TAP plans further US expansion in coming years

TAP Air Portugal plans to add at least five new destinations in the USA in the next five years, as it continues to see potential in the US-Europe market. The Lisbon-based carrier began service to Chicago O'Hare and San Francisco earlier this month, and most recently added Washington Dulles on 16 June. TAP now serves seven US destinations, Cirium schedules data show. The Star Alliance carrier's US frequencies have grown from about 14 weekly flights three years ago to 56, chief executive Antonoaldo Neves told FlightGlobal at an event in Washington DC marking the launch of Dulles service. In addition to the seven US cities, TAP serves an eighth North American destination in Toronto. The carrier plans to decide by October on future US expansion, says Neves, noting that the carrier's business plan includes potential service to Houston, Los Angeles and Providence. Additional frequencies to existing destinations are also being considered, he adds. "We are sure that there are at least five new destinations that we can add in the US in the next five years," says Neves.<br/>