Lufthansa Group bids for stake in TAP Air Portugal

Germany

Proposed partnership aims to strengthen Portugal’s flag carrier, expand Atlantic connectivity and support long-term investment and employment

The Lufthansa Group has submitted a bid to acquire a minority stake in TAP Air Portugal as part of the Portuguese government’s privatisation process. The proposal, filed with the state-owned investment company Parpública, is intended to establish a long-term partnership that would support the future development of Portugal’s national airline while preserving its identity.

According to Lufthansa, the investment would strengthen TAP’s position as a leading airline for South Atlantic routes, with Lisbon serving as a strategic hub within the Group’s international network.

Long-standing commitment to Portugal

Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr said the company’s interest reflects a relationship with Portugal that spans more than seven decades.

“The Lufthansa Group stands for a long-standing, trusted, and strategic partnership with Portugal. For decades, we have been investing in Portugal, creating and securing skilled jobs, and connecting the country with Europe.

“Our interest in taking a stake in our Star Alliance partner TAP Air Portugal is the next logical step. We want to strengthen Portugal’s national airline as part of the Lufthansa Group and as the leading airline for the South Atlantic, with Lisbon as a strategic hub.

“With SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and ITA Airways, we have demonstrated how the European integration of our Lufthansa Group secures prospects and growth for our home markets and hubs.”

Investment beyond aviation

Lufthansa has operated in Portugal for more than 70 years and currently offers 353 weekly flights to and from the country across its airlines.

The Group employs more than 500 people in Portugal and expects that figure to exceed 1,000 by 2030 following the construction of a new Lufthansa Technik facility in Santa Maria da Feira near Porto. The site will specialise in the repair of aircraft components and engine parts.

In addition to industrial investment, Lufthansa pointed to its wider commitment through social initiatives, including the recent establishment of help alliance Portugal, the organisation’s first European location outside Germany.

Strengthening Lisbon’s global role

Lufthansa says its proposal combines strategic, industrial, financial and social elements rather than focusing solely on capital investment.

The Group also highlighted its experience integrating airlines such as SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and, most recently, ITA Airways, while maintaining their national identities.

If approved, the partnership would strengthen Lisbon’s role as one of the Lufthansa Group’s key Atlantic hubs. The company believes the cooperation would enhance connectivity between Europe and major markets in Latin America, Africa and North America, while reinforcing TAP Air Portugal’s position as Portugal’s international flag carrier.