Portuguese national airline TAP has committed to flying the country’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes to the Los Angeles 2028 Games, a partnership officials described as embodying national ambition and strategic branding during the airline’s privatization process.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday, positions TAP as a crucial enabler for Portugal’s sporting aspirations on the global stage.
Carlos Oliveira, TAP president, noted the partnership’s timing. He stated that “1000 days from the start of the Games, this partnership symbolizes the capacity to dream high and get there, it brings together talent, overcoming, and the ability to go further together.”
Fernando Gomes, president of the Portuguese Olympic Committee (COP), highlighted the deal’s benefits. He said it “expands intervention capacity, facilitates travel, and allows more teams to accept international invitations.”
Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, connected the airline’s national identity to its support for athletes. He assured that “in TAP’s privatization, the symbolic dimension of the flag, TAP’s role in strategic routes, its role as a brand, is safeguarded.”
The Secretary of State for Sport, Pedro Dias, called the collaboration “a perfect ‘match’ between the brands TAP, COP, and CPP [Portuguese Paralympic Committee].”
Gomes also mentioned this partnership is part of broader initiatives by the COP. These efforts involve various governmental bodies and corporate entities.
The signing ceremony took place at Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport.
The Los Angeles Olympic Games are scheduled for July 14-30, 2028. The Paralympic Games will follow from August 15-27 of the same year.