Air France-KLM has officially announced that it is one of the suitors in the privatization process of the carrier TAP Air Portugal.
On Friday, the group’s CEO, Ben Smith, stated that the company intends to present a project to the Portuguese government that foresees investments in the Lisbon hub.
“Air France-KLM is ready to present its project as part of TAP’s privatization process, a topic we have been following for a long time,” said the CEO in Portugal, where he accompanied the entourage of French President Emmanuel Macron to the country.
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Macron has sought to convince the Prime Minister of Portugal, Luis Montenegro, that a union between TAP and Air France-KLM could meet the local government’s requirements.
TAP has been nationalized again after a partial privatization by a consortium formed by a Portuguese businessman and David Neeleman, founder of Breeze and the Brazilian Azul, among others.
Although the airline has expanded its operations and modernized its fleet, the Portuguese government forced both companies to leave.
Now, the plan is to once again transfer a large part of TAP’s capital to foreign groups, but the preference is for other airlines that can strengthen the state-owned carrier.
Hub in Lisbon
Portugal wants to ensure that the new partner invests in the Lisbon hub and expands domestic connections, such as to cities such as Porto, the second largest in the country.
In addition to Air France-KLM, the IAG Group (British Airways, Iberia and others) and Lufthansa have expressed interest in competing in the bidding process, which has not yet been scheduled.
TAP currently has a fleet of 100 aircraft and flies to several destinations in Europe, Africa, the United States and Brazil. In 2024, it will carry 16.1 million passengers, 1.6% more than in 2023.
