TAP Air Portugal expands North American cargo network with new Orlando route
On October 29, 2026, TAP Air Portugal will launch its first ever non-stop service between Orlando, Florida and Lisbon, Portugal. The new connection will enhance transportation links between Central Florida and Europe, and also create more opportunities for the air cargo industry. Cargo sales for the route will be conducted by America Cargo GSA, a subsidiary of ECS Group.
The service will offer a faster alternative to existing two-segment itineraries, enhancing connectivity to Portugal and beyond to other parts of Europe. The trip will also establish a more direct link between Orlando’s industrial and technology sectors and Lisbon, a strategic gateway to Europe and South America.
The schedule planned calls for an Airbus A330 to leave Orlando or Lisbon Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays evenings, with flights three times a week. The US-based freight forwarders anticipate the service to carry between 45 and 60 tons of cargo capacity per week.
New option for time-critical, high-value shipments
The route is particularly important for businesses transporting goods where reliable transit times and efficient international connections are needed. Orlando is also home to major aerospace, technology and industrial manufacturers, creating potential demand for air freight services covering a range of specialized products.
Probably to benefit from the shipments are aerospace parts, electronics, medical technology and industrial machinery. The service could also help with the export of seafood, vegetables and other specialized products that need efficient transport to overseas markets.
ECS Group Chief Executive Officer, Jean Ceccaldi, said the new connection was of strategic importance and represented a milestone for the airline in the winter season. Lisbon, he said, is a well-positioned European gateway, with less congestion than some alternative entry points and a key link to South America.
“It’s going to save hours of travel time that you have with existing two-leg connections, and that’s very attractive for shippers who are dealing with high-value and time-sensitive freight,” Ceccaldi said. America Cargo GSA is already in close contact with major freight forwarders and has already reported strong interest in the new routing.
Flights and Connections through Lisbon
TAP Air Portugal flight TP267 will leave Lisbon Airport (LIS) at 14:20 and arrive at Orlando International Airport (MCO) at 20:10, or approximately nine hours and 50 minutes later. The return service, TP268, leaves Orlando at 21:40 and arrives in Lisbon at 10:30 the next morning, with a flight time of seven hours and 50 minutes.
Lisbon passengers and cargo customers will have onward connectivity to 38 destinations in Europe. The route will also connect with TAP Air Portugal’s daily services to Rio de Janeiro (GIG), further enhancing the Portuguese capital’s position as a connecting hub between North America, Europe and Brazil.
The new service is therefore meant to be more than just a direct link between two cities. It will also expand the range of routing options for freight forwarders seeking efficient connections across the Atlantic and into South American markets.
TAP Air Cargo Eyes More Growth in North America
Rúben da Silva Jorge, TAP Air Cargo’s Head of Sales North America, said the launch of Orlando is another important step in growing the airline’s footprint in the North American market.
The new route is in line with TAP Air Cargo’s wider strategy to improve connections between North America, Europe and Brazil, with Lisbon acting as a key hub for the network, he said.
The feedback from the market has been encouraging, with clients reacting well to the introduction of the non-stop service, Da Silva Jorge said. The carrier sees Orlando as a potential strong local market and an important gateway in its broader network.
TAP Air Cargo is also planning to closely work with America Cargo GSA to serve freight forwarding customers and create demand for the new connection.
America Cargo GSA and TAP Air Portugal partner in the US for five years. The introduction of the Orlando–Lisbon route is a continuation of that relationship as both companies aim to increase cargo sales and expand the airline’s reach in the US market.
The new service, with three weekly departures, dedicated cargo capacity and onward connections via Lisbon, is expected to give freight forwarders an extra option to move shipments between Central Florida, Europe and Brazil.
