TAP Portugal, also known as Air Portugal, is the official airline of Portugal and has been in operation since 1945. The airline is a member of the Global Airline Alliance. TAP Portugal offers job seekers different positions within the company, including pilots and flight attendants. These positions require different training programs to be completed before a candidate can officially begin working as an employee. Other positions such as baggage handling, customer service and other ground crew have been privatized to a variety of companies. Ground Force is one of Portugal's main airport ground service companies that provide support to TAP Portugal. They can be found at all major Portuguese airports.
Flight attendants that are employed with TAP Portugal undergo a rigorous selection and training program prior to working with customers as a member of the flight crew. Flight safety is TAP Portugal's No. 1 priority and it requires several training programs for its flight attendants. Each cabin member is required to undergo and pass an extensive six-week, on-board safety program, which discusses all aspects of aircraft safety, emergency exit procedures, passenger comfort and first aid procedures. Flight attendants are also required to complete 14 hours of annual training in emergency procedures and passenger relations.
Before a pilot can fly for TAP Portugal, he is required to hold a valid European Union citizenship or passport and have a legal right to work and live in Europe. Pilots must hold a JAA/EASA pilot license and medical. TAP Portugal has its own pilot training program in Lisbon, Portugal; however, pilot licenses can be accepted from other flight schools. Pilot candidates must have a minimum of 1,200 hours of documented flight time. TAP Portugal will test pilot's competency in a full-flight simulator. The simulator training includes three to six weeks of simulator training and ground school, 25 hours of initial operating experience and a flight test with a qualified aviation safety inspector. Pilots are required to complete refresher courses of the same training every year. TAP Portugal can also test pilots at any time without notice.
Ground Force Portugal works hand-in-hand with TAP Portugal to provide baggage-handling services. Having over 2,900 employees, Ground Force operates at all major Portugal airports that include Lisbon, Porto and Faro. Ground Force trains its employees in all aspects of baggage handling, including efficient transportation and security procedures. Since baggage handling is an entry-level job with Ground Force, the company offers a two-week training program that teaches new employees company policies, equipment training and security measures. Motivational training classes are provided twice a year.
Customer service representatives, airline cleaning crews and passenger service representatives are just some of the other Ground Force training programs that are offered to all new employees. On average, most positions require a two-week on-the-job training program that will cover job responsibilities, company policies, equipment use and other job- related issues.
TAP Portugal employs approximately 7,050 employees with the median employee age of 30. Flight attendants, flight engineers, first officers and captains are the jobs offered at the airline. Approximately 57 percent of employees at TAP Portugal are male, and 43 percent are female.
