Photo: Lufthansa Group Lufthansa Group has welcomed the selection of the German aviation group as the preferred strategic partner for the planned acquisition of a 44.9% stake in TAP Air Portugal, describing the development as a new chapter for both companies.
Dieter Vranckx, a member of the Lufthansa Group Executive Board, shared the reaction in a LinkedIn post, welcoming TAP and its more than 9,000 employees to the group’s wider aviation network. The proposed transaction remains subject to completion and the necessary regulatory approvals.
Vranckx said the partnership could create new opportunities for passengers, employees and business partners, while strengthening connections between Europe and the Atlantic. He also emphasized Lufthansa Group’s respect for TAP’s brand and its long-standing ties to Portugal.
The German group already has a presence in the country, with more than 500 employees working for Lufthansa Group companies in Portugal. That number is expected to rise to more than 1,000 by 2030, supported in part by the development of Lufthansa Technik Portugal.
The proposed investment follows Lufthansa Group’s addition of ITA Airways to its portfolio last year. The group sees partnerships with national airlines as a way to expand connectivity while allowing those carriers to retain their individual identities.
For TAP, a strategic partner could support its future development and strengthen its position in transatlantic markets. Lufthansa Group has highlighted the potential to improve connections across the Atlantic while building on TAP’s established network and Portuguese roots.
The announcement marks a significant step in the process, but it does not mean Lufthansa Group has completed the acquisition. The transaction will need to progress through the remaining steps and receive the required regulatory approvals before the planned stake can be finalized.