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International Consolidated Airlines Group SA on Friday confirmed its interest in bidding for a stake in Portugal’s state airline, Transportes Aereos Portugueses SA, also known as TAP Air Portugal. A spokesperson for the London-based owner of British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling said it has submitted a statement of interest to the carrier’s holding company, Parbulica, in line the Portuguese government’s process for the part-privatisation of TAP. However, IAG said ‘several terms’ would need to be addressed before it could propose an investment. ‘We believe TAP has significant potential within IAG. Our proven, decentralised model delivers industry leading margins and aligns with the Portuguese government’s ambition to protect TAP. Our track record shows how we invest to strengthen our airlines, benefiting customers, employees, local economies and shareholders,’ the spokesperson added. On Thursday, Deutsche Lufthansa AG reported its interest in bidding for the airline, after Paris-based peer Air France KLM SA confirmed its interest on Wednesday. The deadline for expressions of interest is on Saturday. Back in July, Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro announced the state’s plan to sell 49.9% of TAP Air Portugal by the end of the year. TAP Air Portugal carried about 16.1 million passengers in 2024, with a destination count of more than 80 cities including locations in Europe and Brazil. Shares in IAG were down 1.3% at 377.50 pence at midday on Friday in London. Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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