“We have to base our actions on the facts we have and momentarily disregard what the newspaper headlines suggest,” stated the executive during the inauguration of TAP’s new route between Los Angeles and Lisbon at the international LAX airport.
“Newspaper headlines indeed create some panic among people. However, the facts available to us do not support that,” said Luís Rodrigues.
With the new direct route connecting Los Angeles and Lisbon, TAP is increasing capacity and investment in the United States. The official highlighted that occupancy rates during the summer have already surpassed 80%.
“In the world’s largest market for tourism and business, I believe our focus should remain there. We need to fulfill our role, staying away from politics,” the executive emphasized.
“And, indeed, fostering the exchange of passengers, experiences, and cultures between the United States and Portugal is what we aim to achieve,” he added.
Luís Rodrigues stressed that the launch of this route is part of a long-term strategy, considering the closer relationships Portugal and California have cultivated in recent years.
“In aviation, anything short-term is doomed to fail. Therefore, we are making an investment,” which “is not easy, but one we must pursue with certain criteria, and we expect it to be successful,” he elaborated.
TAP initially offers three weekly flights connecting Los Angeles and Lisbon and plans to increase this to four flights starting May 25, maintaining this frequency until October. At that point, the continuation of the route, currently considered seasonal, will be assessed.
In recent months, the United States has tightened entry regulations, leading several organizations to lower their forecast for tourism into the country this year as a result of these measures.
