Latest news and stories about privatization in infrastructure in Portugal for expats and residents.
As the deadline for non-binding bids for TAP's privatisation arrives, major European airline groups face a shifting economic landscape, with Lufthansa confirming its continued interest despite broader sector challenges.
Lufthansa confirms its intent to submit a proposal for the privatisation of TAP, aiming to expand the Lisbon hub and develop Porto as a secondary hub while seeking eventual management control.
Air France-KLM welcomes IAG's decision to drop its bid for TAP. For the Franco-Dutch consortium, the exit of the Spanish owner of Iberia and British Airways from the privatisation race is seen as positive, providing more room for manoeuvre. CEO Benjamin Smith confirmed that the group remains committed to submitting a strong bid, noting that the reduction in competitors does not change their strategy. Meanwhile, the Portuguese government has authorised Air France-KLM and Lufthansa to proceed to the next phase of the privatisation process, with Minister Miguel Pinto Luz stating that the financial offer will be a decisive factor in the final selection.
Air France-KLM stated today that it is looking forward to the next steps in the TAP privatisation process and reiterated its “strong and continuous” interest in the airline.
Air France-KLM and Lufthansa have been invited to submit binding offers for TAP. The initial proposals are very equivalent in value and industrial plan. The government wants to close the sale by September.
Miguel Pinto Luz admitted that the financial valuation criterion “will be absolutely central”.
The privatisation process of TAP enters a new phase, with two groups invited to submit binding offers for being “fully aligned” with the Government's requirements for the sale of the national airline, TAP. These are Air France-KLM and Lufthansa.
The two companies have 90 days to submit their binding proposals
The withdrawal of IAG has reduced the privatisation of TAP to a duel between Air France-KLM and Lufthansa, but experts consulted by Lusa are divided: the Franco-Dutch group seems to better serve the national strategy, while the German group offers more financial muscle. The Government intends to sell up to 49.9% of the company's capital, of which 44.9% is to an investor.
Last year brought two milestones in TAP's history, one of which was highlighted by CEO Luís Rodrigues during the earnings announcement this Thursday, while the other was left out, not least because the privatisation process that began in 2025 and is expected to be concluded in 2026 is the responsibility of the sole shareholder — the ...
The reorganization of the SATA group is viewed as positive, but the Azorean Foundation calls for legal reinforcement, while privatizations demanded by Brussels move forward by the end of the year.
The Minister of Infrastructure also admitted that the privatisation could proceed even with only one bidder in the final phase, provided that the State's interests are safeguarded.
The Minister of Infrastructure admits to concluding the privatisation of TAP even if there is only one bidder and ensures he has the conditions to lead the process. Regarding the legal dispute with Azul against the company, Pinto Luz clarifies that litigation costs will not be transferred to the future owner.
Miguel Pinto Luz, heard in Parliament, also guaranteed he has the conditions to lead the process.
The Minister of Infrastructure does not believe that TAP will be devalued because IAG has dropped out of the privatisation race. Pinto Luz says the company should be sold even if there is only one binding proposal.
The goal is to ensure that the operation is carried out with security and transparency, regardless of the number of bidders, stated the Minister of Infrastructure, Miguel Pinto Luz.
Miguel Pinto Luz wants to wait to see the non-binding proposals submitted by Air France-KLM and Lufthansa.
The Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, said this Monday that the Government is awaiting the Parpública report on the non-binding offers from Lufthansa and Air France-KLM for the purchase of TAP. He admits to selling the airline even in a scenario with only one binding proposal. 'We are waiting patiently for the report that...'
The consortium that bid for the purchase of the Azorean airline says its exclusion from the tender is illegal, makes harsh criticisms of the jury and SATA's administration, and promises to fight back.
Pressed by the impact of the war in the Middle East, the IAG group has withdrawn from the race to buy TAP, Expresso has learned. Air France-KLM and Lufthansa are the only two remaining candidates.
Lufthansa confirmed this Thursday that it has submitted a non-binding offer for TAP, as part of the ongoing privatisation process.
“We confirm that we have submitted a non-binding offer for TAP Air Portugal,” an official source from the German group told Lusa.
Air France-KLM has submitted a non-binding proposal to Parpública for the acquisition of TAP. CEO Benjamin Smith stated that the airline would thrive as part of the Air France-KLM group, leveraging its legacy. The group plans to use Lisbon as a key hub for Southern Europe, enhancing connectivity to Brazil and Africa, while also expanding operations in cities like Porto. This move marks the first public step by one of the three bidders—including Lufthansa and IAG—in the privatisation process for a 44.9% stake in the Portuguese carrier.
The time window for submitting bids to acquire the airline TAP is closing in four hours.
A TAP plane streaks towards the skies near Lufthansa's headquarters, right next to Frankfurt airport. “It's a sign,” exclaims Andreas Bartels, who leads communications for the German group, dispelling any doubts that Lufthansa will submit a non-binding proposal for the privatisation of TAP by Thursday. The intention is...
