On Wednesday, August 21st, TAP Air Portugal celebrated a momentous occasion: the 75th anniversary of its inaugural flight to São Tomé. This historic journey, first undertaken in 1949, marked the beginning of a long and enduring connection between Portugal and the beautiful island nation.
To commemorate this milestone, TAP hosted special festivities for passengers at both Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon and São Tomé International Airport. In Lisbon, travelers were treated to delectable São Tomé chocolate cakes and received commemorative postcards featuring an image of the historic flight, TP522. This flight was piloted by Captain Canelhas aboard a DC-3 Dakota, registration CS-TDE, one of TAP’s early aircraft. This very aircraft played a significant role in the renowned Imperial Air Line, connecting Lisbon with Angola and Mozambique.
The inaugural flight, carrying 28 passengers, was a remarkable undertaking, requiring a 12-stop journey spanning 15 days. Today, TAP’s commitment to connecting Lisbon and São Tomé continues with the TP1527 flight operating five times a week. Passengers now enjoy the convenience of a modern A321LRneo, featuring 168 seats, including 16 in business class that transform into fully flat beds. The travel experience is further enhanced with a 16-inch screen at each seat, offering a wide selection of entertainment options, including over 120 movies, 170 music albums, and over 230 hours of television series.
TAP Air Portugal’s dedication to enhancing the travel experience shines through, ensuring that both historic and modern journeys are marked with exceptional service and comfort. As the airline continues to connect Lisbon and São Tomé, its legacy of innovation and dedication to providing a seamless travel experience will undoubtedly continue to flourish.
