Tourexpi
The Lufthansa Group has officially declared its
intention to participate in the privatization process of TAP Air Portugal. A
letter confirming this interest was submitted to Parpública, the Portuguese
state holding company, within the required deadline. The Group’s proposal
envisions the initial acquisition of a minority stake, with the long-term goal
of establishing a strategic partnership that supports TAP’s future as
Portugal’s national airline.
Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO
of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, stated:
“The Lufthansa Group welcomes the Portuguese
government's privatization process. Our goal is to strengthen Portugal's global
connectivity, preserve TAP's Portuguese identity, and ensure the airline's
sustainable growth. TAP Air Portugal is of great strategic importance to the
European aviation industry. As a long-standing partner in the Star Alliance and
with our extensive investments in Portugal, we continue to see the Lufthansa
Group as the best partner for TAP and for Portugal.”
Decades-long presence in Portugal
The Lufthansa Group has operated in Portugal for more
than 70 years. Its airlines currently offer over 280 weekly flights to and from
the country, and employ more than 400 skilled workers locally. This number will
increase to 1,000 employees by 2030 with the development of a new Lufthansa
Technik facility for engine and aircraft component repairs in Santa Maria da
Feira near Porto.
A partnership with TAP would further strengthen Lisbon’s
role as an Atlantic hub, expanding connectivity between Europe and regions such
as South America, Africa and North America.
Continuity in European airline consolidation
Lufthansa has played a decisive role in the
consolidation of the European aviation sector. The Group has strengthened
several national carriers — including SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels
Airlines and, most recently, ITA Airways — while maintaining their national
identities. As the world’s largest airline group outside the United States,
Lufthansa brings the scale, financial strength and operational experience
needed to support TAP Air Portugal’s sustainable growth and its role as an
international ambassador for Portugal.
Image
Credit: © Lufthansa Group
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