Lufthansa Group expresses formal interest in TAP Air Portugal privatization

International

Bid aims to secure a long-term partnership while preserving TAP’s national identity

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.