Azores Airlines Launches Direct Flights Between Portugal and North America
The Portuguese carrier will launch nonstop flights from Porto to Boston, New York, and Toronto next summer
Photo: Azores Airlines, Airbus A321LR. Courtesy of Airbus SAS
Embarking on a bold growth trajectory, the lesser-known Azores Airlines has revealed its plans to widen its footprint across the Atlantic, marking its return to transatlantic routes since 2017.
The airline’s strategic move will make Porto—Portugal’s second-largest city—a new bridgehead to North America.
In the upcoming summer, Azores Airlines will inaugurate a series of nonstop routes connecting Porto Airport (OPO) with prime destinations in the United States and Canada. The carrier’s Airbus A321neo fleet will spearhead this expansion effort, showcasing a comfortable capacity of 186 business and economy class passengers.
Photo: Azores Airlines, Airbus A321LR. Courtesy of Airbus SAS
The Portuguese carrier’s resolute journey across the Atlantic begins on June 1, 2024, as travelers can embark on the first weekly flight between Porto and Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS). Departing at 6:00 AM from Porto, the flight will touch down in Boston at 9:35 AM.
As the calendar flips to June 3, Azores Airlines spreads its wings further, launching a weekly service between Porto and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City. The early morning flight, departing from Porto at 6:00 AM, arrives at JFK at 9:35 AM.
Not to be outdone, the carrier marks June 6 as a momentous date, embarking on its third transatlantic route, this time between Porto and Toronto’s Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Travelers can board the 6:25 AM flight from Porto, soaring towards Toronto’s metropolis, landing at 9:35 AM.
Photo: Toronto Peason International Airport. Courtesy of Lumi W / Unsplash
Azores Airlines’ initiative to reconnect these three North American hubs with mainland Portugal reflects renewed vigor in the airline’s aspirations. This marks a moment of rekindling as the airline already serves Boston, JFK, and Toronto from the Azorean islands of Ponta Delgada (PDL) and Terceira (TER).
The airline’s plans are wider than North America alone, as the carrier has scheduled seasonal flights from Terceira to Oakland International Airport (OAK) between August 9 and September 20. With these renewed transatlantic routes, the carrier capitalizes on the allure of Portugal for U.S. leisure travelers as they seek the perfect blend of culture, history, and captivating landscapes.
Photo: Azores Airlines, Airbus A321LR. Courtesy of Airbus SAS
While the road ahead is promising, Azores Airlines won’t tread it unchallenged. Competing with the likes of Canadian carrier Air Transat on the Porto-Toronto route and facing off against industry giants like TAP Air Portugal and United Airlines on the Porto-New York axis, the airline aims to carve its niche by offering unique nonstop connections to Porto from JFK and Boston.
