Lighter and more sustainable fleet for TAP Air Portugal
TAP Air Portugal has successfully tested a new paint technology capable of reducing the weight of aircraft without changing the quality, durability and aesthetics of the livery. The solution, developed by AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings, could be progressively rolled out to the entire fleet.
The tests were carried out on an Airbus A320, on which the new system saved 24 kg compared to the traditional process. A second aircraft has already been painted with the same technology.
The advantage comes from the 36% reduction in the thickness of the base layer. Thanks to a more precise application, it is in fact possible to obtain the required coverage in a single cycle, avoiding the second complete coat and the related drying phases.
For passengers, the change is not visible, but it can have concrete effects in the long term. If applied to the entire fleet, the new paint would save TAP around 428.5 tonnes of fuel, over half a million euros and around 1,353 tonnes of CO₂ each year.
The initiative shows how even seemingly limited technical interventions can help make air transport more efficient. Lightening each aircraft by a few tens of kilograms means reducing consumption on thousands of flights and obtaining measurable environmental benefits over time.
TAP Air Portugal
TAP Air Portugal, Portugal's flag carrier and a member of Star Alliance since 2005, has its hub in Lisbon. It is particularly present on routes between Europe, Brazil and Africa. TAP's fleet includes Airbus next-generation A320neo, A321neo, A321LR and A330neo aircraft, flanked by 19 Embraers deployed by TAP Express. In 2026, TAP was named one of the 20 safest airlines in the world by Airline Ratings. From 2014 to 2025 it also received the awards of Best European Airline for Africa and South America at the World Travel Awards.
