The Portuguese carrier’s cargo arm has been awarded the prestigious Logistics Efficiency accolade for the airline’s outstanding operational performance. It is already the third time in a row that TAP Cargo received the prize. The ceremony took place in Rio de Janeiro and brought together key players in the international supply chain who utilize the airport’s Tom Jobim cargo terminal.
Organized by RIOgaleão Airport, the Logistics Efficiency Program (PEL) recognizes companies in the sector that distinguish themselves with the exceptional performance of their processes, their operational reliability, and their contribution to a more agile, predictable, and integrated logistics chain.
Three in a row
TAP Air Cargo earned this distinction for the first time in 2024, and the recognition was renewed in 2025. In 2026, it once again took first place in the Airline category, solidifying a track record of continuous improvement and a strong focus on service quality.
This recognition reflects the daily commitment of TAP Air Cargo’s teams to providing efficient, reliable, and customer-focused transportation solutions, contributing to the competitiveness of international trade and to the strengthening of air links between Portugal and Brazil, the laudator emphasized.
Brazil stands out
Brazil is the most important market for the Portuguese airline, both regarding passenger traffic between Portugal and South America and cargo transport. The airline offers 12 to 21 flights per week to Rio de Janeiro, depending on season. The service from its main hub in Lisbon includes 12 weekly nonstop flights to RIOgaleão, while, together with flights from Porto, the total number of weekly services reaches 21 or even more, depending on seasonality.
Except for the Embraer 190 and 195 variants, the carrier operates a uniform fleet of Airbus aircraft, including 22 A330-900neos which it deploys on long-haul routes. In addition to Brazil and other destinations in Latin and North America, the network includes the Portuguese-speaking countries in sub-Sahara Africa.
Flights between Lisbon and Curitiba were recently added to the itinerary, also served by A330-200. As of 26OCT26, the airline will connect Lisbon with São Luís do Maranhão. The city of 1.2 million in northeastern Brazil will then be served twice weekly by a long-range Airbus A321LR.
Too small to survive
In fiscal year 2025, TAP Air Portugal generated a net profit of €4.1 million, driven by their strong focus on passenger traffic (16.7 million pax) and the maintenance business. However, the annual results did not include the contribution from the cargo unit, nor was the total tonnage disclosed.
Because TAP is too small in the long run to compete with the major players, the state owner has decided to sell up to 49.9% to a strategic airline partner, with 5% of that stake reserved for employees. Recently, both Air France-KLM and the Lufthansa Group have submitted binding bids. Regardless of the outcome, the Portuguese state will retain majority control. A final decision is expected later this year.
Infrastructure Minister Miguel Pinto Luz said that a proposal of that nature was inherently complex and involved numerous factors. He did not elaborate on those factors, but the government has stated that bidders must commit to strengthening TAP’s operations and route network not only at its Lisbon hub but also across Portugal’s nine other airports, including Porto, Faro in the Algarve, and the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira.
