable economics, versatility and high reliability of the A330, the A330neo reduces fuel consumption by 14% per seat, making it the most cost efficient, medium range Widebody airliner.