All Things Travel: 'Mr. Airline' Returns To Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- David Neeleman returned to Logan Airport Saturday night as the CEO of TAP, The Airline of Portugal. It's the latest move of the man who has headed five airlines on three continents.
Neeleman felt right at home at the gate in Terminal C, the home of JetBlue Airways. He headed the start-up of this domestic low-cost carrier, which came to Boston less than 20 years ago and is now its number-one airline, with a share of over 25 percent of the business.
The DGN Corp., which he heads, started four airlines on three continents.
TAP is his latest, and presents his biggest challenge in turning around the former state-run airline with headquarters in Lisbon. Neeleman brought together teams that formed Morris Air in Salt Lake City, Westjet in Canada, JetBlue, Azul Airline in Brazil, and now TAP.
"It's easier to start an airline than to turn one around," said Neeleman in an exclusive interview with CBS Saturday afternoon at Logan.
Neeleman divides his time between Portugal and his home in Connecticut.
"TAP has a long history in Portugal and we are making changes to bring in some new plans and new planes," he said.
The Boston to Lisbon route will be operated by a new A330 Airbus jet that can carry 271 passengers. A feature of the new aircraft is the Economy Plus section in the cabin, containing 100 seats with more leg room. That section features the Panasonic Ex-3 on-demand entertainment system. JetBlue was the first airline to introduce such a feature in all of its U.S. aircraft.
"People don't know Portugal and we will give them an opportunity to see it," said Neeleman. "TAP has also been honored as Europe's leading airline to Africa and South America."
He has spent the last decade building Azul in Brazil, where he lived in his early years.
"I believe the Olympics in Rio will be okay, and the effect of the Zika virus may be overplayed in the media," Neeleman said.
TAP has joined Aer Lingus and Emirates in departing from Terminal C at Logan and not from Logan Terminal E. A Business Class lounge has been built to accommodate passengers near the international gates. JetBlue occupies most of the other gates in that terminal. JetBlue has a code-sharing agreement with TAP and a number of other international carriers for connecting flights.
A new passenger connector is expected to open next month for passengers using the two terminals.
Southeastern Massachusetts has a major population base with family members in Portugal.
Neeleman is known as both a leader in airline operations and a people person. As he ate a hot dog in the food court in Terminal C late Sarturday afternoon, he took time to greet the crew of the inaugural flight to Lisbon. His team is also smart in their marketing efforts. A first for TAP is a full color ad for Bairrada wine of Portugal on the back of the passenger's boarding pass.
Round-trip fares for the new route start at $799, including all taxes. TAP is a member of the Star Alliance, and their route system comprises 81 destinations in 34 countries worldwide.
All Things Travel Reports With Bob Weiss Can be heard on WBZ NewsRadio 1030
