Product Offerings
Products:
Air Freight Services: General Cargo, Perishable Goods, Live Animals, Dangerous Goods, Valuables, Humanitarian Aid
TAP Air Cargo is the air freight division of TAP Air Portugal, the national airline of Portugal. Headquartered in Lisbon, TAP Air Cargo operates a global logistics network that connects Europe, the Americas, Africa, and other strategic trade corridors through an extensive air route system. As an integral part of TAP Group, the cargo division leverages the airline’s passenger flight network to transport a wide variety of cargo, ranging from general freight to specialized shipments requiring strict handling protocols.
Core Business and Offerings
TAP Air Cargo provides air freight solutions through both belly cargo on passenger aircraft and dedicated cargo logistics support. Its services cater to a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, automotive, perishables, and e-commerce. Primary cargo services include:
- General Cargo
- Perishable Goods
- Pharmaceuticals (TAP Pharma)
- Live Animals (TAP Live)
- Dangerous Goods
- Valuables
- Humanitarian Aid and Urgent Cargo
- Mail and Express Services
These services are offered under various cargo product categories that comply with IATA guidelines and international freight regulations.
Specialization and USP
TAP Air Cargo's unique value proposition lies in its:
- Strategic Geographic Location: Lisbon serves as a key gateway between Europe, Latin America, and Africa, offering efficient transit for intercontinental cargo.
- Access to 90+ Destinations: Utilizing TAP Air Portugal’s wide-body and narrow-body fleet, TAP Cargo reaches over 90 global destinations.
- Pharmaceutical Transport Expertise: TAP Pharma offers temperature-controlled shipping options compliant with CEIV Pharma standards.
- Custom Solutions for Live Animals and Perishables: Including IATA-compliant animal welfare handling and fast-track clearance for fresh goods.
The carrier has also enhanced its digital booking platform, enabling real-time cargo tracking and scheduling through its dedicated online system.
Financials and Shipment Data
While TAP Air Cargo does not disclose standalone financials publicly, TAP Air Portugal reported revenues of over €1.39 billion in 2022, with the cargo division contributing significantly as the air freight sector rebounded post-pandemic.
- In 2022, TAP Air Cargo transported over 65,000 metric tons of cargo, a 15% increase compared to 2021, according to industry data reports.
- Primary cargo routes include Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, the USA, and major European cities.
- Top-performing cargo hubs include Lisbon (LIS), São Paulo (GRU), Luanda (LAD), and Newark (EWR).
TAP Air Cargo also benefits from consistent volumes of mail and e-commerce goods from Portugal and Europe into South America and Africa.
Target Market
TAP Air Cargo serves:
- Freight Forwarders and Logistics Providers
- Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Companies
- E-commerce Platforms and Postal Services
- Governmental and Humanitarian Organizations
- Agricultural and Perishable Goods Exporters
Its diversified cargo offering allows it to cater to both high-value, temperature-sensitive shipments and high-volume general cargo efficiently.
Capabilities
TAP Air Cargo offers modern freight handling infrastructure both at origin and destination points. Capabilities include:
- Temperature-controlled cargo storage facilities at Lisbon hub
- CEIV Pharma certified procedures for pharmaceuticals
- Live Animal certified handlers and designated holding areas
- Real-time shipment tracking and digital booking system
- Dangerous Goods handling under IATA DGR regulations
The airline’s fleet includes Airbus A330neo, A321LR, and other wide-body aircraft that provide optimal belly space for long-haul cargo operations.
Certifications and Compliance
TAP Air Cargo ensures compliance with international cargo and logistics standards:
- IATA Member Carrier
- CEIV Pharma Certification (for pharma logistics)
- Live Animal Transport Compliance (under IATA LAR)
- GDP (Good Distribution Practice) guidelines followed for health-related products
- Customs-compliant digital documentation for faster cross-border clearance
These certifications assure global buyers and freight partners of the airline’s commitment to safe and compliant cargo transport.
Major Achievements
- Recognized among the top European airlines for cargo traffic to South America and Africa.
- Successfully upgraded to a full e-AWB (electronic air waybill) platform across key routes, streamlining document processing.
- Partnered with global freight integrators and forwarding agents to increase cargo capacity utilization.
- Played a vital role in transporting humanitarian supplies and vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic to African and South American countries.
Through its network strength, operational precision, and dedication to quality service, TAP Air Cargo has positioned itself as a vital logistics link between Europe and the Portuguese-speaking world. Its continuous investment in digital transformation and specialized cargo products continues to enhance its value proposition in the competitive air freight industry.