This Thursday, Air France-KLM reiterated its interest in the privatization of TAP, after a “very positive” initial meeting with the Portuguese Government, as long as it fits its strategic ambitions and what the executive wants.
“We are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, assuming that it is within our strategic ambitions and that we are able to deliver what the Portuguese Government is looking for”said the CEO of the Franco-Dutch airline group, Benjamin Smith, in a press conference, regarding the results of the third quarter.
Asked about the recent dialogue with the Portuguese Government, within the framework of the TAP privatization process, the official stated that it was a “very positive” first meeting, underlining that the official process has not yet advanced.
Air France-KLM had expressed interest in the sale process of the Portuguese airline, also admitting the possibility of a minority position.
The Minister of Finance stated, on October 10, at the press conference on the draft State budget for 2025, that the Government was in preliminary dialogue with the three airline groups that expressed interest in purchasing TAP, but did not commit to a date for privatization. .
“We are in dialogue with the three airlines. [Lufthansa, Air France-KLM e IAG] who showed interest in the privatization of the company“This is a preliminary dialogue, we are analyzing the intentions of each of these companies,” said Joaquim Miranda Sarmento.
Miranda Sarmento reiterated that the Government has two objectives for the sale of the flag company, which are the maintenance of the Lisbon hub (flight distribution platform) and the development of TAP in terms of routes, and the second is to try recover in the medium or long term, part of the money that the State injected into the airline’s recovery.
At the end of October, the Minister of Infrastructure confirmed that he had participated in meetings with potential interested parties in the purchase of TAP and that the executive’s intention is to close this process “by the end of 2025.”
“The intention is to reach 100% privatization, but we must listen to the market. we have to valuing company assets and maximizing sales revenue, with a strategy to return to the Portuguese the 3.2 billion euros that were injected by taxpayers,” said Miguel Pinto Luz, on the sidelines of the inauguration of a residential complex in Vila do Conde.
Asked about the company’s share positions in which potentially interested groups intend to remain, Miguel Pinto Luz stated that there are several alternatives on the table.
“Some are more interested in a path to reach a majority position, others are available to start in a minority position, others want a majority position. Let’s reflect on this to find the best solution,” guaranteed the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing.
Source: Observadora
