The new route connects Terceira Island to San Francisco in California
Portugal’s flagship carrier TAP Air has officially launched a new weekly route linking Terceira Island in the Azores to the Californian city of San Francisco in the United States of America.
The new air link, which began operations on Tuesday, will run through September 17. Flights depart Terceira on Tuesdays and return from San Francisco on Wednesdays, using an Airbus A330neo aircraft with a capacity of around 298 passengers, according to Artur Lima, the vice-president of the Azorean government.
The launch of the new service is considered a meaningful step toward strengthening ties between the Azores and Azorean communities living abroad – particularly in California, which is home to a large population with roots in the Portuguese archipelago.
Lima also said the air link will bring “clear advantages” for the tourism sector of the Central Islands (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial) in particular and the Azores archipelago in general.
“In 2023, during my official visit to California, I reaffirmed my commitment to reducing distances and geographical barriers between the Azores and their communities,” recalled Artur Lima, quoted in a press release issued by the regional government.
The new connection also supports the export of Azorean goods to the US west coast, part of what Lima described as the government’s ongoing effort to expand the region’s economic reach.
The route’s launch follows discussions last August between Lima and TAP’s Chairman, Luís Rodrigues, focused on enhancing mobility between the Azores and North America.
