Portugal considers privatization of TAP Air Portugal – Lufthansa, Air France-KLM and IAG show interest

The Portuguese government is planning a partial or complete privatization of the state-owned airline TAP Air Portugal. The European airlines Lufthansa, Air France-KLM and IAG have officially signaled their interest in participating in Lisbon. According to the Portuguese newspaper "Negocios", talks are currently taking place between the government and representatives of the three airline groups, in which various participation models are being examined. The decision on a possible privatization will then be presented to the Portuguese parliament. Lufthansa sees TAP primarily as an opportunity to secure the Portuguese airline's membership in the Star Alliance in the long term and to strengthen its market position on transatlantic routes. Air France-KLM, on the other hand, could further integrate TAP Air Portugal into its own alliance after the takeover of SAS, thereby weakening Lufthansa's influence. IAG, which recently canceled the takeover of Air Europa, sees TAP as an opportunity to expand its own network in southern Europe.<br/>