The new three-times-weekly Airbus A330 service strengthens cargo connectivity between Central Florida, Europe and Brazil, with America Cargo GSA appointed to handle cargo sales in the US market.
TAP Air Portugal is expanding its North American network with the introduction of its first-ever nonstop service between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Lisbon Airport (LIS), creating new opportunities for international air freight movements between Central Florida and Europe.
Scheduled to commence on 29 October 2026, the new route will operate three times weekly, on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, using Airbus A330 aircraft. The service is expected to provide US-based freight forwarders with between 45 and 60 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity.
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Cargo sales and marketing for the new route will be managed by America Cargo GSA, the US subsidiary of ECS Group, which has represented TAP Air Portugal’s cargo interests in the American market for the past five years.
The introduction of the direct connection is expected to reduce transit times for shipments previously routed through alternative European gateways, offering freight forwarders a more efficient option for moving goods between Florida and Portugal.
TAP’s new service also strengthens Lisbon’s position as a connecting hub for cargo moving between North America, Europe and South America.
New gateway for high-value and time-sensitive cargo
Orlando represents an important commercial market for TAP Air Cargo, given Central Florida’s concentration of aerospace, technology, advanced manufacturing and industrial businesses.
The new service is expected to support shipments across several specialist cargo segments, including:
- Aerospace: Aircraft components, spare parts and engineering equipment.
- Electronics and technology: High-value electronic components and specialised equipment.
- Healthcare: Medical technology and related products.
- Industrial manufacturing: Machinery, equipment and time-critical production components.
- Perishables: Seafood, fresh vegetables and other temperature-sensitive products.
The direct connection is particularly relevant for shipments requiring predictable transit times and reduced handling. By eliminating intermediate stops on the Orlando–Lisbon sector, the service offers freight forwarders an alternative to existing connecting routes.
Jean Ceccaldi, Chief Executive Officer of ECS Group, said the new route represented an important development for Central Florida exporters.
He highlighted the region’s aerospace, technology and industrial manufacturing base, noting that Lisbon offers a strategically positioned European gateway and onward connectivity to South American markets.
According to Ceccaldi, America Cargo GSA has been working closely with major freight forwarders and has already received encouraging interest in the new routing.
Lisbon strengthens its role as a transatlantic cargo hub
Beyond serving the local Portuguese market, the Orlando service is expected to provide additional cargo connectivity through Lisbon to destinations across Europe and South America.
TAP Air Cargo identifies connections to 38 European destinations through its Lisbon network, while the airline’s established Brazilian operations provide further opportunities for freight moving between North America and South America.
The connection to Rio de Janeiro is particularly relevant, supporting TAP’s wider strategy of developing Lisbon as a gateway between the Americas and Europe.
This network structure gives freight forwarders greater flexibility when planning shipments requiring onward connections, particularly for high-value and time-sensitive commodities.
The new route also complements TAP’s existing North American operations, expanding the airline’s presence in the United States and providing another entry point for American exporters seeking access to European markets.
TAP Air Cargo targets further North American growth
Rúben da Silva Jorge, Head of Sales North America at TAP Air Cargo, described Orlando as an important addition to the airline’s cargo network.
He said the new service supports TAP’s strategy of strengthening connectivity between North America, Europe and Brazil, with Lisbon continuing to serve as a strategic connecting hub.
Market feedback has been encouraging, according to da Silva Jorge, who said customers had responded positively to the introduction of the nonstop service.
The airline expects Orlando to develop both as an important local cargo market and as a gateway within its wider international network.
America Cargo GSA will work alongside TAP Air Cargo to develop the route’s commercial potential and support freight forwarding customers.
A strategic addition to the US cargo network
The launch of the Orlando–Lisbon service reinforces TAP Air Portugal’s commitment to expanding its North American presence while creating additional opportunities for cargo customers.
For freight forwarders, the combination of three weekly departures, an estimated 45–60 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity and onward connections through Lisbon provides another option for transporting shipments between the United States, Europe and Brazil.
The development also highlights the growing importance of passenger aircraft belly capacity in supporting international air freight connectivity, particularly in markets where specialised manufacturing and technology industries generate demand for reliable, time-sensitive transportation.
With America Cargo GSA responsible for developing cargo sales in the United States, the new service is expected to strengthen TAP Air Cargo’s commercial reach in Central Florida and support the airline’s broader transatlantic growth strategy.
