Lufthansa Group files formal bid interest as Portugal moves to privatise TAP

The Lufthansa Group has formally declared its intention to participate in the upcoming privatisation of TAP Air Portugal, submitting an expression of interest to Parpública, the Portuguese state holding company, ahead of the deadline. The German aviation group says it aims to acquire an initial minority stake and build a long-term strategic partnership to “secure the successful future of TAP as Portugal’s national airline.”

Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr said the group “welcomes the Portuguese government’s privatisation process,” adding that Lufthansa intends to boost Portugal’s global connectivity while safeguarding TAP’s national identity. Calling TAP “of great strategic importance to the European aviation industry,” Spohr said Lufthansa sees itself as “the best partner for TAP and for Portugal.”

Lufthansa has operated in Portugal for more than seven decades and now runs over 280 weekly flights to and from the country. Its local workforce of more than 400 is set to grow substantially with a new Lufthansa Technik facility near Porto, which is expected to employ 1,000 people by 2030. The group says a partnership would reinforce Lisbon’s position as an Atlantic hub and expand connectivity to South America, Africa and North America.

Positioning itself as Europe’s leading consolidator, Lufthansa highlighted its track record integrating airlines such as SWISS, Austrian, Brussels Airlines and, most recently, ITA Airways, while maintaining their national brands. The group says its scale, financial strength and experience would support TAP’s sustainable growth and its role as a global ambassador for Portugal.