Air France-KLM Eyes Stake in TAP Air Portugal Privatization

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Air France-KLM, the Franco-Dutch airline giant, has expressed interest in participating in the upcoming privatization of Portugal’s national carrier, TAP Air Portugal. This move signifies a potential shake-up in the European airline landscape.

The Portuguese government is currently in the final stages of consultations with potential suitors for TAP, including Lufthansa and International Airlines Group (IAG), the owner of British Airways. These consultations aim to gather feedback before finalizing a privatization plan.

While Prime Minister Luis Montenegro initially advocated for a complete sale of TAP, recent statements suggest openness to a partial sale. This shift in stance is likely due to the fact that parliament approval is necessary for privatization, and the main opposition party, the Socialists, has firmly opposed selling a majority stake.

Air France-KLM, demonstrating its adaptability, has indicated a willingness to consider various options, including acquiring a minority stake in TAP. This approach aligns with its recent acquisition of a 19.9% stake in Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), further expanding its network reach.

TAP’s appeal for potential buyers stems from its strategic location in Lisbon, serving as a critical hub for connecting flights to Brazil, Portuguese-speaking African nations, and the United States.

Lufthansa has also previously expressed interest in TAP, with CEO Carsten Spohr reportedly holding discussions with the Portuguese government. Similar to Air France-KLM, Lufthansa appears to be strategically seeking a stake that falls below the 20% threshold requiring European Commission approval.

The consolidation of European airlines is a growing trend, driven by the desire to offset rising operational costs. However, the European Commission has expressed concerns about the dominance of the three largest airline groups – Lufthansa, Air France-KLM, and IAG – and has taken a cautious stance towards mergers in the past. This cautious approach resulted in IAG abandoning its planned acquisition of Spanish airline Air Europa due to the Commission’s demands for additional remedies.

The outcome of the TAP privatization process will be closely watched by industry analysts and aviation enthusiasts alike. The decision will not only impact the future of TAP but also potentially influence the broader consolidation landscape within the European airline industry.