TAP signs Airbus Upgrade Services for A330ceo and A320ceo family retrofit programme

Airbus announced (06-Apr-2016) TAP Portugal hired Airbus to upgrade the cabins of its A330s, A319s and A321s. The engineering and certification of this retrofit programme will be accomplished by Airbus Upgrade Services for seven A330ceo and 31 A320ceo family aircraft. The retrofit on A330s will include new business class seats with new IFE, while the retrofit on the A320 family will include new seats. Both aircraft type will feature the carrier's new interior styling. The retrofit programme is scheduled to commence in 3Q2016 for the A320s and in 1Q2017 for the A330ceos. All renewals are scheduled to complete in the end of 2017. The retrofit will be carrier out at TAP's MRO, with Airbus supplying service bulletins, performing engineering design, defining and providing the methodology and ensuring the overall integration of the retrofit components into the aircraft. TAP CCO Trey Urbahn stated: "These significant cabin upgrade programmes for our A320ceo and A330ceo family fleets reinforce our commitment to invest in enhancing the aircraft and the product we offer to our passengers" adding: "We are confident that Airbus will deliver the right upgrade solutions with the highest quality to ensure that these aircraft continue to be the most suitable for our business as well as pleasing to fly in". Airbus EVP customer services Didier Lux stated "We are very pleased to be chosen by TAP to upgrade the cabins of its Airbus single-aisle and widebody fleets" adding: "Not only does this underscore that A330ceo and A320ceo family aircraft worldwide will continue to be profitable and efficient in the long term, but it also shows that we are the ideal partner to work with airlines to equip their Airbus fleets with the latest innovations". [more - original PR]