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Lufthansa Submits Bid for TAP Stake as Privatisation Draws Rival Interest

Portugal seeks a strategic investor to protect TAP's routes to Portuguese-speaking markets during a minority-stake sale.

Overview

  • Lufthansa confirmed it filed a letter of intent with state holding Parpública to acquire a minority stake in TAP and pursue a long‑term partnership.
  • CEO Carsten Spohr said the proposal aims to strengthen Portugal's connectivity, preserve TAP's Portuguese identity, and support sustainable growth.
  • Air France-KLM said it has formally expressed interest in the process, and IAG has previously signaled it is keen on a stake.
  • Portugal has not named a preferred bidder as it advances a plan to sell most of its 49.9% holding in TAP with conditions to retain routes to Portuguese-speaking markets.
  • TAP reported a return to profit in the July–September quarter, and Lufthansa highlighted its 70-year presence in Portugal, more than 280 weekly flights, and a planned Lufthansa Technik facility near Porto.