Twenty-six years ago, in October 2000, getting urgent packages to Madeira was a challenge for companies like DHL and Chronopost. Delays, which could extend to three or four days instead of the usual 24 to 48 hours, jeopardized agreed-upon customer deadlines.
The difficulties were attributed to a lack of cargo capacity on TAP flights, which had replaced Boeing aircraft with Airbus A319 and A320 models, offering less space for goods. Some companies resorted to more expensive solutions, such as sending packages accompanied by staff.
TAP acknowledged the limitations, explaining that its aircraft were primarily for passengers and that cargo depended on available space. The situation concerned the postal service and threatened to worsen with the winter schedule and the approaching Christmas season.
