Star Alliance members, TAP Portugal and AEGEAN have decided to expand their commercial partnership, by adding new direct code-share services between Lisbon and Athens, as well as to new destinations in Greece, starting June 4th, when TAP launches direct operations between the two capital cities.
These flights have already been made available for bookings through both carriers own websites – at www.flytap.com and www.aegeanair.com as well as via the worldwide reservations systems.
In addition to the current code-share services already offered between Portugal and Greece, via selected cities in Europe, AEGEAN will now be marketing its own flights on the new direct flights that TAP will be operating between Lisbon and Athens.
Concurrently, and thanks to the new connection opportunities made available by Aegean at its highly efficient and modern hub in Athens, TAP will be offering new services with its own code to Kerkyra, Chania (Crete), Irakleion, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Thessaloniki and Larnaca in Cyprus.
In making the best to offer their customers a wide range of service options, both in terms of schedules and destinations, Aegean and TAP pledge to continue looking at future possibilities to further extend the scope of their code-share.
"We are very happy with the introduction of TAP direct services to Athens and with yet another step towards the deepening of our partnership with Aegean, a partner well recognised for its focus on the Customer. The new code-share destinations in Greece are an important extension to TAP network, that will enhance our product in a very attractive and reliable manner" said Jose Guedes Dias, VP Alliances & External Relations TAP. "We are looking forward to working even more closely with AEGEAN, to take advantage of all business synergies and opportunities and offer the maximum benefits to our Customers."
"Our companies have enjoyed a great working relation in recent years. AEGEAN is delighted with the expansion of its partnership with TAP. The new agreement will offer the Portuguese customers seamless access, via Athens, to many of Greece’s most popular destinations and Larnaca, Cyprus, as well as increasing travel options for our Greek customers." Said Dimitris Gerogiannis, Managing Director of AEGEAN.
As members of Star Alliance, members of TAP Portugal’s Victoria FFP and of AEGEAN Airlines’ Miles & Bonus FFP can earn miles, while flying on each other’s aircraft. Additionally, Aegean Airlines and TAP Portugal have reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including lounge access. Customers of both airlines will also enjoy one-ticket itineraries and through baggage check.
Aegean Airlines, the largest Greek airline, carried 6.23 million passengers in 2010. Since June 30, 2010 it has been a member of the world’s strongest airline alliance, STAR ALLIANCE. In its 12 year history, Aegean has received six awards from the European Regions Airline Association (ERA). Furthermore, the company has received numerous awards from Athens International Airport as its greatest contributor to the increase in passenger traffic. Finally, the company has been honoured with the Skytrax World Airline award, as the best European regional airline for 2009. AEGEAN will operate 39 international and 24 domestic routes during the IATA 2011 summer season, without taking into account a significant number of international destinations served by 6 aircraft on charter operations. For more information, go to www.aegeanair.com
TAP Portugal is the leading Portuguese airline, in operation since 1945 and member of Star Alliance, the global airline alliance to offer customers worldwide reach, since March 14th, 2005. Its hub in Lisbon is a key European gateway at the crossroads of Africa, North and South America, where TAP stands out as the international leading carrier in operation to Brazil. The company’s network comprises 67 destinations in 31 countries worldwide. TAP currently operates over 1,850 weekly flights in average on a modern fleet of 55 Airbus aircraft, to which add some 16 aircraft operating in PGA colours, TAP regional carrier, thus adding up to a 71 aircraft fleet in the whole. In the pursuit of its customer focused policy, TAP continuously strives to deliver safe, reliable and upgraded products & services, tailored to meet customers’ expectations. Retaining the Portuguese character of the Company’s brand and quality service as the basic concept has been the main driver of TAP strategy in most recent years. Recognized and awarded by the World Travel Awards, in 2009 and 2010, as the World’s Leading Airline to South America, TAP was also honoured by UNESCO and by the International Union of Geological Sciences with the IYPE “Planet Earth Award 2010”, in the category of “Most Innovative Sustainable Product”, in recognition for the achievements of the company’s Carbon Offset Program, the first one launched worldwide in partnership with IATA. Awarded as Best Airline by Condé Nast Traveller Magazine in April 2010. For more information, go to www.flytap.com and follow TAP on
