Lufthansa Group has submitted a bid to acquire a minority stake in TAP Air Portugal, marking the latest step in the Portuguese Government’s privatisation process for the national carrier.
The proposal aims to establish a long-term partnership with the Star Alliance member, strengthening TAP’s position while expanding Lufthansa Group’s European airline portfolio.
Strategic partnership targets long-term growth
Lufthansa Group Chief Executive Carsten Spohr said the airline group plans to build on its long-standing relationship with Portugal by supporting TAP’s future development while maintaining its national identity.
The group said Lisbon would become a strategically important hub within its network, with the potential to strengthen connections between Europe, Latin America, Africa and North America.
Investment extends beyond airline ownership
Lufthansa Group has operated in Portugal for more than 70 years and currently offers 353 weekly flights to and from the country. The company employs more than 500 people locally, with that figure expected to exceed 1,000 by 2030 following the expansion of Lufthansa Technik’s maintenance operations near Porto.
If successful, TAP would join SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and ITA Airways as airlines operating within the Lufthansa Group while retaining their individual brands.
