TAP Portugal, an airline with steady losses and which was taken over a couple of years ago by the Portuguese government, is under a mandate to try to save money while the government seeks a way to privatization.
When the airline recently ordered a fleet of 50 BMW sedans for its directors and senior managers, therefore, it caused a considerable flurry among press and unions, as well as the President of Portugal, and the contract was withdrawn.
But instead of keeping the previous fleet of cheaper Peugeots, the company messaged the affected officials that they could continue to ride—and began sending them a monthly €450 apiece check to spend on Uber. TAP says “As has already been publicly announced, TAP is reviewing its internal mobility policy, so this [check of 450 euros] is a transitional solution.”
