Lisbon, Oct. 1, 2026 (Lusa) - Air France-KLM and Lufthansa have reiterated their interest in TAP after submitting final bids in the privatisation process, highlighting, respectively, Lisbon as an exclusive hub in southern Europe and their long-term commitment to the airline.
In a statement sent to newsrooms on Wednesday, Lufthansa confirmed that it had submitted an «updated and improved» bid to [state business holdings manager] Parpública, which, according to the German group, reinforces its «long-term commitment to TAP and to Portugal».
«Our proposal reflects our conviction that, based on our proven track record in the successful development of network airlines, the Lufthansa Group is the best partner to support TAP's future growth, strengthen its competitiveness and continue to develop its role as Portugal's flag carrier,» said an official source, after Parpública announced that it had received two improved binding bids as part of the negotiation phase for the sale of 44.9% of TAP's share capital.
Air France-KLM, meanwhile, provided further details on the bid it had submitted, with the group's chief executive, Benjamin Smith, arguing that the plan would strengthen the airline whilst safeguarding connectivity and «Portugal's sovereignty».
«Our interest in TAP is stronger than ever and we are excited to present this Final Bid for the acquisition of up to 49% of TAP,» said the executive, quoted in a statement.
«Over the last four weeks, our team and our advisers have worked diligently to strengthen our bid, and I am convinced that this revised proposal is the best way forward for TAP, its management, its staff and its customers, as well as for Portugal,» he added.
The Franco-Dutch group proposes to establish Lisbon as its exclusive hub in southern Europe and envisages TAP's growth in Porto and other cities across the country as well.
Air France-KLM's proposal is based on a strategic plan covering all areas of the business, including passenger transport, cargo, customer loyalty and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), and aims, according to the company, «to strengthen the implementation of TAP's strategy and the development of the Portuguese aviation industry».
Furthermore, the same official source assures that «Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM's joint venture partner, as well as SkyTeam, fully support this bid and share the ambition to further increase Portugal's connectivity, particularly in the North Atlantic market».
«The Group looks forward to the Portuguese Government's final decision,» concludes the Franco-Dutch company.
On Monday, the Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, had stated that the final bids from the two candidates would be submitted by Wednesday and that the Government would then have 15 days to consider its decision on the process.
The final decision on the sale of up to 49.9% of the Portuguese flag carrier's share capital – of which 5% is reserved for employees – will also involve a series of formal steps, including approval by the Cabinet and obtaining the green light from the European competition authorities.
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