Lufthansa Group. Photo: Lufthansa Lufthansa Group has officially submitted a letter of interest to participate in the privatization process of Portugal's national airline, TAP Air Portugal. The letter was delivered to Parpública, Portugal's government holding company, within the established timelines.
Lufthansa aims to initially acquire a minority stake in the company as part of a process intended to lead to a long-term strategic partnership, securing TAP’s future as Portugal's flagship airline.
Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Lufthansa, said: “Lufthansa Group welcomes the privatization process initiated by the Portuguese government. Our goal is to strengthen Portugal's global connectivity, preserve TAP’s Portuguese identity, and ensure its future growth. TAP Air Portugal is an important strategic asset to the European aviation industry. As a long-standing partner in Star Alliance and through our substantial investments in Portugal, we see Lufthansa Group as the most suitable partner for TAP and Portugal.”
Lufthansa Group reports that it has been active in Portugal for over 70 years, currently operating more than 280 weekly flights to and from Portugal. Additionally, the group employs over 400 people in the country, with this number expected to rise to approximately 1,000 by 2030 with the opening of a new Lufthansa Technik center near Porto for engine and aircraft component repairs.
According to Lufthansa, integrating with TAP will further strengthen Lisbon's position as a significant Atlantic hub within the group's route network, enabling expanded connectivity between Europe and other regions such as South America, Africa, and North America.
As a leading player in European aviation consolidation, Lufthansa Group has strengthened flagship carriers like SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and finally ITA Airways while maintaining their national identities. As the largest airline group outside the United States, with experience, financial stability, and extensive operations, Lufthansa declares its intention to create long-term value and enhance TAP's role as Portugal’s ambassador worldwide.
It is noted that this is not the first time we report on Lufthansa’s intention to acquire TAP. In February 2020, we published that the German airline intended to acquire 45% of the Portuguese airline.
TAP Air Portugal. Photo: Shutterstock