‍DALLAS — Lufthansa Group has officially expressed interest in buying a stake in TAP Air Portugal (TP), joining the list of major European airline groups looking to take part in the Portuguese flag carrier’s privatization. 

The Portuguese government is offering up to 49% of TP to a strategic investor, while retaining majority control.

“The Lufthansa Group today formally expressed its interest in participating as a bidder in the privatization process of TP. A letter to that effect was delivered to Parpública, the Portuguese state holding company, within the established deadline,” the German company states in a press release.

The German airline group will be competing with other big names, including Air France–KLM and International Airlines Group (IAG), who are also preparing their proposals. The coming months will decide which group the Portuguese government sees as the best long-term partner for TP.

TAP Air Privatization

Portugal has been working toward a new privatisation plan for TP after several years of financial instability, bailouts, and restructuring. The current proposal allows the government to sell up to 49.9% of the airline to a strategic investor while retaining a controlling stake.

This approach is meant to bring in an experienced aviation partner without giving up full ownership of the national carrier.

For Portugal, the priority is to secure an investor that can strengthen TP’s long-term future. This includes expanding Lisbon’s role as a connecting hub, improving the airline’s competitiveness on key routes, and ensuring the company remains financially stable.

The government has also emphazised that maintaining TP’s Portuguese identity and strategic importance will be a core part of the selection process.