OREANDA-NEWS. On 19 June 2009 was announced, that the first aircraft of the leading Portuguese airline – TAP Portugal has landed at Moscow International Airport Domodedovo.

The Airbus A-320 aircraft was welcomed by numerous camera-flashes: celebrating the coming of TAP Portugal Domodedovo organized a spotting event that featured professionals and amateurs of aviation photography. Members of the RuSpotters Russian Spotting Team and members of the spotters movement in Russia took the initiative of filming the first TAP Portugal aircraft. RuSpotters Russian Spotting Team works in close cooperation with APEA Portugal – one of the largest spotting teams in Lisbon.

The new flight of TAP Portugal, connecting the capitals of Russia and Portugal is already very popular: there are over 16000* bookings until the end of this year.

In honor of the coming of a new partner Domodedovo flew the flag of TAP Portugal. The passenger terminal was decorated with bright balloons and photographs reflecting the distinctive character of Portugal. At the registration desks designed with flowers, passengers were presented memorable certificates and presents. Departing passengers were offered tea with biscuits. The official opening ceremony was held in the international departures zone and was opened by TAP Vice-President, Sales Mr. Carlos Paneiro and Domodedovo Airport Complex Director, Mr. Sergey Rudakov.

Later during the day a press conference was held on the occasion of the inauguration of TAP flights between Russia and Portugal. At the event the perspectives of cooperation between TAP Portugal and Domodedovo airport, plans for future route development, passenger turnover forecasts and the opportunities of tourists from both Russia and Portugal due to the new flight launch were discussed.

Mr. Carlos Paneiro, TAP Vice President, Sales, Mr. Pedro Pinto TAP General Manager Russia , Ms. Isabel Palma, TAP Corporate Communications & PR (coordinator Communications), Mr. Sergey Rudakov, Domodedovo Airport Complex Director participated in the press-conference.

Mr. Carlos Paneiro, TAP V.P. Sales, said: “ We at TAP are very enthusiastic about all the potential offered by our newest destination Moscow and feel really committed into pursuing our work in order to strengthen, in the future, our presence in such an important and fast growing market as Russia. While responding to our customers needs and expectations, we strongly believe we will contribute to the increase of Tourism flows between both countries, and invite therefore all Russians to fly with TAP and visit not only Portugal, but also further destinations beyond our Hub in Lisbon and covered by our Network worldwide, namely Brazil, where TAP operates to eight different gateways or to its nine African destinations.”

In his speech Domodedovo Airport Complex Director, Mr. Rudakov noted: “Domodedovo airport now has a new partner, TAP Portugal - the leading Portuguese airline and also a member of Star Alliance. Undoubtedly, this is a wonderful event not only for us, but also for our passengers who now have a unique opportunity to fly directly to Lisbon. This regular flight, connecting our two capitals is operated only and exclusively from Domodedovo in the Moscow Aviation Hub”.

The development of partner relations is one of the main priorities of Domodedovo. In broadening the range of services, route network, connection opportunities both Domodedovo airport and TAP Portugal strive for the benefit of their most important client – the passenger.